Carter - David
DAVID CARTER
Source: Saturday Evening Journal, June 11, 1881
David Carter was the grandfather of David and Cal BARNHILL and Lewis HORNADAY, well known business men of Crawfordsville. He died at Plainfield May 27, 1881, at 2 o'clock a.m., after an illness of three weeks. He was in his 88th year, the oldest pioneer in his part of the county and one of its best citizens. Mr. Carter was born in Chatham county, North Carolina, August 19, 1798. he left his native state and immigrated to Ohio in 1822. February 18, 1823, he married Ruth HADLEY, and immigrated to Indiana in March 1828, where he entered 240 acres of his late homestead, afterwards making additions by purchases, including most of the land on which Plainfield was after wards built. He raised his first log cabin in the primeveal forest and barred his doors against the wild beasts. Of his hardships, privations and manual labor endured in the wilderness has three generations known little except as facts of history; yet few things gave him more pleasure in the social circle than recounting the cherished incidents of those log cabin, log rolling, corn husking times. By his continued industry prompted by his powerful constitution he made the valleys and hills around Plainfield blossom as the rose. The forest gave way to green fields and golden harvests. He had nine children born unto him, five of whom survive him. He took comfort in the fact that all save an in fact became faithful members of the church. He had fifteen grandchildren and nine living great grandchildren. He was a man of unusually good and even temper, slow to anger and quick to forgive; meek and unassuming in appearance; sociable and genial to all alike; a man of good judgement; few words, carefully guarded by propriety. Having a strict observance for the truth at all times, he realized and acknowledge with a thankful heart that he had been favorably surrounded and luckily circumstanced; blest above most men in health and strength, temporally and spiritually. He was the last save one of his family, and one of the charter members of the Christian church. He was always a faithful member, rendering liberal material and advisory aid. His seat has selling been vacant in forty years. His home was always a place of rest for the pioneer and minister He had malice toward none and charity for all. In his decease the family lose a patient, loving father, the town a good citizen, the church a substantial pillar. He bore his last illness with unusual resignation, hopeful, cheerful and desiring and the approaching valley and shadow of death with a Christian confidence and composure truly heroic, such as could only be his redeemer. To him death had no sting and the grave no victory. The funeral service took place on Saturday, May 29, 1881, in the Friends church, Plainfield, and was conducted by Elder U.C. Brewer, of Danville, Ind. Blind Billy Wilson, a preachers aid and old friend of the deceased, was present and took part in the church service, The very large attendance at the funeral indicated that high esteem in which Mr. Carter was held by the people of Plainfield and vicinity. The illness that resulted in his death came on in Crawfordsville. - Kim H