My Genealogy Hound

WILLIAM CARR, one of the elderly farmers of Cortland County and town of Cortlandville, about to retire, was born in Orange County, N. Y., June 27, 1824. He is a son of David and Azubah (Corwin) Carr, who were born on Long Island, and in 1850 settled in the town of Cortlandville on a farm of 141 acres, now owned by C. Travis. Mr. Carr built a frame house and barn on this farm and set out one of the largest orchards in this section of the country, and otherwise improved the estate, until it was considered one of the best. After living upon this farm for some years, he sold it and bought one of David Fisk, consisting of 106 acres, now owned and resided upon by his son William, the subject of this personal sketch. Later he bought the partially improved farm of C. Coles. Farming was his sole occupation, and he was classed among the leading farmers of his day. Mr. Carr married the daughter of Peter Corwin. To them were born nine children: Israel Y.; William, the subject of this personal history; Elizabeth; Clarissa Jane; Azubah; Hester; Corwin P.; David; and Hiram. Mr. Carr was among those who early offered their services to their country in the War of 1812. His patriotic ardor found full vent on many a hard contested field of battle, where he was ever eager to discharge his full duty and more. Mr. Carr lived a much respected life and died at the age of eighty-four years. Mrs. Carr, who was a woman of many virtues and who largely contributed to the success of her husband, died at the age of eighty-six years.

William Carr received his education in the district school, and at the same time assisted his father in the cultivation of the farm. For his first purchase as a home, he bought the farm of Mr. Steadman, and later he purchased his father’s farm, and immediately set to work in remodeling and enlarging the buildings. Mr. Carr is as successful in running a dairy as he is in farming, having his farm stocked with very fine Jersey cattle.

He was married to Miss Ann Eliza Ransom, daughter of Jefferson Ransom. As a result of this union two children were born, Julian and Nellie. Julian married Mary Clegg, and they are the parents of three children: Irene, Nellie, and William. Julian Carr assists his father in running the farm, but is a mechanic by trade. Nellie, now deceased, married Jurial White. Two children were born to them, Mabel and Howard. Mrs. Carr departed from this life at the age of seventy-two years. She was a woman of excellent qualities, and her death was mourned by a large circle of friends. Mr. Carr joined the ranks of the Republican party in early years, and has remained identified with that political organization to the present. He takes a great interest in the Grange, of which he is a prominent member. In his religious views he is a Presbyterian.

He has been a public-spirited man, and has always lent his aid and influence to the advancement of measures which he believed would be conducive to the public welfare. In business life, Mr. Carr is active and straight-forward, has accumulated a fortune and is now about to retire.