James Earl Carter Sr. facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James Earl Carter Sr.
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| Member of the Georgia House of Representatives from Sumter County |
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| In office January 12, 1953 – July 22, 1953 |
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| Preceded by | Charles Burgamy |
| Succeeded by | Thad M. Jones |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
James Earl Carter
September 12, 1894 Arlington, Georgia, U.S. |
| Died | July 22, 1953 (aged 58) Plains, Georgia, U.S. |
| Cause of death | Pancreatic cancer |
| Political party | Democratic |
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| Profession | Politician, businessman, farmer |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | United States |
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James Earl Carter Sr. (born September 12, 1894 – died July 22, 1953) was an American politician and businessman. He was the father of Jimmy Carter, who later became the 39th president of the United States. James Earl Carter Sr. served in the Georgia House of Representatives for Sumter County from January to July 1953.
Contents
Early Life and Family Moves
James Earl Carter Sr. was born in Arlington, Georgia, on September 12, 1894. He was the fourth of five children. His parents were William Archibald Carter and Nina Pratt. In 1904, when James was nine, his family moved to Plains, Georgia. This move allowed an uncle to help guide young James. He attended the Riverside Military Academy until he finished 10th grade.
Military Service in World War I
After finishing 10th grade, Carter worked as a traveling salesman in Texas. He sold flatirons and used the money to invest in an ice house and a laundry in Plains.
In December 1917, Carter joined the United States Army during World War I. He started as a private in the 121st Infantry Regiment. He moved up the ranks to sergeant. In August 1918, he was chosen for officer training school. He finished his training at Camp Lee, Virginia, in November 1918. Because the war ended that month, the Army was getting smaller. Carter then became a second lieutenant in the Georgia National Guard.
Building a Business Career
After leaving the Army, Carter opened a grocery store in Plains. He worked very hard, from "sunrise until dark" and "Monday morning until Saturday afternoon." His son, Jimmy, later remembered that his father's hard work shaped his own work habits.
Carter also farmed, but farming income could change a lot due to weather and prices. He was always looking for ways to make his businesses successful.
Personal Life and Family
Carter married Lillian Gordy Carter on September 27, 1923, in Plains. They had to learn to adjust to their different interests. Lillian loved books, but Carter preferred newspapers and farm journals. He also enjoyed adventure stories like The Royal Road to Romance and Tarzan.
His son, Jimmy, remembered his father as a strict parent. He believed his father's approval for his first helpful act, opening a locked door, was a very important memory. When Jimmy was about 13, his father became a director for the Rural Electrification Program. This taught Jimmy about the importance of being involved in politics.
Politics and Public Service
James Earl Carter Sr. had conservative political views. He first supported President Franklin D. Roosevelt. However, he later disagreed with some of Roosevelt's New Deal programs. For example, he opposed programs that involved destroying crops or animals. Because of this, he never voted for Roosevelt again in national elections.
Despite his disagreements with national politics, Carter remained loyal to the Democratic Party in Georgia. He supported candidates like Eugene Talmadge for governor. His son, Jimmy, recalled how his father would take neighbors to political rallies in his farm truck.
Carter served on the Sumter County Board of Education. In 1952, he was elected to the Georgia House of Representatives as a Democrat. He represented Sumter County for a short time.
Later Years and Legacy
James Earl Carter Sr. died on July 22, 1953, at age 58. He passed away from pancreatic cancer. Three of his four children also later died from the same type of cancer. His life showed a strong work ethic and dedication to his family and community.
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James Earl Carter Sr.
