ALTER, JOHN E.: 1853-1934.
On Nov. 13, 1934, the RENSSELAER [ Ind. ] REPUBLICAN carried an article on the death of John E. Alter , which stated, in part:
" John E. Alter a picturesque figure in the daily life of Rensselaer and farming community, a man whose interesting career reached far back into the county's history, died at his farm home north of Rensselaer at 8:30 this morning…
"Mr. Alter … was born in this county on Feb. 14, 1853, a son of Isaac and Eliza Willet Alter.
"After completing his district school training, Mr. page: 8[View Page 8] Alter kept his mind active by turning to … the study of principles of civil engineering, in the meanwhile spending his winters in teaching school. He served three terms as surveyor … Although thus engaged, he never neglected his farm interests and accumulated 200 acres of land in Union Township where he lived …
"Mr. Alter loved Nature to an intense degree. His was the typical Hoosier home of song and story, wholesome, hospitable, inviting, with the pleasant atmosphere of the early pioneer days. He was associated with all phases of community life and county interests.
"He has written for the local press many interesting stories of pioneer days and reminiscences of his boyhood days."
Clipping from the files of the Rensselaer Public Library.
- Hoosier Hunting Grounds or the Beaver Lake Trail. (Bill Bat,
pseud.)
New York and Washington, 1904.
