| 673 threat did what nothing else had done for Alexander. He began to search such books as were at his command, and began to believe the principles therein. Their beauty and power appealed to his mind as true and desirable. Still he lingered.
In 1861 he married Miss Elizabeth Agnes Kendall, a daughter of Elder John Kendall, of England, who was killed by falling from a scaffold while endeavoring to save a fellow workman.
In April, 1862, Frederick G. W. Smith, third son of Joseph and Emma, died without baptism. This perplexed Alexander, and caused him days and nights of sorrow. That his beloved brother was lost was a horror such as has filled many hearts; but to his there came a balm, the testimony of the Spirit, the first communication direct from that Comforter, saying, "Grieve not; Frederick's condition is pleasant; and the time shall come when baptism can be secured to him," admonishing him to do his duty and all would be well. Satisfied of the necessity of baptism for the living, and comforted by the evidence of its possibility for the dead, on May, the 25th of the same year, his brother Joseph baptized him in the grand old Mississippi, confirmation following under the hands of the same, assisted by Elder Nathan Foster. In July of the same year his wife followed him, receiving baptism by Joseph Smith and confirmation by his administration the same day.
In September, 1862, his ordination to the office of teacher took place, Joseph Smith, I. L. Rogers, and John Shippy officiating. The following year at the April conference at Amboy, Illinois, he was approached by Bro. W. W. Blair with the question, "Are you willing to accept an ordination to the office of elder?" assuring him that it was his calling to minister in gospel things as an elder. The thought suggested to him was, "No man taketh this honor unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron." Ready always to do the will of God so far as able, he resolved to keep himself in condition and wait until it was made known to him, claiming his right to receive light from God direct, and trust
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