Biographies Michigan Biographies Project |
On taking up his residence in Lansing in 1858, he accepted a position as foreman in the Reform School. In this capacity he continued until the breaking out of the Civil war, when he became a member of the 14th Michigan Infantry, as a musician in the regimental band. After serving two years in that capacity, he was returned home on account of disability. Having in a measure recovered his good health, he re-enlisted in 1864 and served until the close of the war, being honorably discharged and mustered out, when he came home and organized a band in the Reform School, which became one of the best known in the State. He was also assistant superintendent of this school under the Rev. Charles Johnson. The Board of Control of that time consisted of George W. Lee, James I. Mead and D. L. Crossman. Mrs. F. J. Sargent was matron; Mrs. M. J. Hoag, assistant matron and I. H. Bartholomew, physician.
In 1870 Mr. Alsdorf resigned his position and opened up his drug store. This business was a success from the start, and in 1882, Frederick M., the son, was taken in as an active partner and the firm became known as "C. Alsdorf and Son."
In February, 1885, a disastrous fire consumed this block, but this firm never stopped business for a moment. On the following morning they rented another store and before the day was over they were continuing their business, and on the following July they were back in the old location, occupying their new headquarters, where the business was carried on under the firm of the name of "C. Alsdorf and Son" until the fall of 1894, when Cyrus Alsdorf announced his retirement from the business. He had felt for some time that his declining years should be relieved from active cares. For twenty-two years he had been successfully engaged in the drug business and on the same site, and through his close application to this business interests he was able to acquire a comfortable competence. He was not permitted, however, to long enjoy the fruits of his former toil, as he departed this life the 10th of May, 1895, his death being the result of a disease contracted in the army.
The deceased was known to all as an upright man of strict integrity, who had lead a blameless life. Mr. Alsdorf had always been deeply interested in the city's growth and development, and was an open-hearted citizen and an earnest advocate of the county's advancement, and in all the relations of life he was found true and faithful to every trust imposed on him. He was promoted while in Tuscumbia, Ala. to the leadership of a band of the First Brigade, Second Division of the 14th Army Corps, which was commanded by Gen. James D. Morgan. He served through the battles of Corinth and the campaigns of 1862 and 1863, while participating in the battled of Stony River and Chicamaugua. The second enlistment, which occurred in the spring of 1864, was under the command of Gen. Schofield. He was affiliated with the Republican party, believing its men and measures best adapted for good government. In local politics he took an active and helpful part and was a member of the Council for two years.
Mr. Alsdorg is survived by a widow and three children, namely: Frank, of Minnesota; Frederick, a resident of Lansing, and Mrs. Charles L. Seeley, of Lansing.
Cyrus Alsdorf was a public spirited, progressive citizen, and one of the substantial business men of Lansing. In all the relations of life he was found true to every trust imposed on him.
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Biographies Michigan Biographies Project |
 Sondra Higbee
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