Chapter 1: Roots in Holly Springs (1904–1920)

Frank Alexander was born on April 12, 1904, in Holly Springs, Mississippi, a small town deeply rooted in agriculture and community traditions. His parents, James and Holley Alexander, were hardworking farmers who raised a large and close-knit family. Frank was one of ten children, including his siblings Albert, Sam, Moutry, Isadore, Elree, James II, Charity, Charlie, and A.C. Life on their farm in rural Mississippi required everyone's effort, from the eldest to the youngest, cultivating fields, tending livestock, and managing daily chores.

From an early age, Frank learned essential life lessons about perseverance, teamwork, and responsibility, shaped by the demanding yet rewarding tasks of farming. The Alexander household was bustling with activity, laughter, and the shared camaraderie that often accompanies large families living and working closely together. Even though their life was modest and filled with labor, the children found moments of joy playing games in the fields, fishing in local streams, and exploring the natural beauty of Marshall County.

By 1910, Frank, then just six years old, was already familiar with the rhythms of agricultural life, helping his older brothers and parents with simpler tasks around the farm. The family relied heavily on agriculture, planting crops such as cotton and corn, and raising livestock including chickens and pigs. The challenges of unpredictable weather, economic hardship, and physical labor only strengthened the bonds among family members, as they relied heavily upon one another for both emotional and practical support.

In 1914, a significant event brought additional joy to the Alexander family—the birth of Frank's youngest sibling and only sister, Charity. Her arrival introduced new dynamics into the household, and she quickly became the beloved sister among nine brothers. Charity’s presence provided warmth and happiness amidst the continuous labor on the farm, adding to the already strong sense of family unity.

The period of Frank's childhood and adolescence coincided with significant historical changes in America, including World War I and shifting social dynamics in the South. While the war impacted Mississippi indirectly, economic pressures and social changes affected many rural families, including the Alexanders. Despite these broader historical challenges, Frank's mother, Holley, showcased remarkable strength and determination, especially after becoming a widow. By 1920, she was leading her family single-handedly, maintaining the farm and providing for Frank and his siblings. Her courage and tenacity deeply influenced Frank, embedding in him a lifelong resilience and commitment to family values that would remain core to his identity.

Frank Alexander’s formative years in Holly Springs, surrounded by fields and family, laid a solid foundation of hard work, resilience, and family dedication that guided him through the many transitions of his adult life.

Chapter 2: Marriage and Migration to Chicago (1922–1935)

"New Beginnings and Urban Challenges"

At the age of 18, Frank Alexander married Cecelia Suggs in 1922, marking a significant new chapter in his life. The Alexander and Suggs families were closely connected, with intermarriages common between the two. Frank and Cecelia soon started their own family, welcoming their first daughter, Musette.

Initially, their married life continued in rural Mississippi, but opportunities were limited, especially for a young family eager to establish their independence. Driven by the desire to provide better prospects for his growing family, Frank decided to relocate to Chicago, Illinois, during the late 1920s, part of the Great Migration that saw thousands of African American families move northward in pursuit of economic and social improvement.

In Chicago, the bustling city environment posed both opportunities and new hardships. Frank secured employment as a machinist at a packing house, a notable departure from his agricultural upbringing. Adapting to urban life required considerable adjustments. Initially, Frank and Cecelia stayed with relatives at 67 East 36th Place, a common arrangement among new arrivals who depended on family support during their transition.

Housing proved a continual challenge, particularly as the family expanded rapidly. At times, the Alexanders found themselves struggling to secure suitable living arrangements, necessitating temporary separations, with some children staying temporarily with extended family members to ease the housing strain.

Eventually, Frank's persistence paid off, and he managed to move his family into their own residence at 731 E 40th Street in Chicago. Here, their family flourished, with the births of Bernice, Celestine ("Teany"), Frank II ("F.C."), Lester, Dixie, Lucille, Maxine I, Essex, Barbara, Troy, Jewel, and Maxine II. The large family required extensive care, nurturing, and resources, all of which Frank and Cecelia provided through diligent work and thoughtful management.

Frank was especially elated by the birth of his son, Frank II, who fulfilled his heartfelt wish for a male heir. This event deepened his commitment to family life even further. Frank was known to lavish extra attention and affection on his namesake, Frank II, creating a unique bond that stood out in their large family.

Throughout these transformative years, Frank Alexander demonstrated an exceptional ability to adapt to his new urban environment while preserving the strong family values and work ethic he had developed in Holly Springs. These formative experiences in Chicago became a foundation for the resilience and adaptability that characterized his later years.

