Charles D. Carpenter, merchant, Big Rapids, was born in Lawrenceville, St.
Lawrence Co, NY , Sept 7 1856. He is the son of John T. and Emily (Blish)
Carpenter. His father was a physician of prominence and gave his son a good
education sending him to the common school until 12 years of age and to the
Academy at Lawrenceville until he was 18 years old.
At that age Mr. Carpenter came to Big Rapids and engaged with the mercantile
firm of Phelps & Parker as clerk. He acted in this capacity six months,
when he bought the interest of Mr. Phelps and the house became Parker &
Carpenter. My Parker died May 7, 1882, and his widow soon after sold her
husband's share of the business to the remaining partner and his brother
Frank R. Carpenter, M.D. They operated together one year and May 26, 1883,
Mr. Carpenter of this sketch became sole proprietor of the establishment by
purchase. He carries an average stock of about $20,000 value in dry goods,
carpets, sewing-machines, etc. and transacts, annually an amount of business
aggregating $70,000.
Mr. Carpenter was married at Kvart, Newaygo Co,. Oct. 19, 1881 to Nettie E.,
daughter of Howard and Jeannette Wiltse. She was born at Kvart, May 14,
1857, and her parents were among the earliest settlers of Newaygo County.
Her father came to Mecosta County 1860 and died at Big Rapids in 1865. Her
mother died in 1857. The father of Mr. Carpenter died April 30, 1869: his
mother is yet living at Lawrenceville. Mrs. Carpenter was a teacher at Big
Rapids six years.
This is from Central Michigan University Clarke Historical Library.