J.C. Carr's Business Card

INTRODUCTION

James Cann Carr (July 26, 1833—July 5, 1905) was an American frontiersman, Texas statesman, journalist, and Indian Depredation Claims Agent,[30] coming to the aid of settlers who were suffering losses at the hands of ravaging Indians in the Southwest. He had several monikers during his lifetime: the most common, ‘J.C.,’ was coined at birth. The nicknames of ‘Buckskin’ and ‘Leather Breeches’ were coined during his frontier days for his leather tassel outfit. The name ‘Locomotive’ is due to his loud voice and extensive rail travels during his later years in the legislature and as a journalist. His nickname, ‘Colonel,’ was for his role in the Confederate Army.

EARLY LIFE

J.C. Carr’s father, Samuel ‘Derastus’ Carr, was born about 1799 in South Carolina. His mother, Mary Jane Carr (née Milligan), was born in Tennessee about 1812.[2]

J.C. Carr was the oldest of ten children, the first seven of which were born in Tennessee: William R. Carr, born 1835; Martha Jane Carr, born 1836; Sarah Ann Carr, born 1839; David Crockett Carr, born 1841; Samuel Carr, born 1843, Oliver Young Carr ‘O.Y.’ born about 1845. Born in Texas: Nancy A. Carr was born about 1847. Mary D. Carr was born about 1849, and Henry Barryman Carr was born on October 24, 1851. [3]

FAMILY

J.C. Carr’s father, Samuel ‘Derastus’ Carr, was born about 1799 in South Carolina. His mother, Mary Jane Carr (née Milligan), was born in Tennessee about 1812.[2]

CHARACTER

Several historical articles and books include mentions of J.C. Carr. In the book “Personnel of the Texas State Government,” written in 1889, the writer provides a glimpse into Carr’s character: [4] "[J.C. Carr] had the advantage of a good English education at the excellent private schools of his native State, which was not completed until he came to Texas in 1845...That culture and refined association has, of course, tempered the ruggedness of frontier character but has not detracted anything from its force and individuality…he has caught at everything within his reach and worked it for all it was worth, whether in private enterprise or for the public benefit...His occupations have been various and successful, but his generosity has always kept him in moderate circumstances...Mr. Carr is of a very striking personage. He is above the average height and symmetrically proportioned. His face is exceedingly intelligent…carried high, with attentive and pleasant manners, he moved through the House, careful of the wants and comfort of everyone." [4]

TEXAS BOUND—1840s

By the early 1840s, J.C. Carr’s family started their migration to Texas. For reference, a brief account of his family’s journey from Tennessee is published in a book written in 1900 titled “Early Settlers and Indian Fighters of Southwest Texas.” [5]

While Carr was just a teen, his family traveled through Arkansas, where they were “water-bound” for a few years, and decided to make it their home, building a house, planting gardens, and raising livestock in a remote area. Their possessions had been shipped from Memphis, Tennessee, by steamboat down the Mississippi River to deliver to Alexandria, Louisiana, on the Red River. J.C. Carr shared of the disastrous loss: "The steamboat was sunk, and in her, we lost all we had. Save and except a few wagons and ox teams by means of which the Carr family were trying to pull overland through Texas..." [5]

DETOUR TO ARKANSAs

Despite losing everything, the Carr family started a new life in Arkansas, with schooling in country life skills, survival, and adventure. J.C. Carr shared about his life and his loves during this time of discovery. You can read more in “Early Settlers and Indian Fighters of Southwest Texas.” [5]

"...Being delayed in Arkansas by high water and other things, the family stopped, built houses, bridges, rolled logs, and tried to cultivate the soil and lived as others of that section and time did, shut off from the outside world. There were few people in that country, but neighbors would gather from ten to fifteen miles around to help at a log rolling, house raising, or bridge building. Lived! you bet we did, on hog and hominy, bear meat, deer, turkey, etc. We made our own 'licker', tanned our own leather to make shoes, dressed skins for clothing, used herbs for medicine, made our tar, wagons, trucks, hats (of oat straw), coonskin caps; in fact, produced and made about everything we used. We ground corn for meal on old-fashioned steel hand mills and hand-picked our cotton to make cloth on old-fashioned hand-made looms. We made our own furniture, bedsteads, chairs, buckets, baskets, and dishes. We raised our own lard cans and fat gourds, from which were made cups, dippers, and many other things, including gourd-covered buttons for all purposes, which were put on old-time hand-made clothing. Socks, stockings, and underwear, such as drawers and other things, were never seen, that is, we never had such things. What few were had were used only by the very old people. Yet notwithstanding all these primitive conditions, there lived in the State of Arkansas at that time some of the best people that ever blowed a horn or paddled a canoe." [5]

During this place of enlightenment, J.C. Carr also found his first romance with Miss Peggy Roarer. Read more about this relationship in the book “Early Settlers and Indian Fighters of Southwest Texas.” [5]

FRONTIER LIFE—1850s

Carr once stated, “Taking Greeley’s advice, I started West and never stopped until I was safely on the West side of the Sabine River in Texas, where I have lived on the frontier until this day.” [5] The Sabine River was the western boundary of the United States from 1836 to 1845 when the U.S. annexed Texas. The 1819 Adams-Onís Treaty between the United States and Spain established the Sabine River as the border between the U.S. and New Spain.

