1891 Biography - Independence Alpha

INDEPENDENCE ALPHA, FRANKLIN, an old and estimable citizen of Franklin, was born in Jeffersonville, Indiana, July 4, 1821. He is the son of P. and Claria (Cissna) Alpha. P. Alpha was born on the eastern shore of Maryland, 1780. They were married in 1820, and our subject is their third child in order of birth and the only one now living. Mr. Alpha was one of General Jackson's staff at the battle of New Orleans, 1815. He also served as circuit judge, of Spencer county, Indiana, which appointment he received from Jackson while President of the United States. He held the position from 1830 until 1832, when he resigned to emigrate to Louisiana. Independence Alpha received a fair education in the common schools of his day. He was thrown upon his own resources at the age of eighteen years and immediately entered the office of the Franklin Republic, where he served an apprenticeship as a typesetter. His fidelity to business soon placed him in charge of the journal, and in 1840, on the death of Phil. Parrett, he practically assumed its control and held the position until 1844, when he removed to Mobile, Alabama, where he entered the trade of carpenter and builder, in which he remained three years. He finally returned to Franklin and reentered the printing business, which he followed for a series of years. During the last few years, having retired from the publishing business, he opened a wagon shop, and this business now engages his attention.

Independence Alpha was married in Franklin, 1842, to Miss Caroline C. Campbell, of Franklin, Louisiana, and there were born to this marriage twelve children, nine of whom are now living.

Contributed 2021 Nov 04 by Mike Miller, from Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, published in 1891, Biographical Section, page 357.