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Carter, William A. (William Alexander), 1818-1881

 Person

Dates

  • Existence: 1818 - 1881

Biographical History

William A. Carter (1818-1881) was a businessman and judge at Fort Bridger, Wyoming.

William Alexander Carter was born to Lucinda Washington Alexander and John Wormeley Carter on April 15, 1818, in Prince William County, Virginia. Around 1857 to 1858, William A. Carter came with Johnston's Army as a sutler, or storekeeper, to Fort Bridger, Wyoming. Carter and his wife, Mary Eliza Hamilton, had six children: Ada, Anna, Lulie, Roberta, William A. and Edgar. He stayed at Fort Bridger with his family rebuilding and restocking the fort. One of the region's early businessmen, Carter was involved in mining, oil, logging, and cattle ranching, and he also operated a sawmill. He raised hay and grain on the land surrounding the Fort to fill contracts with the government. Carter was soon known as Mr. Fort Bridger, and became Wyoming's first millionaire. In addition to his business activities Carter was justice of the peace and probate judge for Green River County. Carter died November 7, 1881.

Citation:
FamilySearch, via WWW, Mar. 31 2017 (William Alexander Carter; b. Apr. 15 1818 in Prince William County, Virginia; d. Nov. 7 1881 at Ft. Bridger, Wyoming; m. Mary Eliza Hamilton 1848; nine children; parents Lucinda Washington Alexander and John Wormeley Carter)

Legends of America, via WWW, Mar. 31 2017 (Came to Fort Bridger with Johston's Army; Sutler; Mr. Fort Bridger; Wyoming's first millionaire; judge)

Found in 2 Collections and/or Records:

Collection of William A. Carter materials, 1857-1925

 Series
Identifier: MSS SC 490 Series 2
Scope and Contents note

Series comprised of letters, news clippings, legal documents, a map, and diaries which give insight into William A. Carter, and Fort Bridger activities between 1857 and 1925.

Dates: Other: 1857-1925
Found in: L. Tom Perry Special Collections / MSS SC 490, William A. Carter papers

William A. Carter correspondence, 1863-1879

 Series
Identifier: MSS SC 490 Series 1
Scope and Contents note Letters, written 1863 to 1879, describe Carter's business activities in regard to Fort Bridger and his several enterprises, and include descriptions of his interaction with U.S. government leaders, especially military officers. He mentions the events of the time, such as the Credit Mobilier investigation, and comments on the people he meets, including Ben Holladay and Ned Buntline. He includes much news of the family related activities, including his search for teachers to be hired for the...
Dates: Other: 1863-1879
Found in: L. Tom Perry Special Collections / MSS SC 490, William A. Carter papers

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Letters 1
 

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