Harry A. Carpenter, who has been agent for the American Express Company at Denison for the past nine years, was born in this city on the 25th of October, 1878, his parents being Alonzo and Elizabeth (Watterman) Carpenter, who were natives of New York and Wisconsin respectively. They came to Crawford county, Iowa, in 1875, the father being employed as bookkeeper by a Denison lumber concern until called to his final rest in 1884. The mother afterward gave her hand in marriage to Harrison Crippen, who has also passed away.
Harry A. Carpenter, who was the only child of his parents, supplemented his preliminary education by a high school course. He remained under the parental roof until twenty-four years of age, when he was married and established a home of his own. Learning the carpenter’s trade in early life, he worked at that occupation until 1902 and then became agent for the American Express Company at Denison, which concern he has since represented here. His fidelity in the discharge of his duties is evidenced in the fact that he has been retained in the service of the company for nine years. He was also engaged in the stationery business for one year.
In 1902 Mr. Carpenter was united in marriage to Miss Maud Bryan, a daughter of D. F. and Rachel Bryan, who are now residents of Crawford county. Mr. Carpenter lost his wife in September of the same year in which he had married her. In 1907 he wedded Miss Myrtle Barber, a native of Crawford county and a daughter of Warren C. and Frances (Watkins) Barber. Her father has passed away but her mother still survives, now making her home with our subject.
Mr. Carpenter is a stanch republican in politics but has never sought office as a reward for his party fealty. Fraternally he is identified with the Masons and the Knights of Pythias. Both he and his wife have always lived in this county and the circle of their friends is a wide one.