The Fort Dodge Messenger: March 8, 1907

Webster County Pioneer Dead

M.V. Alger Succumbs to Death in a Very Unexpected Manner

Resulted From a Carbuncle

Suffered Only Two Weeks With It When Death Came Last Night at 12;30 O’clock – Funeral Will Occur Sunday Afternoon From the Home.

M.V. Alger one of the older and better known of pioneer settlers of the state and county died at his home on the Northeast outskirts of the city last night at 12:30 o’clock, death resulting, in a most unexpected manner, from a carbuncle on the back of the neck, with which he had suffered two weeks. Death came in the presence of his family, and before the attending physician could be summoned. It is believed that in some inexplicable way the brain was penetrated, which caused death. The funeral will occur from the family residence on Sunday afternoon at 2:00 o’clock, interment to be made in Oakland cemetery.

Martin Van Buren Alger was 63 years of age, having been born in Lewis county, New York state in the year of 1840. Much of his early life was spent in New York. He came to Iowa and settled in Humboldt county in 1865. In December 1871 he was married to his wife Miss Johanna McLean in Fort Dodge, though his residence in Webster County was not permanent until 1873 when he removed to Fort Dodge.

He was a veteran of the Civil War,  having been a ship carpenter and enlisted in the government transport department,  having seen active service during that time.

Tags: 1907, Alger, McLean