Ira. J. Alder d. 1922

ALDER

Posted By: Volunteer - Don Detwiler
Date: 3/5/2003 at 20:35:21

Wednesday, December 20, 1922

IRA J. ALDER, CITY PIONEER PASSES AWAY

Resident of Iowa City More Than Sixty Years; Attorney Here for Half Century

Ira. J. Alder, resident of Iowa City for more than sixty years, and a practicing attorney in Johnson county courts for a half century, died yesterday at the Burkley hotel where he has been living for the past few year, at the age of 80.

Funeral services will be held at Harmon’s mortuary Thursday afternoon at 2 o’clock, with the Reverand Murry in charge.

Little is known here about the life of Mr. Alder. Older residents were unable to state anything concerning his life, except that he has been in Iowa City for many years, and at one time was an extensive property owner in the city.

It is known that he enlisted in the civil war, joining from Iowa City. His record in the war earned him the title of “Major” here. He was also one time secretary to Governor Samuel Kirkwood.

His wife and daughter are both dead, but he has two brothers and five half brothers and sisters living away from Iowa City. Recently, Attorney Henry Walker was appointed his guardian after he had become too old to look after his own interests and all his property.was sold and the proceeds invested by his guardian.

While no one knows where Mr. Alder came from or the exact date of his birth, it is believed that some of this knowledge may come to light when his personal are read.