Alger, R. A. (Russell Alexander), 1836-1907

Alger (1836-1907) served as U.S. Senator from Michigan, 1902-1907. He was a Republican. (Information from Senators of the U.S.). Scripps served as Michigan Senator from the Third District, 1903-1904. He was born in England in 1835 and came to the U.S. in 1844. Scripps worked as a reporter for the Chicago Tribune in 1857. After settling in Detroit in 1859, he managed the Detroit Tribune until 1863 when he founded the Detroit Evening News. In 1862, Scripps married Harriet J. Messinger. He was active in establishing the Detroit Museum of Art and served as a Park Commissioner and member of the Detroit Public Library Commission. Scripps was also a Republican. He died in 1906. (Information from Michigan biographies, v. 2, p. 271.) The Clarke Historical Library has several books by or about Scripps and Alger.

Michigan senator, 1902-1907.

Governor of Michigan, 1855-1886; U.S. Secretary of War, 1887-1897; U.S. Senator, 1902-1907.

Includes manuscript of Alger's book, The Spanish American War and papers on the Boer War.

Russell A. Alger was governor of Michigan, 1885-1887; U.S. Secretary of War, 1897-1899; and U.S. Senator, 1902-1907. He also engaged in the lumber industry.

Born in Lafayette, Ohio, Feb.27, 1836; began studying law in Akron, Ohio with Wolcott & Upson, 1857; removed to Grand Rapids, Mich., 1858 & began industrial work; entered military service & had part in 66 battles & skirmishes, 1861-65; brevet, Major General; settled in Detroit, 1866; republican representative in convention in Chicago, 1884; was presidential candidate, 1888 and 1892; Secretary of war, 1897-99; U.S. Senator, 1903-07; died in Washington, D C. Jan. 24,1907. (from Biog. Congr. directory; Burton, Hist. of Wayne Co., v.3, p.5, with portrait) (blue index cards)