A series of biographical sketches of the Jamestown citizens would not be complete without a tribute to the Reverend C.E. Carpenter, who has, perhaps, done more good in a spiritual way than any resident of their town. He fills an important work in many fields of labor. He is a faithful minister of the gospel and achieves much good in his modest, sincere, every-day life. He is one of the most useful individuals in the community. If there are "two souls with but a single thought, two hearts that beat as one," that are to be united in the holy bonds of matrimony, Reverend Carpenter's services are sought to invoke the divine blessing. It is he who is called to minister at the bedside of his fellow citizens in the closing hours of life, to soothe, comfort and alleviate the sorrowing friends and later to officiate at the funeral rites. There are few families in the town or community that have not been associated with Reverend Carpenter is one or all of these conditions, and his readiness and willingness in performing these duties have endeared him to his friends. Reverend Carpenter is a native of the state of New York, born in Orange county in 1852. For ten years prior to coming to Kansas in 1878 he lived in Peekskill, on the Hudson river. After several years devoted to farming three miles south of Jamestown, he left the farm in charge of his son and for twelve years was identified with the Doctor Baker Medicine Company as traveling salesman. Two years he was employed on rural mail route No. 2, running out of Jamestown. September 1, 1903, he became associated in a general merchandise business under the firm name of Carpenter & Carroll, and being well and favorably known, they are building up an excellent trade. During the greater part of his life Reverend Carpenter has alternated his time with the ministry and evangelical work. For two years he has filled the pulpits of Scottsville, Macyville and Fairview. He is not sectarian but worships with all denominations. Reverend Carpenter was married in 1872 to Miss Jennie Tompkins, of New York. Her father owned a farm along the Hudson, near Croton Landing, where Mrs. Carpenter was born. Their five children living are: Walter J., their only son, who is a rural mail carrier; Elizabeth, the wife of Frank Vincent a farmer three miles southwest of Jamestown; Flora, wife of Perry Grout, an employe in the store of John Lundblade; Alice and Winifred are young women at home, the former assists in the store.