Biography of Robert D. Carter, 1902, Baker Co., Oregon: Surnames: Carter, Hanna, Sprague

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Transcribed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
W. David Samuelsen - November 2001
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An Illustrated History of Baker, Grant, Malheur and Harney Counties, pub. 1902
by Western Historical Pub. Co. of Chicago. page 271

Robert D. Carter

In chronicling the history of Baker county it is eminently fitting that
especial mention should be made of the gentleman whose name heads this
article, since his rare ability and stanch integrity and strict adherence to
the principles of truth and uprightness have made him a potent factor in the
municipal affairs of the county seat, as well as throughout the county in
general, while his prominence as a distinguished citizen is well attested by
all. Being a descendant of one of the worthy patriots who accompanied William
Penn to this continent, his father's and mother's ancestors both participating
in the Revolutionary war, we would expect to find exemplification of these
same rare virtues in their son, which is abundantly verified throughout his
entire career.

Mr. Carter was born in Cecil county, Maryland, on August 26, 1856, being the
son of Daniel and Martha (Hanna) Carter. His education was received in his
native county, where he remained until 1875, then came west to Colorado,
Wyoming and Idaho. Two years were spent in these states and then he came to
Baker City and engaged with J. M. Swift in the stock business, continuing
therein for four and one-half years. The two years next succeeding this period
he was in the employ of the O. R. & N. Company in the engineering department.
After this he engaged in the butcher business, in which capacity he has
continued uninterruptedly until the present time. He is in partnership with
Mr. Miller, the firm being known as Carter & Miller, and they do a general
butchering and packing business, besides operating a stock farm of eight
hundred acres. Mr. Carter is also owner of considerable valuable real estate
in Baker City and elsewhere and is also interested in mining, and is
considered one of the leading business men of eastern Oregon. He was a member
of the city council and also a member of the water committee when the Baker
City water system was originally adopted. For a number of years he has served
as chairman of the Democratic central committee, and is a valued man in that
capacity. From 1894 to 1898 he served as councilman and in 1900 he was called
by the people to fill the chair of chief executive of Baker City, and in this
position we find him at the present time. It is refreshing to note that in all
of this lengthy and arduous public service Mr. Carter has received the honors
without the slightest solicitation on his part, believing that honor will come
to whom honor is due, thus manifesting the grand example of the proper
demeanor of an officer in a republic.

The marriage of Mr. Carter and Miss Clara M. Sprague, a native of Canada, was
solemnized in Anacortes, Washington, and to them have been born two children:
Roberta and Sprague H. Mr. Carter is a member of the F. & A. M.