J. J. Carter, a successful farmer of Farm Ridge township, LaSalle county, was born in Wayne county, New York, February 10, 1841. He is of Scotch descent, his first ancestor in this country having been one of four unmarried brothers who came to America about 1650, one locating in Virginia, one in Philadelphia, and two in the Empire state. Some of their descendants were soldiers in the war for independence, while others bearing the name were actively engaged in the war of 1812.
Asa, father of J. J. Carter, was born in New York state, the son of a hero of the second war with England. He married Hannah Braymer, of the same state, daughter of a thrifty Pennsylvania German. In 1844 they removed to Will county, Illinois, and four years later came to this township, where the parents continued to dwell until called to their reward, the father dying at the age of sixty-five years, and the mother at sixty-seven years. Both were devoted members of the Methodist Episcopal church. They had seven children, of whom one daughter, Fannie, is deceased. The others are: Edwin, of Iowa; Charles, of this township; J. J.; Mrs. Almira Gillespie, of Nebraska; Mrs. Janet Singer, of Ottawa; and Allen, of Nebraska.
From his earliest recollections, J. J. Carter has been familiar with farming, in its various branches. His energetic efforts to acquire a competence met with due reward, and for many years he has been one of the well-to-do farmers of this township. He owns a quarter section of finely improved land, part of the old homestead. This place is a very desirable one, as it has good barns, a comfortable residence, orchard, fine pastures and fertile fields, all in excellent condition. In addition to this farm he owns another, at Red Lake, Minnesota.
In 1862 Mr. Carter married Miss Mary Ann Reese, daughter of A. G. and Caroline (Helm) Reese, both of whom are deceased. The eldest born child of Mr. and Mrs. Carter is Melvin, of Fort Dodge, Iowa. He married a Miss Rambler, and has three children. Ora, eldest daughter of Mr. Carter, is the wife of George Scherrer, of Alexis, Illinois. Carrie is a successful teacher of music; and Edna and Nellie are still at home. Ellen died at the age of eighteen months, Josephine at twelve years, and Laura at the age of sixteen years.
Politically Mr. Carter is a Democrat, and has served in a number of township offices, with credit. His means and influence are liberally used in the support of schools and churches, the temperance cause and other movements calculated to uplift and benefit humanity. He and his estimable wife are devoted members and active workers in the Methodist Episcopal church, he having acted as one of the officials of the congregation. Integrity and justice characterize all of his dealings with his fellow men and all unite in praise of his honorable, upright life.
Extracted by Norma Hass from Biographical and Genealogical Record of LaSalle County, Illinois published in 1900, volume 1, pages 392-393.
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