Finally arriving in Cherokee County, Texas, the Carr family began farming there, with J.C. Carr living at his family home, working the farm until 1850. [2] But soon after the census, taken that year, Carr was off on the adventure of a lifetime, as described in the book. Personnel of the Texas State Government.[4] He traveled to California by taking a steamer from New Orleans, through the Panama Isthmus (before the canal was built in 1914), and landing in San Francisco in 1851; then, he went on to mine for gold and transport goods in the Oregon and Northern California mining districts.

During these journeys, J.C. Carr and his men had to fight their way through hostile tribes of Indians and heroically come to the aid of settlers hurt by the Indians.[5] Here’s one account:

“The Indians were depredating on Cow Creek, making incursions into the valley, sometimes burning houses, often carrying back cattle to their fastness in the mountains. There were not sufficient men in the neighborhood to defend the settlers or drive the Indians away, and the valley had been encompassed by their scouts. It was necessary that someone should pass through these mountains and travel a hundred and fifty miles through the country of the hostile to obtain men to dislodge the Indians and hold the valley. Colonel Carr volunteered to do this service. The trip is as full of incidents and hair breadth escapes as a romance, but its accomplishment and the rescue of the beautiful valley to civilization was due to Carr, and it tells the story of his self-sacrifice and intrepidity in stronger language than the biographer could write. Such metal is rarely found, when it is, it is honored. From this locality he crossed the Sierra Nevada Mountains to the headwaters of the Sacramento River, where he mined for a while near Shasta, but longing for the people and State he loved, he went to San Francisco and returned to New York, thence to New Orleans and thence to Texas. He sought his father's farm in Eastern Texas and for a time was engaged in managing his father's and the farms of other gentlemen of that neighborhood." [5]

1950 Federal Census

CARR RANCH—1854

In the early 1850s, J.C. Carr and his brother David Crockett Carr, “D.C.,” acquired a large parcel of land, taking up 2/3s of Hill County, Texas. They built homes by logging and utilizing the quarry materials on their ranch, which were used to build the neighboring towns of Abbott and West. A log cabin built on the ranch served as a store, postal station, and the office of the stagecoach line.

After J.C. Carr left Carr Ranch, D.C., Carr continued to operate it, and eventually, other family members were involved. In 1984, the Texas Historical Commission put up a marker on the 848-acre site. The marker is located at FM 3102, Willie Nelson Rd W, Abbott, TX 76621 (1 mile south of Abbott on Willie Nelson Road) [15] [16]

Today, the Carr Ranch remains a historic property containing evidence of an early Indian camp and burial mound and is the site of a cave formed by the Balcones Fault.[40]

Carr Ranch Historical Marker

J.C. Carr (rt) and his brother (lt)

RIO GRANDE BORDER—1859

In 1859, at age 26, Colonel Carr moved to the border counties of Western Texas on the Rio Grande, which was then wilderness. As an experienced frontiersman, he was often called upon to defend the area from the warlike Comanche.[5] In the 1860 Census, J.C. Carr lives with some of his siblings in Milam County, TX, just east of Austin. [3]

The Comanche were a southern plains tribe known for cruel raids in West Texas and northern Mexico. They were experts in fighting on horseback. They were at war with nearly every nearby tribe, including another Texas tribe, the Apache.

1960 Federal Census

married to susan tucker—1861

J.C. Carr was married on June 24, 1861, to Susan B. Tucker [7]. The Justice of the Peace married them at Uvalde, Texas (Uvalde County). Susan was born in Missouri on January 8, 1837, to Ezekiel and Ashbel Tucker. [9]

Just before the Civil War, J.C. and Susan Carr moved to Pleasanton, Texas (Atascosa County), where they lived for ten years and where all four of their children were born. Oliver Young Carr “O.Y,.” was born March 22, 1862. William Perry Carr was born on September 9, 1866. Laura Annabelle Carr was born on April 10, 1870. Rosella “Rose” Carr was born about 1874. [7]

While Texas began to formulate its position in the Civil War, in the Spring of 1861, J.C. Carr helped engage the existing Texas Rangers into “State Troops” for the state's defense. The state divided itself into military brigade districts to organize military troops. In this role, J.C. Carr was a Private under the command of Captain D.W.C. Rain. [27]

Marriage Certificate of J.C. Carr and Susan Tucker

civil war—1862-1865

One year after marrying and two months after the birth of their first child, J.C. Carr enlisted to fight for the Confederate States—on May 13, 1862.[8] Susan remained with her family, who were living in Pleasanton, Texas.

