Edward Alexander

Born in Stirling in 1803, Sir James Edward Alexander was a distinguished soldier in the British Army and an avid traveler. His early life involved education in Scotland and Sandhurst, followed by significant military service. He joined the British East India Company's army in 1820, later transferring to the British Army, where he participated in conflicts across the globe, including in Persia, the Balkans, Portugal, South Africa, Canada, the Crimean War, and the New Zealand Wars. His military career culminated in an honorary rank of general before his death in 1885.

Beyond his military duties, Alexander was a notable explorer and writer. He undertook expeditions, notably into Namaqualand and Damaraland on behalf of the Royal Geographical Society, meticulously documenting the region's geography and peoples. His extensive travels and experiences led to the publication of numerous books detailing his journeys, observations, and military campaigns. A significant achievement in his later life was his pivotal role in the acquisition and transport of Cleopatra's Needle from Alexandria to its current location on the Thames Embankment in London.

Edward Alexander was born in Stirling, Scotland, in 1803, the eldest son of Edward Alexander, a banker, and Catherine Glas. His family acquired Powis House near Stirling in 1808, though his father later had to sell it due to financial difficulties. Alexander received his education in Edinburgh, Glasgow, and at the Royal Military College, Sandhurst. In 1837, he married Eveline Marie Mitchell in Cape Town. He later resided at Westerton House in Bridge of Allan, where he was an elder of Logie Kirk. Alexander passed away in 1885 on the Isle of Wight and is interred in Old Logie Churchyard near Stirling.

Alexander's career began with the British East India Company's army in 1820, transitioning to the British Army in 1825. He served as an aide-de-camp in various conflict zones, including Persia during its war with Russia, the Balkans during the Russo-Turkish War, and Portugal during its civil war. He also participated in the Cape Frontier War in South Africa. His service extended to Canada and commanded the 14th Regiment of Foot during the Siege of Sevastopol in the Crimean War. He held a significant command during the New Zealand Wars, later publishing two books based on these experiences. Alexander was knighted in 1838 for his services and retired from active duty in 1877, eventually receiving the honorary rank of general.

As a co-founder of the Royal Geographical Society, Alexander led an expedition into Namaqualand and Damaraland between 1836 and 1837. During this journey, he collected specimens, documented local cultures like the Herero and Nama, and created maps. His data was later used by cartographer John Arrowsmith for a map accompanying his expedition book. Alexander Bay at the mouth of the Orange River bears his name. Perhaps his most widely recognized contribution was his instrumental role in securing and transporting the ancient Egyptian obelisk known as Cleopatra's Needle from Alexandria to London in 1877.