My Genealogy Hound

JACOB A. ALTER, farmer, post office New Texas, was born in Plum township, in his present house, in June, 1844, a son of Jacob and Jane (Bratton) Alter, who were born in Washington county, April 27, 1802, and Jan. 18, 1802, and died Aug. 7, 1883, and Oct. 26, 1880, respectively. His grandfather, David Alter, died in this county. His father was a blacksmith, and also owned a farm, which his sons or hired help cultivated; was major of militia, and held many offices in Plum township; was the father of thirteen children: George, Eliza, Samuel, Mary, Sarah Jane, Nancy, Margaret Ann, Lucinda, Susan, Rebecca, Elvira (deceased at seventeen years of age), Jacob A. and William Daniel. He celebrated his golden wedding, and his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were present to the number of ninety-six. The subject of this sketch received a common-school education in Plum township, and always lived on the farm and took care of the family. He married, June 20, 1883, Jane Hamilton, sister of the county superintendent of schools, and daughter of Samuel and Mary (Patterson) Hamilton, natives of Washington county, Pa., and of Ireland. Mr. Hamilton died in September, 1864. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Alter: Jacob Hamilton, Howard Russell and Marie. The family are members of Plum Creek Presbyterian Church. Mr. Alter enlisted in August, in Co. G, 136th P. V. I., Col. Bayne, and was discharged in January, same year, on account of sickness.