J.C. Carr was a Lieutenant in the Thirty-second Texas Cavalry, commanded by Col. P.C. Woods, De Bray's Brigade. He participated in all the battles throughout that campaign, opening at Pleasant Hill and closing at Yellow Bayou.[5] His Captain, E.A. Stevens, Honorably discharged him as a 2nd Lieutenant of Company I, 32nd regiment of the Texas Calvary. He served three years in the war and was honorably discharged on July 7, 1865. [6]

During the war, he corresponded with his wife, Susan. Sometimes providing a gleaner of what it’s like to be a soldier [31][34]

Letter from J.C. Carr to his wife Susan during the Civil War

Friendships

It is noteworthy that J.C. Carr valued and nurtured many personal and professional relationships, particularly with his political and military comrades. For example, on August 3, 1900, he wrote a letter to the Honorable R.W. Finely, Comptroller for Texas Soldier’s Pensions, pleading a case for James ‘Jim’ Hefferman to receive compensation. [29]

His strengths in relationship building are emphasized in his writings; “He is very obliging and popular with members, officers, and employees of the Legislature. He is a gentleman in heart and manner and knows how to treat people…he is always on the ‘go,’ either on some enterprise of his own or to accommodate a friend, or, quite as often, a whole community.” [4]

Letter from J.C. Carr vouching for a fellow soldier regarding pensions

J.C. Carr (rt) with person unknown (lt)

J.C. Carr (lt) with person unknown (rt)

Pleasanton—1865-1879

After the Civil War, J.C. Carr returned to his wife and children, living in Pleasanton, Texas (Atascosa County). Here, he settled into home life and turned his attention to raising his children and community involvement. The 1870 Census shows his work as a “Store Clerk,” [10] a vocation different from his adventurous lifestyle experienced before the war and in future years.

During this time, Carr went into business with his brother “J.C. Carr and Brothers,” showing on the tax rolls as “4th class merchants.” [11]

1870 Federal Census

Masonic Member—1865-1905

J.C. Carr joined the Masonic Lodge in 1865 when he passed his first initiation at the Pleasanton Lodge—the beginning of a long association with the Masons. He became a member of each Masonic Lodge where he resided or had roots, sometimes belonging to multiple lodges and often holding office positions of leadership. [3]

Carr’s Masonic Lodge memberships are listed here and provide insight into Carr’s restless personality and appreciation for relationships with his fellows: Pleasanton, TX (Lodge 283): Joined 12/30/1865, Resigned 11/19/1877 • Pleasanton, TX (Lodge 101): Joined 10/16/1875, Resigned 11/5/1885 • Uvalde, TX (Lodge 472): Joined 1877, Resigned 11/19/1877 • Bracketville, TX (Lodge 444) Joined 6/3/1882, Resigned 7/5/1884 • Midland, TX (Lodge 623) Joined 12/4/1887, Resigned 10/6/1888 • El Paso, TX (Lodge 157) Joined 2/12/1889, Resigned 6/9/1891 • El Paso, TX (Lodge 130) Joined 1/2/1889, Resigned 6/17/1891 • San Antonio, TX (Lodge 44) Joined 8/23/1891, Died 7/5/1905.

Masonic Lodge in San Antonio. J.C. Carr with hat (bottom row, fourth from the right)

more relocation—1879-1884

UVALDE - 1879

J.C. Carr and his wife and children left Pleasanton about 1877 and moved to Uvalde, TX (Uvalde County), sometime after that date. [12] While living in Uvalde County, he became the County Treasurer in 1879. [17 ]

CARRIZO SPRINGS, TX - 1880

By the time the 1880 census came, the Carr family lived in Carrizo Springs, TX (Dimmit County). J.C. Carr is considered a “General Merchant” by way of occupation.[13]

BRACKETVILLE, TX - 1882 to 1884

The Carr family moved to Bracketville, Texas (Kinney County) around June 3, 1883, where they stayed until July 5, 1884.[12]

Assaults & shootings—1883-1887

Over the years, J.C. Carr had several incidences where he was assaulted. The first occurred in 1883 when he was involved in the death of Marshall Page, who, after requesting Carr to borrow a gun to confront another in a duel, Carr refused to surrender the gun. As the man tried to grab the gun anyway, he was shot by Carr.[45]

A second incident was at the Crystal Saloon in Austin, where Wm. W. Perkins stole a knife from Carr, and when he confronted him, Perkins assaulted Carr and pulled a gun on him. Carr took the knife and sliced him badly.[46]

