James Earl Carter Sr. - 1911

The elder Carter, who went by his middle name Earl, represented Sumter County in the Georgia House of Representatives from January 12, 1953, until his death on July 22, 1953.

 

In December 1917, Carter enlisted in the United States Army for service in World War I. Initially a private in Company I, 121st Infantry Regiment, he advanced through the ranks to sergeant before being selected for officer training school in August 1918. 

 

After his time in the Army, Carter was a traveling salesman and later opened a grocery store on Main Street in Plains.

 

Carter married Lillian Gordy Carter in 1923 in Plains.