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 February 27, 1836 Lafayette Township, Ohio, U.S. | 
| Died | January 24, 1907 (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 | |
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'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. He was supposedly a distant relation of author Horatio Alger, who often wrote about such rags to riches tales.