My Genealogy Hound

E. J. Carpenter, a respected and representative farmer of Jones township, living on section 35, has made his home in Iowa since 1886. Ohio is the state of his nativity, his birth having occurred in Harrison county, February 5, 1860. His parents were John and Susan (Suddith) Carpenter, both of whom were born and reared in the Buckeye state. Mr. Carpenter followed farming there but at the time of the Civil war put aside all business and personal considerations and, prompted by a spirit of patriotism, enlisted in 1861 as a member of a volunteer regiment of infantry. He later veteranized and served for four years or until the war was brought to a close, when he was honorably discharged and returned home, having made a creditable military record as one who was ever faithful to his duty, whether on the firing line, the picket line or the long hard marches. Mr. Carpenter returned to Ohio but later removed to Adams county, Indiana, where in the midst of the forest he hewed out a farm. He cut down the trees, cleared away the brush and the stumps, plowed the land and in due course of time had a good property. Upon that place he reared his family and spent his remaining days, his death occurring there about 1883. His widow is yet living and still makes her home on the old farm in Indiana.

E. J. Carpenter was a young lad at the time of the removal to the Hoosier state and in Adams county he was reared, working on the farm through much of his boyhood and youth, while in the public schools he pursued his education and as opportunity offered enjoyed the pleasures of the playground. He continued in Indiana until twenty-six years of age and in 1886 came to Iowa, settling in Clarke county. He was living in Clarke county at the time of his marriage, which was celebrated on the 5th of January, 1888, the lady of his choice being Miss Elvira Hines, who was born and reared in Harrison county, Ohio. After their marriage they located upon a rented farm and for several years Mr. Carpenter carried on general agricultural pursuits in Clarke county. In 1903 he bought the farm upon which he now resides on section 35, Jones township, and it has since been his home. He has erected good buildings here, has divided the place into fields of convenient size by well kept fences and, having expended over six hundred dollars in improvements on the place, now has a neat, well kept and attractive farm. He also makes a business of raising and feeding stock and has high grade cattle and hogs, being successful both as a stockman and general farmer.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Carpenter have been born four children who are yet living: Linnie, Sherman A., Charles B. and Myrtle E. They lost their first born, Oscar S., who died at the age of three months and an infant daughter, Mary, who died when about a year old. Mr. and Mrs. Carpenter and their two eldest children are members of Pleasant Valley Christian church and the family is one of prominence in the community, the members of the household occupying an enviable position in social circles.

Mr. Carpenter exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the republican party but has never sought nor desired office. When he and his wife were married their financial resources were very limited but by their united labors and careful management they have gained a goodly measure of prosperity and are now the owners of a good home and valuable farm. They are both highly esteemed, possessing those sterling traits of character which in every land and clime awaken confidence and good will.