My Family Tree

  Carter Hopkins Temple

Patrolman Carter Frederick Patton Temple Born: February 17, 1879 Indianapolis, Indiana Died: April 17, 1941, Indianapolis, Indiana 252 Date appointed to IPD: April 28, 1900 Date of Separation/Retirement: August 18, 1900 Carter Frederick Patton Temple was born February 17, 1879 in Indianapolis, Indiana to Carter Temple Jr. and Martha A. Blackwell. Carter F.P. Temple was one of the best known men in the city of Indianapolis, White or Black. He attended Purdue University until age 17, when he enlisted in the State Militia. In 1898 at age 19 he joined the U.S. Army and reached the rank of First Sergeant, the highest rank an African-American could achieve at that time. After his honorable discharge, Carter joined the Indianapolis Police Department on April 28, 1900. He resigned August 18, 1900 to start a contracting business, which became very successful. He became involved in politics in 1916 and became a powerful man whose support was welcomed. It was said at his deat...