Elisha Hatch Carr, a well-known business man of Newport, was born in Hillsborough, November 17, 1842, son of Robert and Cleora (Goodale) Carr. The grandfather, Robert Carr, who was among the early settlers of Hillsborough, cleared his land, and became a successful farmer, living to be more than eighty years old. He fought in the war of the Revolution. Of his five children Robert, one of the elder, became the owner of the farm, spent his life there following the occupation of general farmer throughout his active period, represented his district in the State legislature, and died at the age of eighty-one years. Robert was a liberal in religion, and his wife was a Methodist. She died at the age of seventy-seven.
Their seven children, all still living, are: Robert G., who resides in Haverhill, Mass.; Cleora A. Morrill, a resident of Peterboro, N.H.; Abbie J. Hadley, of Hillsborough Bridge; Sarah J. Barker, residing in Nashua; Angeline Gunnison, residing in Newport; and Celestia M. Booth, who resides in Worcester, Mass.
Elisha H. Carr grew up in Hillsborough, where he attended the district school. In his early life he was employed as a clerk. Afterward he engaged in business for himself in East Washington, N.H., and in Goshen, N.H., keeping a general store. In 1891 he came to Newport, and opened a livery stable, which is now the leading establishment of the kind in the village. His equipment is of the best, and includes twenty-five fine horses and many stylish carriages. Mr. Carr was married October 5, 1869, to Jennie Purington. She was born in Goshen, N.H., June 4, 1845, daughter of Imri and Mary Purington. They have no children. In religious belief they are Universalists. A Republican in politics, he has held various public offices. He was for several years Town Treasurer of Goshen; its legislative Representative in 1879, 1881, and 1883; Treasurer of Sullivan County for four years; and he is the present Representative of Newport in the legislature. A Mason of prominence, he belongs to Blue Lodge, Chapter, and Commandery. His business career has been that of an active and enterprising man.