On the list of Delaware county's honored dead men who have been factors in developing the county, promoting its business interests and upholding its standards of citizenship appears the name of Myron H. Alger, who for many years was connected with agricultural pursuits in this county and whose influence was always cast on the side of right and progress, truth and reform. He was born in Honeoye, New York, February 9, 1844, a son of Hiram B. and Angeline (Herrick) Alger, whose family numbered four children, two sons and two daughters. In 1846 the parents came to the west, settling in Delaware county, establishing their home upon a farm in Honey Creek township, one hundred and eighty acres being comprised in the original tract. The father became closely associated with the pioneer development of the region and continued to cultivate his farm for many years, but eventually sold the place to Myron H. Alger and removed to California. There the father passed away in 1895, but the mother is still living at the advanced age of ninety-two years.
    Myron H. Alger was but two years old when his parents came to Iowa, so that practically his entire life was spent in this county. He received his education in the district schools, but the methods of instruction at that day were somewhat primitive. He studied only through the winter season, for in the summer months his labors were needed at home upon the farm and he early became familiar with the arduous task of breaking the sod and tilling the fields of a new farm. At the age of twenty one he started out in life on his own account, choosing as his life work the occupation to which he had been reared, he always continued therein and came to be known as one of the leading agriculturists of the county. He brought his fields to a high state of cultivation, divided his place by well kept fences so that each tract could be easily cultivated and used the latest improved machinery to facilitate the farm work. Year by year he harvested good crops, which found a ready sale upon the market, and he remained throughout his life active in business.
     On the 23d of September, 1866. Mr. Alger was united in marriage to Miss Cynthia J. Robinson, a daughter of Charles and Hannah (Hare) Robinson, who were pioneer settlers of Clayton county. Iowa, where they lived for many years and then passed away, their remains being interred in Edgewood cemetery. Mr. and Mrs. Alger became the parents of seven children: Hiram Burritt; Lou E., at home; Sherwood W.; Anson; Myron J.; Edna C., who is now a missionary in China, representing the Presbyterian church; and Ethel D.
     In politics Mr. Alger was a republican. He did not blindly follow any party leading, however, but studied vital questions for himself. At one time he served as a school director. He was a stalwart champion of the cause of temperance and took a deep and helpful interest in public affairs. He was a broad reader of current events and was interested in every phase of public thought and action having to do with the general welfare of county and state. He passed away May 11, 1912, and was laid to rest in the home cemetery. His life had been that of a man of strong religious principles and in his daily conduct he exemplified the teachings of his church. He was a generous contributor to the Iowa Children's Home of Des Moines and gave freely to the support of the movements working against white slavery. He was also generous in his gifts to the Deaconess Home in Chicago. In 1912 the family removed to Edgewood, where they now make their home. Mr. Alger was devoted to the welfare and happiness of his wife and children, and he likewise held friendship inviolable. He passed away at the age of sixty eight years, three months and two days, his death being deeply deplored by all who knew him, for he had become greatly endeared to his fellow townsmen through qualities which in every land and clime awaken confidence and goodwill.