Carlton, David R.

The following data is extracted from History of Madison County, Indiana.

DAVID R. CARLTON. Naturally a man's success in life is measured by his prestige in business, political or social circles, and when he figures prominently in all it inay be reasonably assumed that he is possessed of more than the average ability. Among the men of Elwood, Indiana, who have risen to places of prominence in business life and have also attained eminence in the political arena, stands David R. Carlton, County recorder of Madison County, and one of this section's most popular and capable officials. Mr. Carlton was born in Lafayette Township, Madison County, Indiana, September 24, 1877, and is a son of William James and Anna (Nading) Carlton.

Richard Carlton, the paternal grandfather of David R. Carlton, was a native of Ireland, born in County Tyrone, who came to the United States in his twenty-second year and located in Madison County, Indiana, where he and his wife, who bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Ferguson and was also a native of Ireland, spent the remainder of their lives, William James Carlton was born in Madison County, in October, 1849, and passed his boyhood 0n his father's farm, securing a liberal common school education. He early adopted the calling of carpenter, subsequently becoming a prosperous contractor, principally devoting himself to work on public highways and public work, and served as assessor of Madison County for one term, He married Miss Anna Nading, a native of Pennsylvania, born in Lancaster County of German parentage, and they became the parents of several 'children.

David R. Carlton received his education in the public and high schools of Elwood, Indiana, and after leaving the latter became a clerk in the boot and shoe establishment of Lane Brothers, of Elwood, where he remained two years, He then secured a like position with the Pittsburgh Plate Glass Company, at Elwood, a position he resigned two years later to become record clerk for the American Plate Glass Company, On leaving the latter concern, Mr. Carlton embarked in business as a salesman for the firm of Lewis A. Crossett, of. North Abington, Massachusetts, but subsequently returned to Elwood and became interested in the business of W. T. Wiley & Company, general merchants and dealers in dry goods, boots and shoes, Later he was a partner in the firm of Carlton & Collett, of Elwood, general merchants, afterward taking over Mr. Collett's interest and continuing in business as D. R. Carlton & Co, up to the present time.

In 1903 Mr. Carlton was married to Miss Lenna A. Hamsher, daughter of Dr. F. M. Hamsher, a well-known dental practitioner of Lafayette, Indiana, and to this union there have come four children: James Hamsher, Jane Ann, Kathleen and Wilma Martha. Mr. Carlton has always affiliated with the Democratic party, and has taken an active part in local, County and state politics, In the fall elections of 1911 he was his party's candidate for the office of County recorder, and was elected to that position, taking charge of the duties of the office January 1, 1912, for a term of four years, He has proven himself a most faithful, capable and conscientious public official, and has firmly established himself in the confidence of his fellow-citizens, Fraternally, Mr. Carlton is connected with Quincy Lodge No, 230, Free and Accepted Masons; Elwood Chapter No, 109, Royal Arch Masons, and has attained the Scottish Rite degree, For some time he has been a member of the Lodge of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, of which he served as exalted ruler, and has also been a member of the Grand Council. During his long residence in Madison- County, Mr. Carlton has formed a wide acquaintance, and his popularity is attested by a wide circle of sincere friends.

Source: History of Madison County, Indiana

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