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Alexander of Campbell County

The Alexanders of Campbell County were descended from Robert (Robin) Alexander, a son of William Alexander of Bedford County. He was a deputy clerk of court from 1772 to 1782 in Bedford County, later receiving the commission of the first clerk of Campbell County, which office he held until his death in 1820. In 1783 he purchased 400 acres on Molley's Creek, later adding 100 acres on the branches of the same creek. In 1787 he patented 250 acres at the head of the branches of Beaver Creek and 30 acres on both sides of the main road, being the southwest end of Long Mountain. In 1774 Robert Alexander was married to Ann, the daughter of William Austin of Elk Island and the grand daughter of William Callaway.

The office of clerk was held by the Alexander family for nearly 100 years. Robert Alexander was clerk for 35 years and clerk of the circuit court from 1809 to 1819; his son, John (1782-1838), held the office for 19 years; John D. Alexander (known as Captain Jack) served from 1838 to 1868 and his son, W. K. Alexander, was appointed clerk for one year.

Issue of Robert and Ann Alexander:

• William Alexander, born 1776; murdered in 1800.
• Sallie Alexander married Nathaniel Manson of Pebbleton in Bedford County.
• John Alexander married in 1809 Sarah I. Cobbs. Issue:
  1. Sarah Alexander married Dr. Thomas N. Nelson.
  2. Charlotte Alexander married Dr. John F. Sale of Bedford.
  3. Eliza Alexander married James M. Cobbs of Lynchburg.
  4. Mary Alexander married Dr. William Davis.
  5. Octavia Alexander married (1)Robert Camm (2) Edwin R. Page.
  6. Susan Alexander married J. Van Horst.
  7. Robert Alexander married R. A. Hilton.
  8. John D. Alexander married Mary, daughter of Samuel Pannill of Green Hill. John Alexander commanded a company from Campbell County during the War Between the States. He resided at Rustburg, his land adjoining the court house grounds.
• Ann Alexander married Adam Clement.
• Elizabeth Alexander married Dr. John W. Payne.
• Susan D. Alexander married in 1819 to Dr. Robert W. Withers; they resided at Rock Castle.

Rock Castle was built by Robert Alexander; located on Molley's Creek near Pigeon Run. When he died, his son-in-law, Dr. Robert W. Withers came into possession of it. It was later owned by the Clay family.


Campbell County Court House, Rustburg, Virginia. John D. Alexander's plantation known as Green Hill adjoined this tract of land.

Sources: Campbell Chronicles.