Henry B. Carter was born in Summit County, Ohio, Sept. 1, 1825. He was the son of Ira and Clary (Beach) Carter, natives of Connecticut, who moved to Ohio in 1813, where Mr. Carter engaged in farming. Six children were born unto them - E. Victor, Fidelia H., Orra A., Electa C., Esther L. and Henry B. Ira Carter died in 1833, and Mrs. Chary Carter in 1874. Henry B., of whom we write, was educated in the district schools of his native State and in the Seminary at Talmage, Ohio. When not attending school he spent his time, during his youth, in labor upon a farm, together with a short time in a carriage and wagon factory. On the second day of February, 1847, he was united in marriage with Harriet H. Coe, a native of Talmage, Summit County. They have had eight children, five of whom are now living - Frank H., Ellen M., Orra A., Ernest V. and Ray A. Two boys and one girl died when quite young. On their marrige the young couple removed to this State, locating in Grand Meadow Township, Clayton County, where Mr. Carter engaged in farming two and a half years. At the expiration of this time, he moved with his family to Elkader, where he purchased an interest in a mercantile establishment, which connection continued twelve years, when the business was disposed of and Mr. Carter spent the next eight years in traveling, buying stock and conducting a large farm in Nebraska, still continuing to reside in Elkader. He then again engaged in merchantile business, in connection with D. R. Mills, which partnership still continues, though for a number of years past the junior member of the firm has had the entire business management. In 1871 the First National Bank was organized, and Mr. Carter was elected President, and has since been annually re-elected. As a business man Mr. Carter has been uniformly successful, and has accumulated considerable prperty. He has 3,500 acres of land in Linn County, Iowa, and has other possessions in and outside of the state. In politics he was originally an old line Whig, but has acted with the Republican party since its organization. He has never aspired to office, but in 1856 he was placed in nomination by his friends for the office of State Senator, and was elected by a large majority. He served one term with credit to himself and his constituents. Religiously he is liberal in his views. source: History of Clayton
County, Iowa, 1882, p. 652-53 |