Contributed by rkohler3 on 9/6/09 - Image Year: 1910
David G. ALTER
(Son of David and Sarah (Garman) Alter)
(Husband of Hannah Isabella "Belle" Thompson
19 Sep 1841 - 3 Apr 1922
DAVID G. ALTER attended the public schools of Turbett Township, Juniata County, during the winter months. As a youth, he passed most of the time in the store of his uncle, Noah Hertzler, in Old Port Royal, in which town he spent the greater part of his life until 1870, when he removed to Port Royal. Here for twenty years he superintended the grain, lumber and coal business of the Hertzler firm.
In 1890, he was appointed by President Harrison supervisor of the census enumeration for central Pennsylvania. The twelve counties in his district were Adams, Franklin, Fulton, Cumberland, Perry, Juniata, Mifflin, Snyder, Union, Bedford, Blair and Huntingdon. In 1890, he was appointed gauger in the Ninth Internal Revenue District of Pennsylvania, under Sam, Matt, Fridy, of Lancaster County; he held the position for six months, but then resigned it, not finding the duties congenial. In 1891, Mr. Alter engaged in the livery business, at the same time farming in Perry County. About this time he purchased his fine residence in the town of Port Royal. On July 11, 1864, Mr. Alter enlisted in Philadelphia, in Capt. William Babe's Company K, of Col. John R. Haslett's One Hundred and Ninety-seventh Pennsylvania Volunteers. He was in the service on hundred and ten days, during the greater part of which time the regiment was employed in doing guard duty at Rock Island in the Mississippi River. He was mustered out with the regiment at the expiration of the term of service. March 7, 1865, he re-enlisted for one year, in the One Hundred and First Pennsylvania Volunteers. In this regiment he was appointed sergeant. The regiment was on duty at Roanoke Island, N.C., but at the end of six months was mustered out of service, in the same State, on account of the conclusion of hostilities, when Mr. Alter returned to Port Royal.
DAVID G. ALTER was married in Port Royal, April 10, 1868, to Hannah Isabella Thompson, born at McAlisterville, Juniata County, a daughter of John and Hannah (Gilson) Thompson, both of Scotch-irish descent; Mr. Thompson was a coach-maker. They have six children: Annie T., a very accomplished music teacher, who was instructed by a prominent Boston musician; James T., assistant cashier of the Port Royal Bank; David B., a student still attending school; Rebecca; Hannah Isabella; and Ruth.
Mr. Alter was elected a member of the town council in 1872, and served in that capacity for twelve years, during which time he was twice president of the council and did much valuable work for the best interests of the borough. In 1882, he was elected chief burgess of the town, for a two year term. He was again elected in 1893, and has held the office ever since, discharging all the duties incumbent upon him in an able manner. He has also been a school director for four years. In 1894, he was elected a member of the board of health; and in the same year was appointed health officer. He has been a member of the I. O. O. F. Mr. Alter is a Republican. His family are consistent members of the Presbyterian Church.