Chapter 3: WWII and the Lansing Years (1940–1946)

"Supporting the War Effort and Securing a Home"

During the turbulent years of World War II, Frank Alexander and his family relocated to Lansing, Michigan, as part of the national push to support the war effort through industrial production. Like many Americans, Frank and Cecelia seized the opportunity to contribute directly to wartime industries, securing jobs in automobile factories that had been rapidly converted to produce tanks, aircraft, and other essential military equipment.

Life in Lansing marked another significant transition for Frank, as he adapted yet again to a different work environment, this time dominated by heavy industry and wartime urgency. These factories operated around the clock, demanding intense physical labor and dedication. Frank quickly became an integral part of the workforce, drawing upon the discipline and resilience instilled in him from his childhood in Mississippi and honed during his earlier years in Chicago.

Initially, Frank and Cecelia stayed with their daughter Bernice and her husband, Ted Davenport, who generously opened their home to them. This arrangement allowed Frank and Cecelia to economize effectively, saving enough money during the prosperous wartime period to realize their dream of homeownership. Despite the long hours and arduous working conditions, Frank and Cecelia maintained their focus, determined to secure a stable and prosperous future for their growing family.

By 1946, their diligence had paid off, enabling them to return to Chicago and purchase their first family home on the north side at 1429-1529 Wells Street. This achievement was monumental, representing both personal success and broader economic progress made possible by their commitment and hard work during the war years.

However, stability proved fleeting, as urban development pressures and gentrification soon forced the family to move again, relocating to the south side of Chicago at 1529 East 73rd Street, near Elijah Muhammad's mosque. Despite frequent upheavals, Frank's dedication to his family never wavered. He continuously sought stable employment, eventually finding work in rope and leather manufacturing and later as a grinder and machinist in the steel equipment industry.

Throughout these wartime and post-war years, Frank exemplified unwavering determination and adaptability. Despite economic shifts and the constant demands of his large family, he managed not only to provide consistently for his loved ones but also to instill in them values of hard work, financial responsibility, and perseverance. These years solidified Frank Alexander’s reputation as a devoted provider, a diligent worker, and a committed family man whose tireless efforts ensured his family’s well-being and laid the groundwork for their continued prosperity.

Chapter 4: Family Life and Lasting Legacy (1946–1982)

"Resilience and Dedication to Family"

After the upheavals of World War II, Frank Alexander and his family sought stability in their new home on Chicago’s south side. Frank’s prudent financial management became even more evident during these post-war years. He maintained an exceptional record of consistently paying his family's bills on time, earning him an excellent credit rating that allowed him to acquire multiple properties. Frank understood the importance of financial security, carefully investing in homes that provided both residence and additional income through rentals.

Frank’s distinctive personal style became legendary within the family. Always impeccably groomed, he meticulously slicked his hair with Murray’s cream, reflecting a quiet pride in his appearance. He enjoyed life's simple pleasures, particularly playing the numbers—a popular informal lottery at the time—which brought him both excitement and relaxation amidst his busy life.

The Alexander household was known for its vibrant energy and loving environment. The doors of their home were always open to friends, neighbors, and extended family, creating a welcoming space filled with laughter, shared meals, and meaningful conversations. Frank’s strong sense of community and inclusivity became a hallmark of his family’s social life, making their home a central gathering point for those around them.

As his children grew, Frank remained deeply involved in their lives, offering guidance, wisdom, and unwavering support through their individual journeys. His relationships with his grandchildren were equally cherished, marked by tenderness, patience, and pride. Frank often shared stories from his past, using his life experiences to teach valuable lessons about resilience, hard work, and family loyalty.

Even as the years advanced, Frank continued working diligently, demonstrating an extraordinary commitment to his job and his family’s financial stability. His career in the rope and leather manufacturing and later in the steel equipment industry exemplified his adaptability and determination to provide. Despite the physical demands of his occupation, he seldom complained, quietly persevering through long shifts and challenging conditions.

Frank Alexander passed away in October 1982 in Danville, Illinois. He left behind a profound legacy defined by steadfast perseverance, unwavering commitment to family, and adaptability from rural beginnings to urban accomplishments. His story, remembered fondly by his descendants, continues to serve as an inspiring testament to resilience, dedication, and the power of family unity. Frank’s remarkable journey remains a cherished narrative, connecting and inspiring successive generations of the Alexander family.