Judson E. Carpenter, Clinton

JUDSON E. CARPENTER, silent partner in the firm of Curtis, Brother and Co., sash, door and blind manufacturers, was born at Oxford, Chenango county, New York, on the 19th of May, 1835. His father, when he was nine years old, removed from Rhode Island and settled on a farm in the neighborhood. He came of good old Saxon stock, his ancestors on both sides being among the early settlers of New England. The religious faith of his family is derived from Roger Williams, the founder of the Baptist denomination in this country. At home and in the common schools he received the usual amount of education bestowed upon farmers' sons. Subsequently, however, he pursued in the Oxford Academy a thorough course of study, with the design to qualify himself as a teacher. His natural taste inclined him to literary and scientific pursuits, and his original intention was to prepare himself for early admission to the university, but several causes intervened to prevent the ultimation of this design. This disappointment turned the channel of life into another direction, and led him to relinquish his idea of professional life. At an early age, however, as an occupation to obtain a livelihood, he became a teacher, devoting his winters to this vocation, and his summers to farm employment.

In 1855, his attention having been turned westward, he left home and took up his abode temporarily in Rochelle, Illinois. In this vicinity he opened up a farm, and with fair profits and moderate success devoted one season to its cultivation. The following spring, through the influence of a relative, he was induced to purchase a large farm, consisting of two hundred and forty acres, in the vicinity of Rochelle, Illinois, at twelve dollars per acre, payable in installments.

He continued on this farm till 1861, and then returned to Rochelle. Having disposed of all his interest in this estate in 1862, the following three years were occupied in shipping stock to the Chicago market. In this enterprise he was successful. In 1865 he embarked in the fuel trade, with like results. Up to this time his business career had been single-handed and alone.

In 1866 the firm of Curtis, Brother and Co. was first started. It originated from a very small beginning: Charles Curtis, the younger of the brothers, having in exchange for a grocery secured a small and insignificant sash factory in Clinton, Iowa, thereby laid the foundation for a business establishment unsurpassed in its line in this section of country. In 1867 the elder brother, George Curtis, united with him in this limited enterprise, and a few years later, in 1869, the subject of this sketch likewise became a member of the establishment. These three gentlemen constitute the present firm.

A brief biographical sketch of the Curtis brothers personally may not be inappropriate in this connection : George Curtis, the elder, was born in Oxford, Chenango county. New York, on the ist of April, 1844: his brother. Charles, on the 3d of April, 1846. Their mother, a sister of the subject of this sketch, is a native of Rhode Island. In common with other boys they enjoyed the benefits of a common-school education, and subsequently pursued a more thorough course of study in institutions of higher grade. Having left home at an early age, their success and business achievements have beeit most remarkable. The extent and variety of their transactions, and the admirable manner in which they have been managed, furnish sufficient proof of their comprehensive intellect and thorough business capacity.

Although very young men, both have attained to high degree in the Masonic institution. Both are also married to estimable and highly accomplished ladies. Gentlemanly and courteous in their social relations, and active and energetic in their business callings, they justly enjoy the good-will and respect of the entire community in which they reside.

The business of the firm has continued to increase since its first organization. During the past eight years its financial affairs have been so prudently managed that its entire loss will not exceed two dollars per thousand.

The firm continued its business successfully through the panic of 1872 and is annually enlarging and extending its usefulness. As an illustration of its prosperity, its business in 1869 amounted to sixty-five thousand dollars only; in 1875 its business was two hundred and fifty-eight thousand eight hundred and eighty dollars. At this time the entire number of employes is one hundred and sixty. The respective members of the firm are public-spirited, and take an active interest in the growth and prosperity of their town and its vicinity, contributing liberally for all and every public enterprise.

In politics, the members of the firm are decidedly republican, but not partisan.

Mr. Carpenter was married in 1861 to Miss Olevia Detwiler, of Rochelle, Illinois. The family circle comprises himself and wife, together with five children. They have lost one child.

His personal address is pleasing and agreeable, denoting a kind heart and a benevolent disposition. He is eminently a self-made man, and has carved out for himself an honorable distinction among his fellow-citizens. He also enjoys the esteem of the entire community.

Source:

The United States Biographical Dictionary and Portrait Gallery of Eminent and Self-Made Men. Iowa Volume.

Chicago and New York: American Biographical Publishing Company, 1878