J. T. CARTER Among the intelligent and enterprising farmers of Benton Township, none are more favorably known than the subject of this sketch, who occupies section 28. He is a native of Iowa, born August 17, 1854, the son of J[ohn]. D[avis]. CARTER, a prominent pioneer of Ringgold County, whose sketch can be seen on another page of this work [and Priscilla (CLINTON) CARTER. The latter located in Benton Township when his son was fifteen months old, and brought him up on the farm, educating him at the common school, and at Garden Grove [Decatur County], Iowa. In 1874 our subject engaged in mercantile business in Mormontown [present-day Blockton], Iowa; about two years after he moved to Kansas, where he was engaged some months in a mercantile house, and for a time afterward was employed at farming, one season; and in 1878 he returned to his home township, locating on his present farm, in 1882. This farm, containing 120 acres, is in a high state of cultivation, well equipped, and as fine as any in the township. His residence, one-and-a-half stories high, is surrounded with shade and ornamental trees. Mr. CARTER’s occupation is that of general farming, while he gives considerable attention also to stock-raising and feeding. Some of his live stock is of fine breeds. By his judicious management he has attained an enviable position financially, while socially and politically he stands high in the county. He is a Republican in his political views.

Mr. CARTER was married February 16, 1882, to Miss Lora J. DOWLIN, daughter of David and Mattie DOWLIN, of Taylor County, Iowa, and they are the parents of two children – Clay S. and Grace M. Mrs. CARTER is a woman of intelligence and refinement.

NOTE: Priscilla (CLINTON) CARTER was born and died January 23, 1826, and died March 29, 1883.

John Thomas "J. T." CARTER was born August 17, 1854, Fairfield, Jefferson County, Iowa, and died June 20, 1940, Reedley, Fresno County, California. Lora Isabel (DOWLIN) CARTER was born in Pennsylvania on June 6, 1863, and died June 24, 1929, California. John and Lora were interred at Acacia Memorial Park, Modesto, Stanislaus County, California. Acacia Memorial Park Cemetery was originally known as the Masonic Cemetery.

David D. DOWLIN was born 1836, and died at the age of 56 years, 4 months and 17 days on July 27, 1892 with interment at Platte River Cemetery near Maloy, Ringgold County, Iowa. Also interred at Platte River Cemetery was Minnie L. DOWLIN, born August 19, 1873, and died at the age of three years on October 28, 1875.

SOURCES:
Biography & Historical Record of Ringgold County, Iowa, Pp. 298-99, 1887.

WPA Graves Survey

Transcription and note by Sharon R. Becker, January of 2009

Biographical Sketches Pages Index: A - F,   G - L,   M - R,  S - Z