Background
Alter was born the son of Elias and Martha Ferson Alter.
politician Pennsylvania lawyer
Alter was born the son of Elias and Martha Ferson Alter.
Alter was educated at public schools, read law, and was admitted to the bar in 1893.
Elias was a carpenter, involved in local school politics. They would have four children. He then served as Speaker of the House, 1913-1914.
Late in 1920, Attorney General William I. Schaffer was appointed to the state Supreme Court, and Alter was appointed in his place.
From 1924 to 1925, Alter was president of the Pennsylvania Bar Association.
Alter was involved in local school politics, and then he was elected to three terms in the state House of Representatives: 1908, 1910, 1912. In 1922, while Attorney General, Alter campaigned for Governor, and with the backing of the party, was expected to win the Republican nomination.
From 1927-1932, he was a member of a commission on uniform State laws.
