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For a quarter of a century
James McDonald Carter has resided within the borders of this province,
and although he has visited many parts of the Old World and the New, he
has never found a climate more healthful and invigorating than that of
Alberta, nor a country which offers greater opportunities to the young
man of ambition, enterprise and ability. A native of Scotland, he was
born November 12, 1866, and his parents were John and Jeannette (P11mev)
Carter. They spent their lives in that country, where the father engaged
in farming, while he also followed the trade of a stonemason. Ten
children were born to their union, but the subject of this review was
the only member of the family to come to America.
In 1888, when a young man
of twenty-two years, James McDonald Carter severed home ties and went to
England, where he remained for three years. He then decided to try his
fortune in a newer country whose resources were as yet largely
undeveloped, and in 1891 sailed for the United States. He did not remain
in the east but at once made his way across the continent to the Pacific
coast, with Washington as his destination. He resided in that state
until 1894, when he crossed the border into Canada, going to Vancouver,
British Columbia, where he spent three years. Soon afterward he met with
an accident, going over the falls in the Columbia river, and the report
of his death was sent to his relatives in Scotland. In 1897 he left
Revelstoke for Nelson, British Columbia, whence he journeyed once more
to the States in search of a climate which would restore his health, as
he was still suffering from the effects of the accident. For a short
time he was in Spokane, Washington, and then went to Shelby Junction,
Montana, but derived no benefit from the change. Becoming greatly
discouraged, he left the next move to chance, being undecided whether to
try the climate of California or that of Alberta, Canada. Accordingly,
with eyes blindfolded, he placed his future upon the toss of a coin,
which three times in succession indicated Alberta, so he at once started
for this province. After reaching Lethbridge he traveled by stage to
Macleod, the Canadian Pacific Railroad being at that time under
construction to Crovsnest. lie realized at once that he had at last
found the locality best suited to his health and at Macleod enjoyed the
first night's restful sleep he had experienced since his accident. With
renewed vigor, he reentered business life, freighting between Pincher
Creek, Alberta, and Crowsnest, British Columbia. He also worked on a
ranch for a time and at that period there were very few settlers in that
section of the province, the land being largely undeveloped. In 1905 Mr.
Carter entered a homestead claim of one hundred and sixty acres, near
Lundbreck, in the Rocky Mountain district of Alberta, and proved up on
his land, also purchasing a half section. lie remained in the vicinity
of Lundbreck until 1910, when he removed to Blairmore and embarked in
the real estate business. He was thus occupied until 1915, when he
enlisted for service in the World war, joining the Fiftieth Battalion at
Calgary, with which he was sent overseas. In December, 1917, he returned
to Blairmore and has since filled the office of chief of police, while
he also acts as health inspector, He has brought the department up to a
high standard of efficiency and his course as a public official has
received strong indorsement. He was the first road overseer in the
Lundbreck section and erected the first frame house at Bellevue, in the
Rocky Mountain district.
Mr. Carter is the father
of two children: Alice and Lindsay. He is ever ready to give his support
to measures for the promotion of the public welfare and has always been
faithful to any trust reposed in him. He is numbered among the leading
citizens of Blaii'more and is well entrenched in popular confidence and
esteem, by reason of his steadfast integrity, his enterprising spirit
and his distinctive civic loyalty. |
