The City Directories of the time first list Alexander as a carpenter living on Race Street between 14th and 15th Streets. In 1846 the family is living on the south side of Court St. between Race and Elm. The west side of Elm St. 3 doors south of Cooper is the address listed for 1850. Front Street (later known as Eastern Ave. and now known as Riverside Drive) was home after 1856. This street was located in a neighborhood known as Fulton and was probably home for numerous laborers who made their living as part of the steamboat-building industry.
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| Riverfront Neighborhood of Fulton in 1848 |
Alexander died in 1862 from "inflammation of the bowels." This information is recorded in a letter written by Lillian Mears, granddaughter. Lillian's mother, Elizabeth, was only two years old when her father died, so the information about Alexander's death was passed down through the generations. There were no death records in Cincinnati at this time. It should be noted, however, that many people died from cholera and other illnesses related to the poor quality of drinking water. You can read about this issue here.
I wish I knew more about how this family supported itself following Alexander's death. The next time Elizabeth, now a widow, is listed in the City Directory is 1870. She is listed as living on the south side of Front Street (Eastern/Riverside) east of Torrence. This is very close to St. Rose Church and would serve as the "hub" for the family for four generations. Notice that daughter Elizabeth was not yet born at the time of the Census. She was not born until August 30th.
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| 1860 U.S. Census
Charles Henry was my great-grandfather. I will discuss what I know about him and his realtionship to the river in the next post.
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