Carter, Jerry Williams, 1887-1971.

Businessman, politician.

Jerry W. Carter was born on August 11, 1887, in Barbour County, Alabama. He was a door to door salesman in Tennessee, and in 1908 moved to West Florida as an agent for the Singer Sewing Machine Company. He married Mary Frances Holifield of Pensacola and they had seven children. He was appointed State Hotel Commissioner by Governors Catts, Hardee and Martin, serving from 1917-1929. He wrote codes for building, electrical and plumbing, as well as sanitary rules and regulations.

He later returned to private business as a distributor for American Coolaire fans, and was elected to the Railroad Commission and the Public Service Commission. He worked for the Democratic Party as a delegate to the 1924 National Convention, and was a Democratic National Committeeman from 1956-1960. He ran for governor of Florida and for United States Senator, but was not elected. He died on June 18, 1971, at 83 years old.

From the description of Papers, 1923-1971. (Florida State University). WorldCat record id: 50668071