Thames Tow Boat Co.
In 1910 Mr. Alexander went to work for New London's Thames Tow Boat Company, to "better himself" as he later wrote in an outline of his early employment. He served as a fireman aboard the tugs Minnie, seen here, and Miles Standish, and in 1912 was promoted to First Assistant Engineer, serving aboard the tugs Aries and Argo, in addition to the Minnie.
Mr. Alexander was promoted to Second Engineer on the Minnie in 1912 or 1913, and later Chief Engineer on the tug Gertrude.
His military service had begun in 1908 when he joined Company 10 of the Connecticut National Guard Coast Artillery Corps, resigning from it in 1911.
In September, 1912, he married Iva M. Daniels of East Lyme. Mrs. Alexander died in 1933 and Mr. Alexander later married Gladys Coleman.