ALEXANDER J. NISBET, lawyer, Anna, was born in Cincinnati, Ohio; lived during childhood at that place, St. Louis, Alton, Ill., Madison, Ind., Louisville and Owensboro, Ky.; was in Kentucky during war; came to Jonesboro, Ill., 1866; resided there a year and a half with his father; went to McKendree College at Lebanon, Ind., State University, Bloomington, and Chicago University; graduated from Law Department of latter school in 1870. Went to Duluth, Minn.; was appointed County Judge and Court Commissioner. Elected to same office on ticket with Gen. Grant at his last election. Resigned on account of bad health; settled at Fond du Lac, Wis.; remained there until his father's death in 1876. Came to Jonesboro; has been there and at Anna since, in the practice of law. Latterly, also engaged in raising fine blooded stock, hogs and sheep. His father, William Nisbet, was born and educated in Edinboro, Scotland; came to this country when he was about eighteen years old; settled at Cincinnati. Ohio. Married Miss Amanda Lee, oldest daughter of Rodney J. Lee. She was first cousin to Admiral S. P. Lee, who commanded Mississippi and James River flotillas during the war, and Gen. Lee, who commanded Gen. Grant's cavalry at Vicksburg. Was in business at Cincinnati for some years; came West, settled first in St. Louis, later at Alton. Came to Union County in 1854. Came out of Cairo on first train over Illinois Central Railroad; resided six miles east of Cobden until 1860. Made, by request, farewell speech to the first company of Gen. Logan's regiment that left this county — Company C. Came to Jonesboro in 1860; resided there until his death, March 31, 1876. Engaged in farm gardening; was the first man to successfully introduce sweet potatoes North of Mason & Dixon's line in large quantities. Took an active part in all public enterprises.
Extracted 02 Apr 2017 by Norma Hass from 1883 History of Alexander, Union, and Pulaski Counties, Illinois, Part V, pages 79-80.
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