Rev. Wm. Carter tor many years Pastor or the Congregational Church of Pittsfield, was an eminent man. He was born at New Canaan, Conn., Dec. 31, 1803. His parents were Ebenezer and Rhoda (Weed) Carter. He graduated at Yale College in 1828 and subsequently at the theological school of the same institution. He and several fellow students soon became the founders of the Illinois College at Jacksonville, IL., and Mr. Carter himself took charge of the Congregational Church at Jacksonville, the first church of this denomination west of Ohio (1833). This church prospered greatly under his pastoral care, but in 1838 he resigned the charge and soon afterward became pastor of the Congregational Church of Pittsfield, IL., where he continued until 1868, laboring acceptably, not only at this place but also at Summer Hill and Rockport. He died Feb. 2, 1871, at Pittsfield, and his death waa mourned by the whole community. During his life he was also a member of the Board of Directors of the Chicago Theological Seminary, was one of the organizers of the General Association of Illinois, and held many other responsible positions. He is regarded as the father of the Congregational Church at Pittsfield. His widow is still living in Pittsfield.

Source: History of Pike County Chapman, Chas. C., & Co 1880