Robert Wilson Carr, BiographyPorter County biographical sketches . . . .
Transcribed biography of Robert Wilson Carr
ROBERT WILSON CARR - The late Robert Wilson Carr, who passed away December 23, 1903, was one of the first of the pioneers in what is now known as Miller and was a familiar figure throughout the Lake region during his lifetime. He was born in Ohio in 1842 and when twelve years of age accompanied his father to Illinois, where the family lived for a number of years. He attended school in Valparaiso and was associated with his father in business. When a young man he settled in the vicinity of Miller and here followed his occupation of hunting, trapping and fishing for the balance of his life. His home was on the lake shore, and he probably was acquainted with every foot of the dunes region. His annual catch of furs was large, and he found a ready market for his fish that he caught daily. Years before there was any trend of settlement in this region, and when many places that are now built up were inaccessible, he was setting his traps. His efforts were remunerative and in time he acquired holdings which later became greatly augmented in value due to the settlement, especially along the lake front. As a pioneer he had a speaking acquaintance with all settlers from the very earliest date, and he made many fast friends. His advice was often sought and was found valuable in regard to the development of this community. A willingness to extend any reasonable favor made for him a host of friends, and his passing removed one of the very fine figures of an earlier period. He was married in 1874 to Drucilla Benn of Valparaiso. To this union were born the following children: Edward, deceased; Clarie Rosalie; Frederick W.; Henry R.; Nettie; Myrtle, deceased; and Cora, deceased. Mr. Carr's holdings on the lake front are still owned by Mrs. Carr, a large tract of which lies between the steel company's property and the Gary City Park property.
Source: Cannon, Thomas H., H. H. Loring, and Charles J. Robb. 1927. History of the Lake and Calumet Region of Indiana Embracing the Counties of Lake, Porter and Laporte. Volume II. Indianapolis, Indiana: Historians' Association. 827 p.
Page(s) in Source: 545-546
This biography has been transcribed exactly as it was originally published in the source. Please note that we do not provide photocopies or digital scans of biographies appearing on this website.
Biography transcribed by Steven R. Shook