Joseph Henry CARTER (1862-1945)

Councillor JOSEPH HENRY CARTER, baker, Kingscote, Kangaroo Island, is the eldest son of the late Mr. Carter, of Adelaide, whose death occurred in 1904. He was born at North Adelaide in 1862, and received his education by means of private tuition. As a boy he was employed in farming pursuits at Cape Cassini, on the north coast of Kangaroo Island, where he remained for about seven years. Coming to Kingscote at the end of that period, he entered the employ of his father-in-law, Mr. C. Calnan, who was one of the earliest pioneers of the island, and after four or five years crossed to the mainland, where he took up his residence for three years. Subsequently he returned, and secured a contract for the Cape Borda mail service for a similar period, having completed which term he turned his attention to farming pursuits. In later years, when the use of superphosphates as a fertilizer became available, he succeeded in raising good crops; but his early experiences, like those of many others, were disappointing.

In 1905 he disposed of his property and removed to Kingscote, where he commenced business as a baker and confectioner, and has carried on successfully ever since. He gives a considerable portion of his time and attention to public affairs, and was first elected to the District Council of Kingscote in 1903, his property being situated only three miles distant from the township. He lost his seat in the following year, but at the next election was returned, and has remained in office ever since. He is an enthusiastic advocate for the construction of a railway through the island, regarding it as the first very necessary step towards opening up the interior for purposes of settlement. A new jetty to replace the present one at Kingscote, and a breakwater at Glenelg, to provide for a direct service between the latter place and Kangaroo Island, are also projects in which Mr. Carter takes a deep interest, and considers should be brought about with as little delay as possible.

In 1881 [Corrigendum: Methodist Chapel in Queenscliff on 30 November 1892. (Book 173 Page 742)] he was married to Charlotte Emily, seventh daughter of the late Mr. Charles Calnan, who arrived in 1836 by the sailing vessel "Africaine." His family consists of two sons and one daughter.

- Cyclopedia of South Australia, 1909, p.1005