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         MARION CARTER, cashier of the Farmers’ and Merchants’ State Bank, of Columbus Junction, is a native of Illinois, and was born in Sangamon County, Aug. 26, 1842; his parents, Edwin and Emily (Spurgeon) Carter, were early settlers of Des Moines County, Iowa. His father was born in Fauquier County, Va., July 25, 1814, and is descended from an old Virginian family. He is a farmer by occupation, and yet resides in Pleasant Grove Township, Des Moines County. The mother of our subject was born in Kentucky, of Welsh parentage, was related to the Rev. Spurgeon, the celebrated revivalist of England, and her death occurred in the autumn of 1848.

When two years of age Marion went with his parents to his father’s old home in Virginia, and after a brief stay in the Old Dominion returned to Illinois. In the fall of 1848 the family emigrated from that State to Iowa, settling on a farm in Pleasant Grove Township, Des Moines County, where our subject was reared to manhood, receiving his primary education in the district school. Later he took a course of study at Prof. Howe’s celebrated training school at Mt. Pleasant, which was supplemented by a course at the Iowa Wesleyan University. In May, 1872, he came to Columbus Junction, which was then in its infancy, and in company with E. M. Sargent opened the first general store at this point, under the firm name of Sargent & Carter. He served as Assistant Postmaster for M. C. B. Gentzler, keeping the office in the store at a fixed salary of $1,200 per year. On the 22d of July, 1872, Mr. Carter, in the discharge of his duties, opened the first mail pouch received at the Columbus Junction office, which was kept at the store in the north room of the Wortham House. On the 1st of January, 1873, he delivered the office to Mr. Gentzler, and on the 1st of March, 1874, was re-appointed Assistant Postmaster under M. C. Fulton. In 1873 Mr. Carter bought out his partner’s interest in the mercantile business, which he carried on alone until 1874, when he sold out to Paugh & Robinson. He was next employed as book-keeper, being agent for W. H. H. Spafford, in 1872 was City Recorder, and in 1883 began dealing in coal, wood and railroad ties as a wholesale dealer, which business he has carried on continuously since. On the organization of the Farmers’ and Merchants’ bank, of Columbus Junction, on the 3d of March, 1888, he was chosen cashier, which position he yet holds.

In Louisa County, Oct. 23, 1879, Mr. Carter was united in marriage with Miss M. J. Heindel, daughter of Samuel Heindel. Mrs. Carter was born in York County, Pa. She is a member of the United Presbyterian Church. They have one child, a son, born at Columbus Junction, Oct. 25, 1887. Mr. Carter in independent in politics, and is not identified with any religious denomination. As his record shows, he was one of the very earliest merchants in the city, and has been identified with its business interests continuously since. He is a popular bank officer, a genial, courteous gentleman, and a highly respected citizen.