Russell A. Alger

Russell Alger
United States Senator
from Michigan
In office
September 27, 1902 – January 24, 1907
Preceded byJames McMillan
Succeeded byWilliam Smith
40th United States Secretary of War
In office
March 5, 1897 – August 1, 1899
PresidentWilliam McKinley
Preceded byDaniel S. Lamont
Succeeded byElihu Root
20th Governor of Michigan
In office
January 1, 1885 – January 1, 1887
LieutenantArchibald Buttars
Preceded byJosiah Begole
Succeeded byCyrus G. Luce
Personal details
Born
Russell Alexander Alger

(1836-02-27)February 27, 1836
Lafayette Township, Ohio, U.S.
DiedJanuary 24, 1907(1907-01-24) (aged 70)
Washington, D.C., U.S.
Political partyRepublican
Spouse
Annette Huldana Squire Henry
(m. 1861)
Children6
Signature
Military service
Allegiance United States
 • Union
Branch/service United States Army
 • Union Army
Years of service1861–1864
Rank Colonel
Brevet Major General
CommandsMichigan 5th Michigan Cavalry Regiment
Battles/wars

Russell Alexander Alger (/ˌælər/ 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's 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.