The Biographical Dictionary of America/Alexander, Stephen

ALEXANDER, Stephen, astronomer, was born at Schenectady, N. Y., Sept. 1, 1806. His education was obtained at Union college and at Princeton theological seminary. After his graduation from the seminary in 1832 he was a tutor, 1833; adjunct professor of mathematics, 1834; professor of astronomy, 1840; professor of mathematics, 1845-'54, and professor of astronomy and mechanics, 1855-'78, at Princeton college. In 1860 he was the head of an expedition to the coast of Labrador to observe the solar eclipse which occurred July 18 of that year; later to observe the one of 1869. He published: "Fundamental Principles of Mathematics," "Statement and Exposition of Certain Harmonies of the Solar System," and many other noteworthy astronomical papers. He died in Princeton, N. J., July 25, 1833.