Military Career
During his term at West Point, Alexander was generally accepted by the other cadets and was not subjected to as much intolerance as previous cadets. Alexander was known as an excellent student, especially in mathematics and languages and was a skilled boxer while at the academy. He graduated in the class of 1887 ranking 32nd in a class of 64.
Alexander was assigned to the 9th Cavalry Regiment at Fort Robinson, Nebraska which was an all-black regiment commanded by white officers and nicknamed Buffalo soldiers. Alexander became the only black officer in an actual command position. In 1888, he was transferred to Fort Washakie, Wyoming where he engaged in the normal activities of an officer with a western frontier posting.
In 1894, Alexander was sent to Wilberforce University, an all-black institution, as a professor of military science and tactics. Shortly after arriving Alexander died unexpectedly of a ruptured aorta on 26 March 1894. John Hanks Alexander is buried in Xenia, Ohio.
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