At some point before he was married he left Aberdeen to live in the North-East of England. On 14 September 1856 he married Agnes Trail in St Mary's Parish Church, Gateshead. At this time Alexander's occupation was recorded as labourer. Agnes was also from Aberdeen but I am not sure if they came to Gateshead together or whether both families re-located to the North-East at a similar time. Alexander and Agnes were recorded as living at the same address on the marriage certificate.

Oral history passed down through the family of Alexander's brother, James (b.1837), suggest that two Tough brothers came to Sunderland, had an argument and fell out. This is likely to be Alexander and James as they were both born in Aberdeen but were the first generation to move to Sunderland. The argument is likely to have been after 1861 as both brothers named their first-born sons after the other brother, Alexander's son James in 1860 and James's son Alexander in 1861.

Alexander and Agnes had four known children; James Tough (b.1860), Jane Ann Tough (b.1862), George Tough (b.1866) and Alexander Tough (b.1868).

Alexander's parents, Peter and Anne, lived in Skipton until Peter died in the 1880's. Alexander's mother, Anne, moved to Sunderland to live close to her two sons and was living there when she died, later in the 1880's.

Alexander is recorded in the 1901 census as being a 65 year old Drainage Contractor. Agnes is also recorded as being 65.

Alexander is buried on 15 February 1908, the place of death is recorded as 31 Spelterworks Road, the home of his son, Alexander.