IRA J. ALDER 1842-1922

ALDER, KIRKWOOD

Posted By: Donald Detwiler (email)
Date: 11/15/2002 at 20:10:03

AGED RESIDENT OF IOWA CITY AND WAR VETERAN DIED

Ira J. Alder, octogenerian and pioneer resident of Iowa City, veteran of the Civil War and one of the best known local characters died here this morning at the Berkley hotel where he has lived during the past years.
Major Alder as he is known locally, enlisted in the Union army from Iowa City at the opening of the Civil War. He was at one time private secretary to Gov. Samuel Kirkwood and was a member of the local bar for a half century. Until a few years ago, Major Alder was a owner of much property and real estate which he persistently refused to sell or improve.
Recently this was all sold and the proceeds invested by his guardian. His wife and daughter died a few years ago. He has two brothers and five half brothers and sisters all living away from here.