Notes on the life of Ezra Grover Carter

By: Pearl J. Carter (his wife) Page 1 of 9

Ezra was not a talkative person about himself and I feel sure there were many incidents in his life that our children would like to know that he had never mentioned to me.

Some of the things that I write about were told to me by his mother and others.

He was born Oct 18, 1892 in Preston Idaho. I presume at the family home. He was named soon after birth because he didn't appear to be a robust baby. His mother's younger brother, Ezra Eames was visiting with the family at the time and his name was chosen for the baby along with Grover. I think the Grover was chosen because they must have admired Grover Cleveland a United States president.

When real small he was nicknamed "Puddy". His mother told of taking him to town one day and he started to run in head of her. She called "Ezra, Ezra", but he paid no attention. Then she called "Puddy" and he quickly turned back to see what was wanted. The nickname must have been discontinued as he grew up.

His name was shortened to Ez by some people but his mother and sister always used Ezra. Never "Ezzie" thank goodness. Joseph and Oliver Greaves were half brothers whose father had been killed in an accident in Logan Canyon. Oliver had a twin sister named Olive who had died as a baby.

Ezra's mother was Catherine Mary Eames. After the death of her first husband Joseph C. Greaves she married George Dominicus Carter a widower with two little girls.

Myrin Carter was the first child of Catherine and George D. Carter. Ezra was next. Then Noel and Vera.

Ezra grew up as his mothers helper. He said he was very glad when he heard that the new baby was a girl because he thought now "I won't need to wash so many dishes" but learned to his sorrow that he soon had more dishes to wash than before she came.

I'm sure he learned at an early age to do his share of farm chores also.

Catherine and Joseph Greaves had moved to Preston along with Catherine's brother David Eames and his wife. Both families homesteaded on a 160 acre farm on the flat land above the Bear River just north of Preston. The Greave's land was across the street north of the Eames property.

Life was hard for those pioneering people and especially for Kate, as Catherine was always more commonly called after the death of her husband. She used to make butter and walk down to the soldiers camp on Battle Creek with it.