Joseph A. Alexander

Joseph Addison Alexander (1809-1860) was a linguist, educator, and author. Born in Philadelphia, he received most of his early education from his minister father, Archibald, and quickly revealed remarkable linguistic gifts. At fifteen he entered the junior class of Princeton College, graduating with highest honors in1826. After two years' private study of ancient languages, he became adjunct professor of ancient languages and literature at the college in 1830. In 1834 he moved to Princeton Seminary, instructing first in oriental and biblical literature and after 1851 in biblical and ecclesiastical history. During these years he authored several biblical commentaries, which established his reputation in Europe as well as America.