Preceded by William I. Schaffer Name George Alter Children 4 | Spouse(s) Diana J. Swanton Political party Republican | |
 | ||
Succeeded by George Washington Woodruff Born May 8, 1868
Springdale, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania ( 1868-05-08 ) Died August 18, 1940(1940-08-18) (aged 71)
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania | ||
George Elias Alter (May 8, 1868 – August 18, 1940) was a Pennsylvania lawyer and politician, who served a term as state Attorney General.
Life and career
Alter was born the son of Elias and Martha Ferson Alter. Elias was a carpenter, involved in local school politics. Elias's aunt, Susanna Alter, had been the wife of former Pennsylvania governor Joseph Ritner. Alter was educated at public schools, read law, and was admitted to the bar in 1893.
In 1902, he married Diana J. Swanton. They would have four children.
Alter was involved in local school politics, and then he was elected to three terms in the state House of Representatives: 1908, 1910, 1912. He then served as Speaker of the House, 1913–14.
Late in 1920, Attorney General William I. Schaffer was appointed to the state Supreme Court, and Alter was appointed in his place. In 1922, while Attorney General, Alter campaigned for Governor, and with the backing of the party, was expected to win the Republican nomination. Gifford Pinchot ran against him, and defeated Alter in a close election, partly with a strong showing among women voters, and went on to win the full election.
From 1924 to 1925, Alter was president of the Pennsylvania Bar Association. From 1927–32, he was a member of a commission on uniform State laws.