James S. Carson
James S. Carson | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date |
| Died | August 8, 1960 (aged 85) |
| Occupation(s) | Corporate leader, journalist, military veteran |
| Known for | Chairman of the Colonial Trust Company; established Associated Press Latin American bureau; organizer of 1937 World Two-Way Trade Fair; founder of Latin American associations in the US |
James S. Carson (December 9, 1874 – August 8, 1960) served as chairman of the Colonial Trust Company, was a corporate leader, and a veteran of the Spanish–American War.
Initially starting his career as a college instructor, Carson later worked as a journalist for the San Francisco Chronicle before joining the Associated Press. During his tenure there, he established the agency’s inaugural Latin American bureau in Mexico City, where he resided for over a decade.
Carson also sought public office by running for State Senator in California.
Building on his extensive international background, he moved into executive roles within the business sector. Prior to his leadership at Colonial Trust Company, he held an executive position at American and Foreign Power Company. A dedicated proponent of trade between the United States and Latin America, Carson was among three American business leaders who organized the 1937 World Two-Way Trade Fair. He played an instrumental role in launching World Trade Week in New York City and chaired this event for numerous years. While serving as vice president at American and Foreign Power—a subsidiary of General Electric—he led the Foreign Trade Education Committee under the National Foreign Trade Council.
Carson was influential in creating organizations aimed at supporting Latin American nations and immigrant entrepreneurs within the US. He was a founding board member of the Venezuelan American Association in 1936. In 1939, together with other prominent figures from industry, he co-established the Peruvian-American Association and served on its board of directors. Additionally, he held the presidency of the Ecuadorian American Association from 1954 to 1955.
As an author of analytical papers on commerce involving Latin America, Carson’s contributions are referenced in multiple academic publications focusing on US-Latin America relations.
For the 1939 New York World's Fair, he suggested to Grover Whalen the concept of a "Pan America" exhibit.
Carson was also the father of Mary Bass, longtime executive editor of Ladies' Home Journal, and father-in-law to Joseph Cookman, editor of the New York Post.
References
- New York Times Obituary August 10, 1960