Transcribed from "History of North Washington, an illustrated history
of Stevens, Ferry, Okanogan and Chelan counties", published by Western
Historical Publishing Co., 1904.
JOHN W. CARPENTER, deceased.
The esteemed subject of this memoir was one of the earliest settlers to
that part of Okanogan county where his widow now lives, about nine miles
northeast from Malott, in Spring coulee. He was a man who labored
hard for the advancement and development of the country and was respected
by all. His death occurred on November 8, 1895, at the old homestead,
and his remains were laid to rest in a fitting manner. He was one
whose life had been spent in industry and labor for the benefit of all.
John W. Carpenter was born in Concord, Vermont,
on April 20, 1852. His ancestors were traced back to the very first
English settlers on American soil and were prominent people. Mr.
Carpenter crossed the plains in early days and settled in western Oregon.
He was married on June 1, 1870, in Polk county, Oregon, to Miss Mary, daughter
of Nathaniel and Sarah Newbill. She was born in Petis county, Missouri,
on March 10, 1849, and crossed the plains with her parents in 1851.
They settled in Yamhill county, Oregon. Our subject lived in different
places in Oregon, for some time and then settled near Wilbur, in Lincoln
county, Washington, where he remained a few years. In 1888 he came
from there to Okanogan county and took as a homestead the place where the
widow now resides. It was raw land and the country was wild.
Mr. and Mrs. Carpenter had a hard time to make a start, but by faithful
and hard labor, they succeeded and had a good home built up and property
around when he passed away.
To this worthy couple five children were born:
James L., married and living on a ranch near Riverside; Benjamin F., on
the home place; Nathaniel E., married to Annie Robertson, and on the home
place also; Charles T., married to Mary Ruffenach, and living near the
home place; William W., on the home farm. Mrs. Carpenter has a good
large residence of twelve rooms, besides bath and closets, which is one
of the largest residences in the entire county. She owns the homestead
and has it well improved and producing a good income. She also has
a large band of cattle and deserves great credit for the fortitude and
wisdom she has manifested in the management of affairs since the death
of her husband. Mrs. Carpenter belongs to the Methodist church and
the children have been reared in that faith. They are all good substantial
people and have done much for the improvement of the county.
