James A. & Lucilla Westcott Carr of Richmond, Indiana

 James A. Carr (1856 ~ 1928)  was associated in business with his father in law, John M. Westcott at Hoosier Drill and The American Seeding Machine Company.

LAST RITES FOR JAMES A. CARR TO OCCUR TODAY
Esteemed Citizen to be Laid to Rest in Earlham Cemetery This Afternoon
Won Honors for Service to Allies During World War at National Capital

 Funeral services will be conducted from the late residence, in Westcott place, Tuesday afternoon at 2 o’clock, for James A. Carr, 72, former president of the American Seeding Machine company, who succumbed from a complication of diseases, Sunday morning, at 2 o’clock. Dr. J. J. Rae will officiate at the services and interment will take place in Earlham cemetery.
Mr. Carr had been in failing health for the past two or three years, and with his wife, had just returned to Richmond, Saturday morning from Miami, Fla. During his visit in Florida, he had been ill for about six weeks, and upon gaining strength, returned to his home here.

 It was thought that the trip proved too strenuous for him. Sunday morning, he called Mrs. Carr and died shortly afterward. His death removes one of the pioneer manufacturers of the city, as well as one of the pioneer manufacturers of seeding machines in the middle west. He first became connected with the industry, when as a young man, he accepted a position with the Hoosier Drill company, at Milton. Beginning as only a laborer, he advanced to superintendent, which position he held when the plant was moved to Richmond in 1877.

 By hard work and sheer effort, he advanced to become president of the concern, resigning in 1920, at which time he retired from active business. In 1903, the Hoosier Drill company was merged with four other concerns into the American Seeding Machine company, with plants in Richmond; Springfield, O., Louisville, Ky., Shortsville and Macedon, N. Y. Mr. Carr was promoted to vice president and general sales manager for the new concern, but later became president. In 1920, at about the time he retired, the Hoosier Drill company was sold to the International Harvester company.

 Born near Hamilton, O., February 4, 1856, he moved with his parents to Milton when a lad, and attended school there. During his business life, he was very aggressive and enterprising in the manufacturing of seeding machines, he being regarded as one of the leaders in this industry, his reputation being international in scope. His advice was often sought in problems regarding the industry. His manufacturing ability was recognized shortly after this country entered the World war, and after being called to Washington early in 1918, he served as chairman of the allied purchasing commission, as a dollar a year man. During his chairmanship, the commission purchased billions of dollars worth of supplies.

 At the close of the war, he was made a Chevalier of the Legion of Honor, by the French government, and Italy honored him by conferring the decoration of the order of Saints Maurizio e Lazaro.

 He was a member of the I. O. O. F. lodge, having become affiliated with the order in Milton, in 1876. Later he transferred his membership to the Whitewater lodge here. During his residence of more than 50 years in Richmond, he was one of the leading manufacturers and public spirited citizens. At one time he was a director of the First National bank and also had been director in several large corporations. His acquaintances were numerous, not only in private life, but in a business way, he being known in manufacturing circles throughout the nation. In addition to the widow, two sons, Willard Z. Carr and Burton Carr, of this city; one sister, Mrs. Ida M. Reinard, of Montpelier and two brothers, Fred Carr and Clem Carr, both of Richmond, survive. (*Richmond Item, Tuesday, March 27, 1928).  

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FUNERAL SERVICES FOR MRS. CARR    TO BE HELD WEDNESDAY
 Funeral services for Mrs. Louie Westcott Carr, (1857 ~ 1932) 73 years old, 1415 E. Main street, who died Monday morning at 9:30 o’clock at the Reid Memorial hospital, will be held at the residence Wednesday afternoon at 2 o’clock. Burial will be made in the Earlham cemetery. Death was due to pneumonia and followed an illness which had confined Mrs. Carr to the hospital for the past six weeks.


 She was the widow of James A. Carr, president of the American Seeding Machine company and of the Hoosier Drill company, and for many years prominently identified with industrial concerns. Mrs. Carr’s father was John M. Westcott, a prominent manufacturer of this city. She was born in Liberty, Sept. 16, 1857, but with the exception of six years spent in Springfield, Ohio, had resided most of her life in this city.  Survivors are two sons, Willard Z. Carr and Burton J. Carr; seven grandchildren; three sisters, Mrs. Alice W. Hollingsworth, Richmond; Mrs. Jeanne W. Wilke, Newton Center, Mass.; Mrs. Rollin A. DeWeese and a brother, Harry M. Westcott, both of Dayton. Friends may call at the residence after 4 o’clock Tuesday evening. (*Richmond Item, Tuesday, January 12, 1932).  *Source for these obituaries; Rob Weller      
   

The James A. Carr home on South 14th Street. Dalbey photo, c: 1896

The Westcott mausoleum at Earlham Cemetery; photo by Dan Tate

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