Alexander, Sandford Sr.

Story submitted by: Callie RobinsonSanford Alexander Sr. was born a slave in South Carolina in 1823. His exact arrival in Sandtown Community in Neshoba County near the Bogue Chitto Community is not known. He was purchased at a slave market in New Orleans, Louisiana, by the Alexander family and brought to this area. Sanford was freed in 1865 in Neshoba County, Mississippi, at the age of 42. He lived 64 years as a free man in Neshoba and Kemper Counties. Sanford was the father of 10 children from two marriages, this expanded the Alexander name for over six generations.

Sanford was a successful farmer who acquired several hundred acres of land. The offspring of this former slave are productive citizens who are proud of their heritage. His grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren are successful lawyers, doctors, corporate managers, computer programmers, pilots, professional football players, cattle ranchers, insurance agents, underwriters, educators and entrepreneurs. He died in 1929 at the age of 106.
Sanford was buried in the Liberty United Methodist Church Cemetery in Collinsville, Mississippi. His grandson, the late Kutcher Threefoot Alexander, Sr., purchased a memorial headstone for his grave. Kutcher Threefoot Alexander found and preserved a portrait of our great-grandfather.

Sanford was married to Charlotte and Mandy. His children are: Mary Alexander Polluck, Mike Alexander, Frank Alexander, Daughty Alexander McClain, Miles Alexander, Lewis Alexander (father of Kutcher), Jerry Alexander, John Alexander, Maranda Alexander Donald and Mary Louise "Lou" Alexander Hall.

From "Kemper County, Mississippi - A Pictorial History", placed here with permission by the Kemper County Historical Commission.