ALGER, Russell A.
Was born in Lafayette, Medina county, Ohio, February 27, 1836, and was the son of Russell Alger, whose ancestors came from England to Massachusetts about 1760. His great grandfather served in the Revolutionary war, and took part in many battles. His mother, Caroline Moulton, was a descendant of Robert Moulton, who came to Massachusetts is 1627. His parents died when he was but eleven years of age, and he was left to carve out his own career as well as to care for a younger brother and sister. He found work on a farm in Richfield. Ohio, where he remained seven years, working by the month the greater part of the year, saving his money and applying it in aid of his brother and sister, and to pay his own tuition at the Richfield academy in winter terms, working for his board. He thus obtained a fair English education, and early began teaching winters, still working on a farm summers. In March, 1857, he began the study of the law in the office of Wolcott & Upson, at Akron, and in March, 1859, was admitted by the Supreme Court to the bar. After a few months in the law business at Cleveland, he abandoned the law and removed to Grand Rapids, where he engaged in the lumber business.

In August, 1861, he enlisted in the Second Michigan Cavalry and in the autumn was mustered in as Captain. The formal record of his service is: Captain Second Cavalry, Sept. 2, 1861, Major, April 2, 1863, wounded and taken prisoner at Boonesville, Mississippi, July 1, 1862, escaped July 1, 1862, Lieutenant Colonel Sixth Michigan Cavalry, October 16, 1862, Colonel Fifth Cavalry, Feb. 28, 1863, wounded in action at Boonesboro, Maryland, July 8, 1863, resigned, Sept. 20, 1864, and honorably discharged. Brevet Brigadier General United States Volunteers, for gallant and meritorious services, to rank from battle of Trevellion Station, Virginia, June 11, 1864, Brevet Major General United States Volunteers, June 11, 1865, for gallant and meritorious services during the war. He was a born soldier, took part in sixty- six battles and skirmishes all told, and gained by faithfulness and bravery the rank which he obtained.

In 1805 he went to Detroit and engaged in dealing in pine lands and the pine lumber business. The firm, first Moore & Alger, became R. A. Alger & Co., and is now Alger, Smith & Co. He is president of the Manistique Lumbering Co., and of the Detroit, Bay City & Alpena Railroad Co., a director of the Detroit National Bank, the Peninsular Car Co., and several other large corporations. In 1884 he received the Republican nomination for Governor and was elected over Josiah W. Begole by a plurality of 3,953 votes — David Preston, Prohibition candidate, receiving 22,207 votes. His administration compared favorably with those of his predecessors and was free from narrowness or parsimony.

In 1861 he married Annette H. Heary, daughter of W. H. Henry, of Grand Rapids, and they have three daughters and three sons. He has a fine home in Detroit and has the confidence and regard of the people of Michigan. Gov. Alger was Inspector General from 1867 to 1873, and is now one of the Board of Managers of the Michigan Soldiers' Home at Grand Rapids. He gives large sums in charity.
Contributed by Barbara Z. from Google Books ..
Photo found on "Find-A-Grave" contributed by Garver Graver 24 Sep 2002

Annette was born in New Haven, Vermont on July 29, 1840, at the home of her grandparents. She was the daughter of William Gilmore Henry and Huldana Squire. She moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan with her parents.

Annette Henry met Russell Alger after he had moved to Grand Rapids to set up his lumbering business. They were married on April 2, 1861, shortly before he entered the Army for service in the Civil War.

In 1865, after the Civil War, Russell Alger returned to his lumber business and they relocated to Detroit. The Alger lumbering interests grew to be some of the largest in the state.

Annette was described as a slender woman of fair complexion, intelligent and attractive. The Alger's had nine children. She was gifted with many accomplishments and was a charming hostess. The children were described as bright and promising.

Active in Republican politics Russell Alger became Governor of Michigan in 1885, and his wife the "First Lady". In 1897, Alger was appointed Secretary of War by President McKinley. The Alger's moved to Washington where Annette continued her supporting role. The couple entertained international celebrities and diplomats. Mr. Alger left the McKinley cabinet in 1899 and they returned to their home in Detroit.

In 1902 Michigan Governor Bliss appointed Alger to fill the unexpired term of James McMillan in the U. S. Senate. The Alger's again moved to Washington where they remained until Senator Alger's death in 1907. Mrs. Alger returned to their home at 150 W. Fort in Detroit.

A woman of exquisite taste and manners, Mrs. Alger continued her social obligations and philanthropic activities. In 1911 she moved to Grosse Pointe and resided at the home of her son Russell Jr. She died on August 24, 1919, at the age of 79.