Alexander was living in Toronto at the time of his marriage to Elsie, and was a student. Witnesses were Violet McIntyre of Toronto, and Mrs. W.H. Andrews of Toronto. They were married by Hardy Andrews.

He was also a Private in the military, CCR CEF. He enlisted in Vancouver on October 19, 1916 (he was living in Marspole, BC at the time). His father was living in Bridgeton,Glasgow, Scotland. He was working as a clerk when he enlisted. he is described as 5 foot 6, fair complexion, brown hair and brown eyes, and had a scar in the lower right quadrant of his abdomen. His number was 542294.