from The History of Hendricks County (Indianapolis: B.F. Bowen & Co., 1914)--pages 319-320
David W. Carter, a twentieth-century farmer, knows very little of the disadvantages which surrounded the pioneer farmers of this state. No longer is the farmer compelled to rise early in the morning and continue his labors far into the evening. The farmer of today can do a much work in a half of a day as his father could fifty years ago in a whole day. The rural route leaves the daily paper on his doorstep each day, the telephone puts him in instant communication with his neighbors, and the interurban and automobile enable him to participate in all the features of city life. Surrounded by such conditions, the farmer of today can have all the advantages of the citizens of the city with few disadvantages.
David W. Carter, the son of John M. and Susan (Wells) Carter, was born in 1855, on the farm where he now lives near Avon, Indiana. He was education in the common schools of his township and later took a course in Northwestern Christian University, now known as Butler College, Indianapolis. After completing his college course he returned to his home county, where he has continued to follow the occupation of farming. In addition to raising all of the crops of this latitude, he makes a specialty of Poland China hogs and Jersey cattle. For the past year he has operated an up-to-date dairy and has proved to be a very successful dairyman.
Mr. Carter was married in 1876 to Susan Hiatt, the daughter of Jesse and Achsa Hiatt, his wife being born in 1854 in Henry County, Indiana. Mr. and Mrs. Carter have seven children: Louis F., born in 1877, who is a farmer residing with his parents on the home farm; Mrs. Eva May Larsh, born in 1881, who is the wife of a farmer in the northeastern part of Washington Township. She has three children, Raymond, Russell and Edna; John L., born in 1885, who is married and is a street car conductor in Indianapolis; Grace M., born in 1886, who is single and has attended the Metropolitan Musical College, Indiana, is a musician of more than ordinary ability and is now teaching a large class at home; Mary E., born in 1888, is single and living at home; she graduated from the high school at Indianapolis; Walter E., born in 1891, is an electrician and is making a special study of wireless telegraphy; Paul H. is working for the Bell Telephone Company, and Fanny. Mr. and Mrs. Carter have given all of their seven children the advantage of the best education possible and take a great deal of pride in the achievements of their children.
Mr. Carter is one of the most prosperous farmers of Washington Township and his reputation as a farmer and public-spirited citizen is not confined to his local township, as is shown by his service on the county council for two terms and the township board two terms. In his official capacity as councilman, he advocated all measures which were for the welfare of his county, and took a decided stand in favor of all improvements which might enhance the value of farm property. He is a Republican in politics. Mr. and Mrs. Carter are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Avon and Mr. Carter has been a trustee of the church for several years. They are both interested in church work and are firm believers in the value of the church as a social center in the community. Fraternally, Mr. Carter has been a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, at Plainfield, for many years.