From the 1885 History of Steuben County, Indiana

page 669

Jesse H. Carpenter is a native of Erie County, Ohio, born July 12, 1838, a son of Harlow J. and Fanny (Merry) Carpenter, his father a native of Vermont and his mother of Connecticut. In 1849 his parents settled in Otsego Township, Steuben Co., Ind., but he remained in Ohio for some time, on account of the better educational advantages. After coming to the county he taught school a few terms, and when nineteen years of age was appointed a railroad station agent at Lawrence, Ohio, a position he held three years. In 1861 he volunteered in defense of the Union; was mustered into the United States Marine Artillery service with Burnside's expedition, and served a year and a half. Immediately after his discharge at Newbern, N. C., he enlisted in the engineer corps, and was appointed a Lieutenant in the same. On his return to Steuben County he engaged in farming with his father. He was a Trustee of Otsego Township five years, and in the fall of 1874 was elected County Auditor, and moved to Angola. A National in politics, he was elected to his office on the independent ticket. He made an efficient officer and performed his duties in an honest, upright manner, and by so doing, has won the respect and confidence of all, both supporters and opponents. He has made two political canvasses since as the candidate of the National or people's party, endorsed by the Democrats, one as State Senator of his District, and one as State Representative of his county, and in both cases his support was so flattering that his election seemed probable. Mr. Carpenter was married Sept. 29, 1870, to Frances Brown, a native of Ohio, daughter of William H. L. and Phoebe A. (Wilcox) Brown. They have one son-- Robert H.

Submitted by Kim Davoli

E-mail: davoli82@juno.com