Carter - James M.
James M. CARTER
Source: 1913 History of Montgomery County, Indiana.
Indianapolis: AW Bowen, 1913 p 1085
Scott Township, Montgomery County, can boast of no better farmer
than James M. Carter, widely known and highly respected as one
of the most energetic, self-reliant and enterprising citizens
of the eastern part of the County. He has been (for many years)
intimately associated with the best interests and upward progress
of his neighborhood, and to his personal influence and efforts
are due many of valuable and permanent improvements of the locality.
One of the older settlers, he has not only been an eye witness
of part of the wonderful growth and development of his adopted
County but has actively participated in the changing scenes
and has accumulated a valuable store of historical reminiscence.
Mr. Carter was born in Putnam Co, in on Sept. 14, 1840. He is
a son of Othias and Artimessia (GRIMES) Carter. The father was
born in Masonic Co, KY Feb 8, 1804 and his death occurred in
Montgomery Co Indiana on Feb 15, 1870. The mother of our subject
was born in Bath Co, KY Feb 2, 1806.
They grew up in the Blue
Grass state, received such educational advantages as the early
schools of the County afforded and there they were married,
removing the same year to Monroe Co, Indiana making the trip
in a two-wheeled cart drawn by a yoke of oxen. They bought a
farm in Monroe Co. and lived there until 1839, when they moved
to Russell Twp, Putnam Co. where they bought the farm on which
James M. Carter was born. Only a small portion of the place
had been cleared, and after our subject was large enough to
work he helped clear the rest of the land, but he spent a part
of the winter months in the neighboring schools. The family
remained there until 1862, then sold out and moved into the
SW part of Scott Twp, 1/2 Mi. west of Parkersburg, and here
the parents spent the rest of their lives. Ten children were
born to them, an equal number of sons and daughters namely:
Nancy married Enoch RAILSBACK and lived most of her life in
Scott Twp; Elizabeth who remained unmarried, died when 80 years
old, in the winter of 1911-12.; William Simpson d. in Mo. when
about 70 years old, leaving a wife and 3 sons; Daniel Thomas
lived in Scott Twp until his death in May 1906; leaving a widow,
who is now living in Russellville, Indiana; Lucinda, widow of
John RAILSBACK, deceased and she now lives in New Mexico; Parmelia
married William EVERMAN and they are both now deceased; John
Edward lived in Putnam Co and later in life near Parkersburg;
this co, and he is survived by one grandson Otto FOWLER of Waveland;
James M, subj. of this sketch; Lucretia who marr. Abraham FINK
lives on the old Carter homestead, a half mile west of Parkersburg.
Eli, the youngest, lives in Putnam Co, near Bainbridge. James
M. Carter grew to manhood on the old home place in Putnam Co.
and lived there until 1862, when he removed with his parents
to Montgomery Co, the family locating near Parkersburg.
He was
married Nov 16, 1863 to Sarah Frances WARBRITTON, daughter of
Peter and Phoebe (NELSON) Warbritton. She was born in the center
part of Scott Twp, where the Warbritton brothers now live. Her
father was born in VA, but went to KY when quite young, and
they came to Montgomery Co, Indiana from Bath Co KY, in pioneer
times. They entered land from the government as least as early
as 1829, when the County was just being settled, and he took
his part in the log rollings and other pioneer events, and Mr.
Warbritton worked as hard as every man did in clearing and developing
his land. He later told frequently of the various wild animals
he saw here and how the wolves disturbed his nightly slumber.
Mrs. Carter, who was born in 1840 recalls that even in her day
a bear was killed not far from their home. Phoebe Nelson was
born in KY, and was a daughter of Samuel and Ana Nelson, also
pioneers of Scott Twp. Peter Warbritton and wife lived the rest
of their lives on the farm they entered from the government.
Thirteen children were born to them, all of whom grew to maturity;
and all but four are still living. They were: Martha Jane, deceased,
wife of George E. GRIMES, also deceased; Samuel Warbritton of
New Market; John lives in Garnett, Ks; Reuben lives in Sedalia,
Missouri; Charles lives near Moody, Arkansas Henry lives at
Raccoon, Putnam Co; Sarah Frances, wife of James M. Carter,
our subject; Andrew lives on the old home place in the central
part of Scott Twp; Ana, deceased, was the wife of Joseph LENOVER
of Danville, Ill; Cynthia Ann, deceased, remained unmarried;
lived on the old home place and died when about 34 years old.
Daniel lives on the old homestead, his wife, Nancy L, dying
some time ago, leaving one daughter, Iola WORTHINGTON. Mahala,
died soon after her marriage to George TAYLOR; George Warbritton,
who married Lyda TATTOCK, lives on the old homeplace. Two children
were born to Mr. & Mrs. Carter, namely: Robert Sherman Carter,
who died on Oct 11, 1876 at the age of 11 years; and another
son that died in infancy, unnamed. After James M. Carter married
he rented part of his father's farm and farmed there about 10
years, getting a good start. He then moved to Missouri and engaged
in farming in that state for one year. He then returned to this
County in 1870 and purchased 80 acres, Sec 20, this farm being
located near Lapland. The land was timbered, but he cleared
it in due course of time, after a great deal of very hard work.
Being a man of courage he never gave over the task until he
had developed a good farm and established a comfortable home
in which he has now been residing for 40 years. Mr. & Mrs. Carter
both belong to the Primitive Baptist Church holding their membership
in the Indian Creek Church. They are regarded as excellent people
by their neighbors, being liked and trusted by all who know
them.
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