Alex (born 1811) was the son of Murdo Campbell and Mary Macleod. Their address at time of his birth is uncertain but by 1820 his father's name is found on the Old South Tolsta Tack sub-tenants list.

In 1830, in the croft lottings, his family obtained 4 Old South Tolsta, but it is not certain Alex was still living in the paternal home at this time.