Alexander Carter, Jr., the subject of this sketch, was born in Sciota County, Ohio, April 27th, 1833, spent his youth and grew to manhood on the farm. He improved the meager educational advantages afforded in those early days to a good account as he did everything he undertook, being always painstaking and careful.

In 1853, during the progress of a successful religious revival by which the whole community was stirred to reformation of life, conducted by the Rev. A. J. Byers, the pastor of the Methodist Episcopal Church at that place, and later chaplain of the Ohio penitentiary, Brother Carter "having respect unto the recompense of the reward," and heeding the command, "remember now thy creator in the days of thy youth," sought and found peace with Him of whom Moses in the law and the prophets did write, “and upon whose promises he has ever relied with implicit confidence while he squared his life and walk by the golden rule”.

In April, 1855, being thoroughly imbued with a spirit of adventure and western enterprise, he, in company with T. M. Carter, a younger brother, and P. E. Stout, a lifelong friend, bade adieu to the beautiful hills and broad valleys of Ohio, and after weeks of weary travel by steamboat, stage, horseback or on foot as necessity required, he found a home in Nebraska, settling on what is now the town site of Blair, before the government survey had yet been made. Four years later, still following his inclination for adventure, he accompanied an expedition of friends to Pikes Peak in quest of gold, but he only remained in the mountains eighteen months, when he returned to his Nebraska home.

While seeking the gold that perisheth he bravely maintained his Christian integrity and added largely to his treasure above "where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through and steal." This was evidenced on his return by his daily song, which he sang in communion with his Savior:

"What a mercy in this,

What a heaven of bliss,

Jesus died to redeem a lost race."

Brother Carter is what might well be called a charter member of the first Methodist class organized in Washington County, and no one has sacrificed more for others and the church of his choice than he. He was the pioneer preacher's staunchest friend. His home was always open to receive those servants of the Master, and they always received a hearty welcome to which any yet living can testify.

After his return from the mountains, he resumed his life on the farm and laid broad and deep the foundations of the home he so preeminently built and has so thoroughly enjoyed. His marriage with Miss Rocelia A. Hitchcock of Michigan in August, 1861, seemed to complete his happiness. To them were born two sons and one daughter: Walter S., Orrin and Miss Lula, all of whom with their mother, are left to mourn, but not as those without hope, for their loss is his eternal gain.

Brother Carter has been threatened with heart failure at times for some months past, and on the day of his sudden demise, being December 30th, he seemed to be as well as usual, spending the day about home in his usual spirits and retired for the night about nine o'clock, but soon afterward complained of feeling badly; he arose from his bed thinking the spell would soon pass away, but it proved to be a fatal illness, and within twenty minutes he was gone.

The funeral was conducted by his pastor from the family residence five miles north of Blair, January 1st, 1897, and was attended by a large concourse of relatives and sympathizing friends, and his body was laid to rest in the family lot in the beautiful cemetery at Blair.

Thus ends the life of one of the oldest settlers in the state, an honored citizen, a generous neighbor and friend, and in every way a good man.