The Biographical Dictionary of America/Alexander, Joseph Addison

ALEXANDER, Joseph Addison, clergyman, was born in Philadelphia, Pa., April 24, 1809, son of Archibald and Janetta Waddel Alexander. He was graduated at Princeton college with the first honor, in the class of 1826. He thereupon, in connection with Robert Bridges Patton, established Edgehill seminary at Princeton. In 1830 he was made adjunct professor of ancient languages in Princeton college, holding the professorship until 1833, when he went abroad to study languages, and upon his return in 1838 he was called to the chair of Oriental literature in the theological seminary, and in 1852 was elected to the professorship of biblical and ecclesiastical history in the same institution, his connection with the seminary being terminated by his death. He was distinguished in Oriental scholarship as well as in biblical learning, and was a thorough master of the modern European languages. He wrote during 1846-'47 commentaries on Isaiah, embracing "The Earlier Prophecies," "The Later Prophecies," and the book "Illustrated and Explained"; and in 1850 "The Psalms Translated and Explained." In 1857 appeared "Commentary on Acts," in 1858 "Commentary on Mark," and in 1851 "Essays on the Primitive Church Offices." After his death there appeared in 1860 his "Sermons," and in 1861 "Commentary on Matthew," and "Notes on New Testament Literature." Henry Carrington Alexander prepared a biography published in 1869. He died in Princeton, N. J., Jan. 28, 1860.