Women - Hunterdon County, New Jersey

RUTH CARPENTER
Ruth Carpenter, New Jersey's first woman sheriff, was born in
Bernardsville, NJ, on 6 December 1918. She graduated from
Clinton High School and went on to Rider College. Her career was
launched as a legal secretary for Wesley L. Lance of Clinton. In
1959 she began working for Sheriff John Lea in that same
capacity, and continued until 1961 when he appointed her
undersheriff. She continued in that post -- serving under Lea's
successor, Sheriff Ervin Wright -- until he became ill in 1977. At
that time he designated her acting sheriff. After Sheriff Wright's
death, Mrs. Carpenter was elected to the first of two 3-year terms
as sheriff.
Her duties required the serving of legal papers, conducting
sheriff's sales which required technical and legal knowledge, and
providing officers to escort prisoners and guard the courts.
When Mrs. Carpenter retired in 1983, of the eight women
sheriffs in the nation, she had been in office the longest period of time. Her career was
colorful, and she drew much national attention to New Jersey and Hunterdon County.
Her signature cowboy’s hat and earrings will be remembered by all.
After leaving office, Sheriff Carpenter, who had been a longtime resident of Glen
Gardner, moved to Raritan Township for a short period of time before retiring to Florida
with her husband, John. She is the mother of John, Robert and Phyllis and has six
grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
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