Benjamin T. Carpenter, a pioneer of Nelson, was born in Carroll, Chautauqua
Co., N.Y., June 17, 1832; is son of Timothy and Malinda Carpenter, who came
to Plainfield, Kent Co., in 1848. In 1856 our subject came to Nelson and
purchased land on sec. 18, where he has since resided, pursuing the vocation
of farming. He has cleared up a good farm from the "stump," and now ranks
with the pioneers of Kent. He enlisted as a soldier in Co. F, 6th Reg. Mich.
Cav., Sept. 12,1862. In 1864 he was promoted to Corporal. He served till the
war closed, and received his discharge Dec. 5, 1865. He served in the
Cumberland Army, and participated in all the battles that the 6th Cavalry
were in, numbering in all 65 engagements. Mr. Carpenter was married May 11,
1856 to Mary L. Carr, who bore him six children; four are living,
viz.----Amond R., Walter F., Fred and Estella M. Mr. C. is a Mason, and in
politics a Democrat. He owns 80 acres on sec.18 and 80 on sec. 12., Solon
tp. Also 160 acres in Emmet county.