Harvey A. Alger, a Virginian by birth but a Lebanon Countian by choice, died at 4:45 o'clock yesterday afternoon at his East Main Street home in Campbelltown, a community that owes much of its modern growth to his business interests and foresight. Alger, who was 83, had been ill for the last 18 months and bedfast for several weeks. A farmer in Virginia, Alger came to Campbelltown on a visit about 35 years ago to look over a proposed real estate venture. He was so impressed by the area that he immediately purchased a large farm that was then situated at the east end of the town and settled there. In the intervening years the community expanded so much that the farm is now almost in the center of Campbelltown. Shortly before his death he reiterated his favorite expression, "I just knew this was the place when I first laid eyes on it." Part of the farm purchased a generation ago by Alger went into building lots on which new homes were constructed. Many of these dwellings were built by workers in Hershey. At that time a trolley line, served the two communities. Although he operated his Campbelltown farm until 1949 when he turned it over to his son, Herman, Alger did not confine his interests entirely to tilling the soil. An active behind-the-scenes community leader, he was the guiding spirit in the organization of the Campbelltown Water Company, which provided the community with its first water system. The reservoir was constructed on the Harrison Hostetter homestead farm, now the Victor Hoffer farm, south of Campbelltown. For many years he served as a director of the company, later turning his directorship over to his son, Herman, who is now president of the company. To his county farm operation he brought his long years of experience as a Virginia farmer and it was not long before the farm was one of the most modern in the area. The frequency of the occasions on which fellow farmers sought his advice attested to his ability and leadership in this field. While he disclaimed any credit for leadership his counsel and opinions were generally secured before any community venture was started. It was also a well-known fact that his generosity could be counted upon in support of projects that would result in a bigger and better Campbelltown. Although he was a devout member of the Lutheran faith throughout his life, it was recalled by a fellow townsman last evening that the community’s Evangelical United Brethren Church was the recipient of his philanthropy when it was established back in the twenties. He was a member of the Campbelltown Fire Company and Palm Lutheran Church, Palmyra, and the Men’s Brotherhood of the church. Survived are: His wife, the former Nellie Glass; two sons, Herman, of Campbelltown, and Marvin, Palmyra R. 1, and two daughters, Nola, wife of Harry R. Stump, Palmdale, and Beatrice, wife of Allen R. Herr, Campbelltown. Eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren also survive. He was a son of the late Harvey and Mary Miller Alger, of Broadway, Rockingham County, Va., where he resided prior to moving to Campbelltown. [Lebanon Daily News, September 9, 1955, Page 1 & 11]