Henrietta Carr

CARR, MOORE, BRIGGS

Posted By: Fran Hunt Volunteer
Date: 10/8/2001 at 10:50:01

John W. Carr was Milton's leading citizen for many years, previous to his decease, and now come the grim reaper with only a few days notice, and snatches away his companion, Mrs. Henrietta M. Carr, who perhaps was more closely identified with Milton, from its infancy to its present prosperity, than any other woman in it. Henrietta Moore was born in Franklin County Ohio, July 21, 1840, and died at her home in Milton Iowa, March 6, 1902, age 61 years, 7 months and 15 days. In 1842 her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Moore, moved to the then Territory of Iowa and settled on a farm near Lebanon Iowa, where they lived until their deaths. Here she spent her school girl days in about the usual manner of country girls until December 27, 1860, whe she united in marriage to John W. Carr. They immediately moved to Milton, then a place of but few homes. Here Mr. Carr entered the mercantile business with George Smith, his part of the capital being only $830, which he had made teaching school. In 1860 Robert Russell became a member of the firm. Two years after, Mr. Smith sold out. Carr and Russell continued the business until 1867, when Mr. Russell retired also. In 1875 Joseph Moore, his father-in-law entered the firm, known as J.W. Carr and Company. In 1882 they sold out to Hill and Calhoun. He then turned his attention to his farm of 1,200 acres. In 1887, he entered the Citizens Bank as one of its stockholders and president. He had previously been elected State Senator from Van Buren and Davis counties. He died January 31, 1891, after several years of patient suffering from that grim destroyer consumption. During all these years, Mrs. Carr was his constant companion, sharing alike his joys and sorrows. At the time of his deceased, he willed 160 acres of land to each of his brothers and sisters and all the remainder of his property to Mrs. Carr.
Mrs. Carr, with her companion of many years, Miss Lydia Worley, has resided at her Milton residence ever since, until her death. Her property having been well managed, has largely increased in value, and added to her acres not a few, but far above all worldly wealth stands preeminent her true womanly qualities, the inate goodness of her heart. She was ever ready to assist, not alone the needy and distressed, but all public enterprises, for the advancement of the community in which she lived. Her life in all respects was ever above reproach, and those who knew her most intimately, knew her best.
The funeral services were held at the residence on March 8, and were conducted by Rev. A.V. Higbee, of Corning Iowa, formerly pastor of the Presbyterian Church and a near neighbor of Mrs. Carr. Carr Chapter Order of the Eastern Star of which she was a charter member performed their beautiful funeral ceremonies over her casket as a token of their love and esteem. The floral emblems were exquisite, especially those of the Eastern Star and Citizens Bank. All her brothers and sisters were present except Mrs. Briggs of California. The memory of Mrs. Carr, now sleeping beside her husband in the new cemetery, will long be remembered and referenced in many a Milton home. I am not related and am posting this obituary for those who might find this person in their family history.