36th State Treasurer: 1961-1965
Milton Carpenter (Democrat), the 36th State Treasurer, was born in St. Louis on March 4, 1905. He attended Baden Public School, Yeatman High School and
Washington University in St. Louis.
Mr. Carpenter served three years in the Army in World War II, and was honorably discharged in July 1945. Prior to military service he was in the
construction business as an executive of the Trinidad Asphalt Manufacturing Company and the United Roofing Company. Upon discharge from the armed
services he became district manager and assistant treasurer of the Patent Scaffolding Company.
He was elected comptroller of the City of St. Louis in 1949, and was re-elected in 1953. On Jan. 15, 1957, he accepted the appointment by Governor
James T. Blair Jr. to become Director of the Department of Revenue.
Mr. Carpenter was elected state treasurer in November 1960. His salary was $15,000 and his office employed a staff of 25. Through his capable
administrative ability and extensive use of modern mechanized equipment, it was possible to absorb an increased workload of about 25 percent without
increasing the staff. He was a member of the American Legion and the Disabled American Veterans, and was awarded Man of the Year by the Jewish War
Veterans in 1961.
In 1942, he married Janet Naomi Parham, also of St. Louis. Mr. Carpenter died Nov. 19, 1996.
