Alfred Wellington Carter
Year Inducted: 2003
Parker Ranch | Hawai'i
Born in Honolulu the son of a whaler, A.W. Carter graduated summa cum laude from Yale law school, became a judge, and distinguished himself in various positions in island commerce and government. The “big thing” in his business life – running Parker Ranch – started in 1899 when, at the age of 32, he was named as guardian of young Thelma Kahiluonapuaapiilani Parker. He was to guide Parker Ranch for nearly half a century and do more to advance it than anyone but old Parker himself.
Nicknamed Hawai`i’s “Dean of Cattlemen”, Carter’s story is best highlighted in his obituary, written by one who knew him:
“Dead at 82, Alfred W. Carter, lawyer, guardian and trustee of estates and through the husbanding of resources, the creator of wealth beneficial alike to the heirs and the State. A man of great humility and spirit, he ever disclaimed that he alone made the Parker Ranch one of the most important meat-producing units of the world, although this was often said of him. Mr. Carter gave the major credit for building this mighty enterprise to the teamwork of the Hawaiian cowboys; to the advice of practical ranchmen who had learned by experience; and to the reasoning of research in the ways of life from germs to genetics. . . Some thought him a martinet because he demanded that instructions be followed to the letter, but he took the blame himself for errors of judgment, this personally humble and humane servant of the law and leader among his fellows. An unusual man, a native son of Hawai`i, creator of great wealth for others, is a somewhat austere man because of his almost puritanical adherence to right and justice. The warmth of his friendship will be a treasured remembrance always.”