The Alger family, of which the late George S. Alger was a representative, was of English ancestry. His father, Reuben L. Alger, was there born, and as a boy came to the United States with his parents. He settled in Lewis county, New York, experienced all the hardships and privations of pioneer life, and performed a full share in the development of the region in which he made his home and where his career was spent. The name of his wife was Clarissa.

George S., son of Reuben L. and Clarissa Alger, was born in Watson, Lewis county, N.Y., May 1, 1845. He was reared on the homestead farm, and received his education in the common schools in that neighborhood. As a lad of about fifteen, he enlisted in Company I, 194th Regiment, New York Volunteer Infantry, and rendered courageous service for his country for two years, when he was discharged for disability. After leaving the army he engaged in cheese making and farming, working in varius places for a period of sixteen years. In 1881 he located in Martinsburg, N.Y., where he purchased a large cheese factory which he conducted with much success for the remainder of his life, and in connection with it operated a grist and cider mill.
He was a man of broad intelligence and fine traits of character. He was prominent in the Masonic fraternity, affliliated with Lowville Lodge, No. 134; Lowville Chaper, No. 223, Royal Arch Masons, Watertown Commandery, No. 11, Knights Templar, and was also s noble of Medina Temple, Ancient Arabic Order of the Mystic Shrine, and a comrade of Guilford D. Bailey Post, Grand Army of the Republic. In politics he was a Republican. He died March 31, 1907, and his removal was a distinct loss to the community.

Mr. Alger married, Aug. 2, 1869, Mary Griffith, born in Watson, N.Y., Feb. 28, 1845, daughter of Robert and Caroline (Wakefield) Griffith. Her father was a Welshman by ancestry and birth, and came to America with his grandfather, Griffith Griffith, at the age of seven years, settling first in Remson, Oneida county, where he was engaged in farming and lumbering. Robert Griffith subsequently removed to Watson. He married Caroline, daughter of Peter Wakefield, and their children were:
William, Robert, Catherine, John, Mary (wife of George S. Alger), Lucy, Harrison and Harriet (twins), and George W. Griffith.
Children of George S. and Mary (Griffith) Alger:
1. Herbert S., born Aug. 24, 1874.
2. Leapha M., born July 25, 1876, died Dec. 20, 1892.
3. George W., born July 8, 1882; conducts the cheese factory at home.
4. Clarinda, born June 5, 1885.
5. Elsie E., Jan. 30, 1888.
6. Alice L., Jan. 1, 1891.

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