Edgar Warren Alexander was born on June 15, 1855 in Reading, Pennsylvania and was a lifelong resident of the city.

His father, George W., enlisted on April 20, 1861 and was the Captain of Co. G, 1st Pennsylvania Infantry and mustered out on July 27, 1861. He received a commission to Lt. Colonel of the 47th Pennsylvania Volunteers on September 24, 1861 and served until September 23, 1864.

Edgar was a member of the Meade Camp 16, Reading, joining in 1881. He became Colonel of the Eastern Pennsylvania Division in 1883. On June 16, 1912, Camp E. W. Alexander of the Pennsylvania Brigade, Sons of Veterans Reserves, was opened at Carsonia Park in Reading.

His father started a large hat factory in West Reading. Edgar was a salesman and he took over the business upon his father's death in 1903. He remained with the company until six months before his death.

Edgar was a member of the Reading Lodge of Masons, Harrisburg Consistory, Reading Lodge of Elks, Fraternal Order of Eagles, and
numerous others. He served on Reading's Fifth Ward in Common Council and the School Board.

He married Elizabeth Clouser and they had one daughter. After her death, he married Mary Darrah Fischer.

Brother Alexander died on November 24, 1912 and is buried on the Charles Evans Cemetery in Reading. He was a member of the Keystone Fire Company and they ordered their charter, firehouse, and apparatus draped for 30 days.