Source: Portrait & Biographical Album of Whiteside County, IL - 1885
Transcribed by: Jaunice Minor

Capt. Christopher C.CARPENTER, of Fulton, Captain of the steamer “Brother Jonathan,” of the Jenks, Mathews & Jordan Line, of Stillwater, Minn., is a native of Whiteside Co., Ill., and was born in Albany, February 20, 1849. His parents, John B. and Mary (FISK) CARPENTER, were among the pioneers of Illinois, of 1840, and of Whiteside County, of 1846, and were originally from New York.

The subject of this sketch was brought up on a farm, and in 1864 began steam-boating, and was made Captain of his first boat, the steamer “G.B. Knapp, “ in 1870, since which time he has been Master of the steamers “Jim Watson,” “Lumberman,” “Dexter,” “Nellie,” “Lafayette,” “Lamb” and finally “Brother Jonathan.” At this writing he is about starting out on his fourth season as Captain of the last named boat. He has had 20 years experience on the river in the lumber and log business, and 15 years’ as steamboat Captain. During this time he has never lost a boat or met with any accident of consequence, but has been very successful, and is held in high esteem as an experienced and trustworthy officer.

He was married in Albany, Ill., November 24, 1870, to Miss Mary J. LaRUE, daughter of George and Gertrude A. LaRUE. Mrs. CARPENTER was born in Lee Co., Ill. They have two children, Effie M. and Gertrude A.

Capt.CARPENTERis a member of Abou Ben Adhem Lodge, No. 148, I.O.O. F., of Fulton, Illinois, and has been through the chairs. In politics he is a Democrat. He has made his home in Fulton since 1870, except two years, from 1878 to 1880, which he spent in Cordova, Illinois.