Bartholomew County IN Archives Biographies.....Carr, John 1837 - ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/copyright.htm http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/in/infiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Joy Fisher sdgenweb@yahoo.com January 21, 2007, 7:50 pm Author: B. F. Bowen (1904) JOHN CARR. Among the representative business men of Columbus who are now administering the affairs of the city as members of the city council is John Carr, and in the varied relations of life he has been found as one who stands "four square to every wind that blows." His birth occurred on the Emerald Isle on the 29th of June, 1837. The Carr family were farming people of Ireland and the subject of this review was born upon his father's farm, early becoming familiar with the duties of field and meadow. He acquired a common-school education there and remained at home until twenty-one years of age, when he bade adieu to friends and native land and severed the ties that bound him to Ireland, preparatory to becoming a resident of the new world. The reports which he had heard concerning its opportunities and its privileges strongly attracted him and he resolved that he would try his fortune on this side of the Atlantic. Accordingly in 1859 he sailed for America, landing in New York city. He there went to work as a laborer, but after six weeks spent in the Empire state he proceeded southward to Norfolk, Virginia, taking passage on a steamer bound for that port. From there he went to Wauthville, Virginia, where he began canvassing for the sale of dry goods and notions, traveling throughout that district of the country. The year 1861 witnessed his arrival in Indiana. He sold goods in a similar manner throughout this state and Illinois for a number of years. On the 1st of March, 1868, he came to Columbus and here he embarked in business as a merchant, conducting his store successfuly until 1870. Having a desire to again see the scenes amid which he was reared and to renew the friendships of his earlier years, he returned to his native country and remained in Ireland for about sixteen months. His attachment, however, for the new world led him to return to this country in November, 1871. Locating once more in Columbus, he has since resided here and through thirty-two consecutive years has been numbered among the merchants of this place. He has now a well equipped store, in which he carries a large line of goods and as a merchant he ranks high because of his known reliability, his enterprise and his progressive methods. He was empty handed when he arrived the first time in the new world, but gradually he has worked his way upward, brooking no obstacles that could be overcome by determination and persistent energy. In religious faith Mr. Carr is a Catholic and in his political affiliations he is a Democrat, having always supported that party since becoming a naturalized American citizen. Upon this ticket he was elected to the position of city councilman, in 1890, from the first ward. He served for two years and was re-elected in 1892, and held office until 1896. In 1900 he was once more chosen for the office and again in 1902, so that he will have served ten years when he completes his present term. It has been said that you can fool some of the American people all of the time, all of the American people some of the time, but not all of the people all of the time. The truth of this expression is abundantly verified in political life, for though one may attain office, his course is so open to public inspection and to public criticism that if he is not worthy of the honor and responsibilities conferred upon him he cannot be retained long in a position depending on popular suffrage, and that Mr. Carr has for ten years been a member of the city council of Columbus is an indication of the trust reposed in him and of his allegiance to the best interests and the welfare of his adopted city. Socially he belongs to the Catholic Knights of America, which is considered one of the safest fraternal orders of the country. The hope that led him to leave his native land and seek a home in America has been more than realized. He found the opportunities he sought,—which by the way are always open to the ambitious, energetic man,—and making the best of these he has steadily worked his way upward. He possesses the resolution, perseverance and reliability so characteristic of people of his nation, and his name is now enrolled among the best citizens of Bartholomew county. Additional Comments: Extracted from BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD OF BARTHOLOMEW COUNTY INDIANA INCLUDING BIOGRAPHIES OF THE GOVERNORS AND OTHER REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS OF INDIANA ILLUSTRATED 1904 B. F. Bowen PUBLISHER File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/in/bartholomew/bios/carr715gbs.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/infiles/ File size: 5.0 Kb