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Columbus Rutherford Alexander MD. (October 12, 1822--March 14, 1904). Dr. Columbus Rutherford Alexander was born in Jones County Georgia October 3, 1822...Dr. Alexander is among the earliest practicing physicians in Hernando County, Florida. In 1850, at age 26 years, Dr. Alexander and his wife Mary, age 22, along with their 4 year old daughter, Sarah, were living in the Annutaligua Settlement of Hernando County, Florida. He is recorded as owning one 26 year old male slave...... In January of 1853 the DeSoto Masonic Lodge No. 32 was chartered to meet in Brooksville, Florida. Among those members recorded Alexander, who would become a Senior Deacon within the Lodge. ..... In the 3rd Seminole Indian War of Florida (1856-58):In December of 1855 Columbus R. Alexander was mustered into service with the Florida Militia where he served as a Staff Officer in the rank of 1st Lieutenant and Surgeon. ..............In 1858 Dr. Columbus Alexander was working as a coroner in Hernando County, Florida. For his services Dr. Alexander received compensation from the State of Florida, somewhere at the rate of $15- $20 per examination....... By July of 1860 Columbus had purchased another slave and he now owned two, both valued at $1700. In addition Dr. Alexander is shown as owning 1 horse and a carriage, which he used for transportation. In August of 1860 Columbus Alexander received title and deed to 80 acres of property situated in Hernando County. in section 14, township 22, range 19........ In June of 1862 Hernando County resident Samuel E. Hope raised a company of men for the Civil War. Capt. Hope requested the services of Dr. Alexander and he was commissioned in 1862 as a Surgeon for Capt. Samuel Hope's Company C of the 9th Florida Infantry Regiment. Early in the War He was stationed at Bayport. From Bayport Dr. Alexander was transferred to Capt. John C. Chamber Company where he was stationed at Crystal River. This pioneer Veteran of the Florida Seminole Indian Wars was no stranger to the battle inflicted wounds of war. During his Civil War services Dr. Alexander noticed that pouring whiskey onto the leg or arm while being amputated reduced or eliminated infection and prevented the wound from turning green. A very simple observation that would have far reaching effects on the recovery of thousands of field amputations. This was the beginning of the discovery of antiseptic measures that would save countless lives in future wars. ..... In 1866 He suffered the loss of his wife Mary,in childbirth. The new born child survived and was named Stephen, however he would only live for a few years after his birth........In 1867, Dr. Alexander, now 45 years old, married 25 year old Amanda Hill; daughter of Chesley D. and Elizabeth Hill. By October of 1868 they had their first child; who they named Thomas. Following Thomas was the birth of daughter Barthorone E. in March of 1870........After the Civil War Dr. Columbus Alexander employed one of his former slaves as a domestic house servant. .... this former slave also took the last name of her former master and carried the name Nancy Alexander. ... the doctor also provided a room in his home for Nancy and she cared for the family and took care of the home. By 1872 The doctor turned to farming 17 acres of his previously acquired property, however he had sold a portion and only retained 43 acres. Dr. Alexander had also acquired an additional horse, now owning two, as well as two mules to work his 17 acres in cultivation. Dr. Alexander was also the owner of 100 head of meat cattle as well as 30 head of hogs. Shortly after Dr. Alexander began his engagement in farming he decided to relocate further south in the county....By 1873 the Alexander Family had settled in a section of Pasco County near to the small community of Darby. In December of 1873 Dr. Columbus Alexander was recorded as a member of the new Fort Dade Masonic Lodge No. 48. The doctor settled his family on a 40 acre tract of property where he would soon engage, once again, in farming. Here the doctor and his family would continue to live for the next 25 plus years, supporting their community in numerous ways. In April of 1876 Columbus and Amanda would have another child, a daughter who they named Jane Elizabeth......In October of 1878 Dr. Columbus Alexander was appointed trustee of the Willow Oak School, of the small Darby Community. ... until ca. 1881. On August 23, 1883 Dr. Columbus Alexander received full title and deed to the 40 acres of property, near Darby, where he and his family had settled. The doctors property is further described as being located in section 27, township 24, range 20 in Pasco County......Sometime ca. 1885 Dr. Alexander suffer the loss of his r wife Amanda. The exact date of Amanda Hill Alexander's death and burial location are unknown...... In 1901, at age 79, Columbus Alexander was seen and examined by Dr. J.G. Wallace of Dade City. According to Dr. Wallace's examination Columbus, he was suffering from very bad eyesight as well as a very mild case of "soresis and that he is badly ruptured on both side." .........On March 14, 1904 Dr. Columbus Rutherford Alexander succumbed to death at the age of 81 years old.

References: United State Census 1840, 1850, 1860, 1870, 1890 and 1900. Masonic Lodge Records, Dade County, Florida American Physicians. Confederate States Army Officers American Civil War Surgeons Baptist from Florida