Myron H. Alger
1914 Delaware County History pgs. 280-281
On the list of Delaware county's honored dead-men who have been factors in developing
the county, promoting its business interests and upholding its standards of
citizenship-appears the name of Myron H. Alger, who for many years was
connected with agricultural pursuits in this county and whose influence was
always cast on the side of right and progress, truth and reform. He was born in
Honeoye, New York, February 9,
1844, a son
of Hiram B. and Angeline (Herrick) Alger, whose
family numbered four children, two sons and two daughters. In 1846 the parents
came to the west, settling in Delaware county,
establishing their home upon a farm in Honey
Creek township, one hundred and eighty acres being comprised in the original
tract. The father became closely associated with the pioneer development of the
region and continued to cultivate his farm for many years, but eventually sold
the place to Myron H. Alger and removed to California. There the father passed away in
1895, but the mother is still living at the advanced age of ninety-two years.
Myron H.
Alger was but two years old when his parents came to Iowa, so that practically his entire life
was spent in this county. He received his education in the district schools,
but the methods of instruction at that day were somewhat primitive. He studied
only through the winter season, for in the summer months his labors were needed
at home upon the farm and he early became familiar with the arduous task of breaking
the sod and tilling the fields of a new farm. At the age of twenty-one he
started out in life on his own account, choosing as his life work the
occupation to which he had been reared, he always continued therein and came to
be known as one of the leading agriculturists of the county. He brought his
fields to a high state of cultivation, divided his place by well kept fences so
that each tract could be easily cultivated and used the latest improved
machinery to facilitate the farm work. Year by year he harvested good crops,
which found a ready sale upon the market, and he remained throughout his life
active in business.
On the 23d of
September, 1866. Mr. Alger was united in marriage to
Miss Cynthia J. Robinson, a daughter of Charles and Hannah (Hare) Robinson, who
were pioneer settlers of Clayton county. Iowa, where they lived
for many years and then passed away, their remains being interred in Edgewood cemetery. Mr. and Mrs. Alger became the parents
of seven children: Hiram Burritt; Lou E., at home;
Sherwood W.; Anson; Myron J.; Edna C., who is now a missionary in China,
representing the Presbyterian church; and Ethel D.
In politics
Mr. Alger was a republican. He did not blindly follow any party leading,
however, but studied vital questions for himself. At
one time he served as a school director. He was a stalwart champion of the cause
of temperance and took a deep and helpful interest in public affairs. He was a
broad reader of current events and was interested in every phase of public
thought and action having to do with the general welfare of county and state.
He passed away May 11, 1912, and was laid to rest in the home
cemetery. His life had been that of a man of strong religious principles and in
his daily conduct he exemplified the teachings of his church. He was a generous
contributor to the Iowa Children's Home of Des Moines and gave freely to the
support of the movements working against white slavery. He was also generous in
his gifts to the Deaconess Home in Chicago. In 1912 the family removed to Edgewood, where they now make their home.
Mr. Alger was devoted to the welfare and happiness of his wife and children,
and he likewise held friendship inviolable. He passed away at the age of
sixty-eight years, three months and two days, his death being deeply deplored
by all who knew him, for he had become greatly endeared to his fellow townsmen
through qualities which in every land and clime awaken confidence and good-will.
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