James G. Carter, grocery and dry goods merchant of Jackson, Tenn., was born in North Carolina in 1854, and came to Tennessee about 1873. His parents, Joseph and Mary Carter, were born in North Carolina and Virginia, respectively'. The father came to Tennessee about 1875, and was a carpenter by trade. James G. Carter was reared to manhood on a farm, and for a number of years (until 1876) followed different occupations. At the latter date he opened his grocery and dry goods store. He purchased his entire stock on credit, having only 50 cents in cash at the time he began business, and 43 cents of that was spent for tobacco license. He has succeeded well financially, and has a fine stock of goods and some city property also. In 1878 he married Maggie L. Ruffin, of Jackson. She was born in 1859, and is a daughter of Robert J. and Melissa A. Ruffin. Mr. and Mrs. Carter are the parents of two children - Floyd S. and Nellie B. - and are members of the Methodist Church. Mr. Carter is a member of the I.O.O.F., and is a Democrat in politics.

Goodspeeds History of Tennessee