The Last Marshal of Baltimore

Robert Dudley Carter, was born in Littleton, Halifax County, North Carolina, 1852. He was the son of Jesse and Sallie Ann Carter (Whitaker). Robert got his middle name after the first elected Governor, "Edward Bishop Dudley" elected by the people of North Carolina 1835. Robert worked on his family farm and as a teamster wagon driver. 

In 1870, Robert served in the U.S. Navy for 3 years, he married Donna Burkhart his wife, in 1875 at the age of 23.

Robert had moved to Baltimore in 1875, Donna gave birth to a daughter, "Bessie May Carter" she was born in Baltimore. Robert was working in Baltimore as a Teamster with the old-horse-car service, after which he was a contracting foreman. In 1878 Donna gave birth to a son "Robert Dudley Carter Jr", he to was born in Baltimore. He bought his first house in 1880, at 1650 North Gilmore street.

1884 May 12, Robert was appointment to (Police Officer), North West District. Baltimore City, he was 32 years old. He work hard at being the best, and in 1888 March 9, he was promoted to Sergeant and 1892 November 17 to Lieutenant. In this same year Robert D. Jr. and Bessie May, and her husband were living with Robert and Donna at 1650 North Gilmore street.

!894 April, Robert's father Jesse, was visiting from Sterms, Granville county, North Carolina and pass-away in bed at Robert's house 1650 North Gilmor St. Baltimore. Dr. George W. Norris was called in and said his death was due to heart disease. Jesse was 73, and was a merchant, in Dry Goods, Stems, and Halifax counties North Carolina. Jesse's body was sent home to North Carolina.

Working long days most up to 18 hours, showed Robert as a good Police man, by 1914 August 14, Robert was promoted to" Marshal of Baltimore City Police Department", he skipped the rank of Captain, he was 62 years old.

May 27 1915, there was a 63rd birthday party held at "Arion's Country Club", Wilkens avenue extended. It was expected to be up to 800 citizens of Baltimore who have become acquainted with Marshal Carter. He was given a "14-karat Solid Gold Badge", with 63 diamonds set in platinum. Topping the American Eagle is a one-karat diamond.

In 1917 Marshal Carter was elected to the National Commander of the Army and Navy Union at the eighteenth biennial encampment at the Bohemian Hall, on Gay and Preston streets. September 4, 1918 he was the Chief marshal of the parade headed by a delegation of the Grand Army of the Republic, and several thousand United Spanish War Veterans who are holding their twentieth encampment.

1920 was a hard year for Robert , Donna was ill , Robert D. Jr. was ill also. Robert Jr. was in a sanatorium in the mountains, Marshal Carter had Mary Gohagen working for him to help take care of Donna and Robert Jr.

Marshal Carter, brought Robert Jr. home from the sanatorium knowing that he could live only a short time. December 26, 1920 Robert Jr. pass away at the age of 42, when Donna was told she became unconscious. In 1921 August 7, Donna had passed away, this same year Marshal Carter retired form the Baltimore City Police Department in January 20, 1921 with (36) years (8) months of service at age 68.

Marshal Carter moved in with his daughter Bessie and his son-in-law Henry D. Hammond at 604 Hollen Road, Baltimore where he lived until 1936 October 22 when he passed away from pneumonia at the age of 84. The Rev. Bruce H. McDonald, pastor of the Westminster Presbyterian Church, conducted the services. The Burial was in Woodlawn Cemetery, Baltimore County, with his wife Donna and son Robert D. Jr. The Baltimore City Police Department named in his honor the "Police Boat" after Robert D. Carter

Marshal Robert D. Carter was the "Last Marshal of Baltimore City Police 1921. When General Gaither, Commissioner of Police, took office late in 1920, he started a reorganization of the department, and when Marshal Carter retired he created the post of Chief Inspector.

Marshal Carter is personal known to police chiefs across the country. He is a close personal friend of "William A. Pinkerton", the noted Private Detective. Robert was a Thirty-second degree Mason, Shriner, and Knight Templar.

By great grand nephew
Kenneth M. Carter