Sedgwick County KSGenWeb

Portrait And Biographical Album of Sedgwick County, Kan.

Chapman Brothers 1888

Pages 1036 - 1037 

WILLIAM C. CARR, the genial and accommodating host of the Carr House, at Valley Center, is one of the most respected and influential citizens of that beautiful village. He came to Sedgwick County in November, 1884, and located in the place above mentioned, and has since made it his residence, engaged in managing the hotel, which is one of the best in this portion of the county. He is a native of Macoupin County, Ill., and first drew the breath of life Dec. 10, 1843, His parents, McCabeas and Mary (Blake) Carr, were natives of Tennessee.

            The father of the subject of this sketch was chiefly engaged during his life in farm pursuits, but dealt largely in cattle and hogs also. He was a strong adherent to the principles of Democracy, and held many of the offices in the gift of the people of the township in which he lived. As a substantial and wealthy citizen, he occupied a very prominent position in that portion of the Prairie State, and paid great attention to the moral and educational improvement of his neighborhood. He died on the old homestead in Illinois, in January, 1875. His wife, the mother of our subject, was a most excellent Christian woman, having been converted and professed religion in her early life. She was the mother of some thirteen children, three of whom died in their infancy. Those living are as follows: Jasper N., William C., Virginia, Laura, Oscar, Elzina, Love, Linus, George and Ornam. Love married John Dews, a native of England, who is a farmer in Illinois; his parents died while he was very young. Virginia married Gideon Loper, a native of Illinois, who is a farmer, and said to be one of the best in his district in that State; when he was married he had but $500, but at present is worth in the neighborhood of $75,000. Oscar married Miss Julia Gibson, and is a substantial farmer of the Prairie State; Jasper N. married Mary Elizabeth Hulse, also a native of Illinois, and is a resident of Valley Center, and the father of one girl, Mabel. The rest of the family are single, with the exception of the subject of our narrative.

            William C. Carr remained at home with his parents until he was about twenty-five years of age, and in his earlier days assisted in the agricultural labors on his father's farm during the summers, and in the winter time attended the district schools. As he grew older he devoted himself exclusively to farm labor at home until his marriage, which took place Nov. 11, 1868. The bride was Miss Phoebe Jane Ronen, who was born in Rochester, N. Y., March 26, 1849. Her parents were natives of the Emerald Isle, who had left their native home and settled in Canada. From the latter place they removed to Rochester, N. Y., and from there to the vicinity of Chicago, Ill. Her father died about 1875, but her mother still survives. Mrs. Carr was one of a family of seven children born to her parents, and is a most estimable, intelligent and energetic woman.

            The subject of our sketch came to Sedgwick County in November, 1884, and locating in Valley Center Township, has been engaged in the hotel business in the village ever since. The house, which is a very neat and convenient one, is the best in this part of the county, and with Mr. Carr as a genial host, is quite attractive to the traveling public. In politics the latter endorses the principles and policy of Democracy, and takes a leading part in the local political field. He has held several offices in the gift of the people of this vicinity, the principal of which is that of Judge of the Police Court of Valley Center. Socially, he devotes much time to the interests of Free Masonry, being the present Worshipful Master of Ark Lodge No 243, A. F. & A. M. He also is the incumbent of the office of Master Workman in Assembly No. 10809, K. of L. Mr. and Mrs. Carr are the parents of one daughter, Mabel, who was born Oct. 7, 1869. She is a highly intelligent and educated young lady, having passed through all the grades of the schools of Valley Center. She is greatly beloved by all for her kindness of heart and winning ways.

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