Russell A. Alger

Russell Alger
United States Senator from Michigan
In office September 27, 1902 – January 24, 1907
Preceded by	James McMillan
Succeeded by	William Smith
40th United States Secretary of War
In office March 5, 1897 – August 1, 1899
President	William McKinley
Preceded by	Daniel S. Lamont
Succeeded by	Elihu Root
20th Governor of Michigan
In office January 1, 1885 – January 1, 1887
Lieutenant	Archibald Buttars
Preceded by	Josiah Begole
Succeeded by	Cyrus G. Luce
Personal details
Born	Russell Alexander Alger (1836-02-27)February 27, 1836 Lafayette Township, Ohio, U.S.
Died	January 24, 1907(1907-01-24) (aged 70) Washington, D.C., U.S.
Political party	Republican
Spouse	Annette Huldana Squire Henry ​ ​ (m. 1861)​
Children	6
Signature
Military service
Allegiance	United States  • Union
Branch/service	United States Army  • Union Army
Years of service	1861–1864
Rank	Colonel Brevet Major General
Commands	5th Michigan Cavalry Regiment
Battles/wars	American Civil War Battle of Booneville Valley campaigns of 1864 Battle of Trevilian Station

Russell Alexander Alger (/ˌældʒər/ AL-jər; February 27, 1836 – January 24, 1907) was an American politician and businessman. He served as the 20th governor of Michigan, U.S. Senator, and U.S. Secretary of War. Alger life was a "rags-to-riches" success tale. He became an army officer, financier, lumber baron, railroad owner, and government official in several high offices.^[1] He was supposedly a distant relation of author Horatio Alger.