James ALEXANDER H.E.I.C.S., M.P. Londonderry 1775-1790, Sheriff of Co Tyrone 1780, 3rd son of Nathaniel Alexander of Gunsland and Elizabeth, second daughter of William McClintock, became 1st Earl of Caledon. He was descended from Field Marshall ALEXANDER and his second wife.

He was elevated to the Peerage of Ireland, 6th June 1790, by the Title of Baron Caledon of Caledon, Co Tyrone. On 23 November 1797, his Lordship was advanced to the dignity of Viscount Caledon and on 29th December 1800 was created Earl of Caledon.

He married, 28 Nov 1774, Anne CRAWFORD second daughter of James Crawford of Crawfordsburn, Co Down and had issue, with two daughters, Lady E. Alexander and Maybella (Lady Blayney); Du Pré 2nd Earl of Caledon.

He, (James), carried some influence in the banking world and was instrumental in aiding William I of Cork, his brother-in-law, in his quest for funds for his various business ventures

There was a connection with a business at Mary's Abbey, Dublin called William Alexander & Son and a Robert ALEXANDER is mentioned in letters* between James Alexander and William of Cork, as having left that business to become a banker.

James appears to have remarried circa 1785, after the death of Anne (21st Dec 1777).

His Will was proved in the PCI in 1802.

*Acknowledgements: Extracts from letters in the archives of Beamish and Crawford.