Robert Carter, a man of many
skillful talents and honored family is easily a significant person from
Lancaster County, Virginia. The exact
date that Robert Carter was born is unsure, but it is either the year 1663 or
1664. He was born to John Carter and his
father’s fourth wife, Sarah Ludlow, at the Corotoman Plantation. Robert’s father, John, was a wealthy
merchant-planter and attorney which means that his family was pretty well off
with their money. When Robert was young,
most likely about five years old, he suffered the loss of his father, John
Carter.[1] Fortunately, the loss of his father in the
early years of his life did not negatively affect him too much. Robert was still a very successful and
determined individual throughout his life.
Some of this success could have been due to the fact that John, Robert’s father, left him 1,000 acres and one-third of his personal estate after he died. At the time, Robert could not do much with what he inherited because he was so young. In the year 1672 once Robert was just under ten years old, his older brother sent him to London in order to receive six years of grammar school education. While in London, Robert lived with the merchant Arthur Bailey. Bailey taught Robert different insights into the tobacco trade between the Virginia colony and England.[2] This newfound knowledge that Robert gained could have very well attributed to his success later on in his leadership positions. [1] Emory G. Evans, “Robert Carter,” American National Biography Online. [2] Foundation for Historic Christ Church. “Robert “King” Carter of Corotoman (1663-1732).” Christchurch1735.org. |
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Robert Carter left London and moved
back to Lancaster County at the age of 21.
It did not take long for him to fall in love with and marry the
beautiful Judith Armistead in the year 1688.
Together they had a total of five children, two of which died in
infancy. Judith died in the year 1699 at
the age of 32, so Robert remarried in 1701 to Betty Landon. Robert and his second wife had a total of ten
children in which two died in infancy.
He remained married to Betty until her death in 1719.[1]
After the death of Robert’s older brother, John, in 1690, Robert inherited a large estate that consisted of more than 9,000 acres of land and 115 slaves. Robert grew wealthier due to this inheritance and his planting, mercantile, and slave trade activity.[2] Just like his father, John Carter, Robert Carter took on many different positions throughout his adult life. Some of these important positions include:[3]
[1]Ibid. [2] Emory G. Evans, “Robert Carter,” American National Biography Online. [3] Foundation for Historic Christ Church. “Robert “King” Carter of Corotoman (1663-1732).” Christchurch1735.org. [4] Emory G. Evans, “Robert Carter,” American National Biography Online. |