Born in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina to his father, a Revolutionary War officer and slave owner[2] around 1767, Alexander attended the common schools and then Princeton College, graduating in 1787, and was a member of the Whig society (later the Whig-Clio), and delivered a commencement address in Greek.[2] He studied law and was admitted to the bar, practicing in Salisbury.[3]
Following the resignation of Rep. Nathaniel Alexander, his cousin, Evan Shelby Alexander was chosen in a special election to fill the vacancy; he was elected to a term in regular Congressional elections in 1806, serving in the 9th and 10th Congresses and serving from February 24, 1806 to March 3, 1809. He died shortly after leaving Congress, on October 28, 1809.[3]