Thomas Butler Carter Papers

Thomas Butler Carter Papers, 1831-1898.

0.1 cubic ft.

This collection contains correspondence, a typed autobiography, some miscellaneous documents and memorabilia as well as photographs relating to Chicago businessman Thomas Butler Carter.

Thomas Butler Carter was born in Union Hill, New Jersey in 1817, where he spent his boyhood. He began clerking at age 15 and continued at various stores until 1838, when his employer invited him to become a partner in a Chicago dry goods business. After many business and real estate setbacks, Carter ultimately became an agent for the Chicago Equitable Life Assurance Society.

In 1840, Carter married Catharine Raymond, sister of Benjamin Wright Raymond, third mayor of Chicago. They had ten children, five of whom died in infancy. After Catharine’s death, he married Margaret Garthwaite of Newark, New Jersey. Thomas Butler Carter died in 1898.

Call Number: Midwest MS 127
Finding Aids:
Collection-level catalog record
Online Inventory

Thomas Butler Carter first opened his dry goods store, T.B. Carter and Co, in 1838 at 119 Lake. Now, it would sit on Lake Street, just east of Clark.