John Hanks Alexander was the second African-American to graduate from the United States Military Academy at West Point. He was born at Helena, Arkansas on January 6, 1864 and was the son of James Milo Alexander and Fannie Miller. Although born slaves, John Alexander's parents had become free before his birth. James Milo Alexander was a prosperous barber who often advertised in the local paper before the American Civil War.

        In 1879, John Hanks Alexander graduated from high school and taught briefly in Mississippi before enrolling in Oberlin College at Cincinnati. While attending college, Alexander passed the admission examination to West Point. However, he still needed help from a congressman and that happened when Democrat George W. Geddes of Ohio appointed the young man. His four years at West Point were successful and Hanks was very popular with the other cadets. In addition to being a skilled boxer, he excelled in language and math. By his graduation in 1887, Hanks ranked thirty-second in a class of sixty-four members.

        On September 30, 1887, Second Lieutenant J. H. Alexander reported to Fort Robinson, Nebraska for service with the 9th Cavalry. This unit belonged to the famous Buffalo Soldiers on the frontier. Native Americans called the all-black 9th and 10 regiments this nickname and it stuck. Instead of being offended, the soldiers saw that nickname as an honor because of how fierce the buffalo could be. These segregated regiments were commanded by white officers though, and Alexander became the only African-American in a command position. He was transferred to Fort Washakie, Wyoming in 1888 and his duties included building up the post, fighting fires and escorting prisoners. Later in Utah, his men built a sawmill and telegraph line. Because of his outstanding record, Alexander was detailed to Wilberforce University to establish the first military training program for African-American students. Sadly, he died suddenly on March 26, 1894 of a ruptured artery and is buried at Xenia, Ohio.