Another exchange involved J. Dignowity, who assaulted and struck Carr after Carr had testified in a court case against him. [47]

in the news

J.C. Carr had celebrity status over the years with his gregarious personality, life experiences, captivating storytelling, and ability to network with people. Some might say he was early Texas’ most interesting man. Because of his reputation and charm, he was occasionally written about in the news. Here are some random stories

In 1895, Carr crashed into a streetcar in San Antonio and broke his leg. [52]
In 1904, after a trip around Texas, he reported a positive outlook for the country to the community. [53]
In 1904, after a train trip across Texas, he reported that the countryside was “healthy.” [54]
In 1904, there were rumors that he was dead. He humorously reports he’s not. [55]
In 1898, someone asked J.C. Carr if he was going to run for Legislature, and a reporter picked up his humorous reply [56]
In 1904, as a notable figure in San Antonio, he shared some humor about Christmas [57]
In 1899, J.C. Carr visited Midland, and the community was excited about seeing his return to where he once lived.[58]
In 1888, J.C. Carr announced he was starting his new newspaper, and a journalist picked up the story. [59]
In 1904 it was announced that J.C. Carr’s health was failing [60]
In 1904, it’s announced J.C. Carr became a member of the Texas Press Association [61]
In 1897, J.C. Carr gave a toast at a wedding [62]

Midland—1886-1888

About 1880, the Southern Pacific Railroad began to lay tracks eastward from El Paso, at the same time, the Texas Pacific Railroad began to lay tracks westward from Fort Worth. Along the route, the tracks met up, becoming known as Midway—later changed to Midland (Midland County). It was becoming known as a great place to invest so Carr and his family moved 250 miles to Midland, where they stayed until 1888. Masonic records show J.C. Carr's membership in Midland beginning on December 4, 1887. [12] During his stay in Midland, Carr was elected to public office.

According to J.C. Carr’s granddaughter, Blanche Curtiss Abel (née Carter), as recorded in 1990 by her grandson, Eric Abel, she shares, "Grandpa Carr helped build the town of Midland when there was nothing but prairie. He owned a lumber yard and a livery stable. I recall that he built a row of houses there, and I remember them because they all looked the same, like a cookie cutter made them. They were all wire fenced, and I always thought the way the entrance stairs went up and down looked strange." [14]

sons murder in midland—1886

It was in Midland that J.C. and Susan Carr’s first son, Oliver Young Carr “O.Y.,” died on 4 July 1886, at the age of 24 years. O.Y. Carr owned a saloon in Midland, TX, and died from a pistol shot fired by J.M. McKenzie [18]

J.C. Carr’s Grandaughter further recalls: “J.C. Carr described him [O.Y. Carr] as a wonderful boy, and he was proud of him. He would help J.C. with his work. O.Y. owned a saloon, and a drunk man came to the door and shot him." [14]

Funeral services were held in the home of J.C. Carr. After his death, the saloon was turned over to J.C. Carr as a result of probate. Three years later, on July 28, 1890, J.C. Carr sold the property to his son-in-law, G.H. Carter [George Hill Carter]. [17]

Texas house of representative—1887

While living in Midland, J.C. Carr, once again, became involved in public service, serving as the Sergeant-at-Arms for the Texas Legislature, a position integral to maintaining order and security within the legislative chambers. The role of the Sergeant-at-Arms encompasses a range of responsibilities including ensuring the safety of legislators, staff, and visitors, overseeing the enforcement of legislative rules, and managing access to the legislative areas. He served Twentieth (1887 &1988) and Twenty First Legislature (1989).[30] [4]

"He was elected...by a majority of six votes, over a popular opponent, Captain H.F. Prater...It goes without saying that Mr. Carr is a Democrat, and a most loyal party man. He made himself exceedingly popular, not only with the members of Legislature, but the representatives of the press and the public generally visiting the House of Representatives." [4]

El paso texas—1889-1891

After several years in Midland, J.C. Carr moved west to El Paso, Texas (El Paso County) located at the westerly most portion of the state near the New Mexico and Mexico borders. Masonic records place their arrival around 1/2/1889. The family stayed in El Paso until about 6/17/1891 [12]

While living in El Paso, J.C. Carr was re-elected for his second term as Sergeant-at-Arms in the state House. [25]

"...He was elected Sergeant-at-Arms of the Twenty and Twenty-first Legislatures in the House of Representatives. In the interim of the sessions he was appointed by Commissioner Hall as land classifier, in which capacity he discharged his duty to the entire satisfaction of Colonel Hall and others with whom he was interested. Colonel Carr married Susan Tucker. They have three children and a happy home in El Paso..." [ 4]

San antonio texas—1881

J.C. Carr and Susan Carr moved East again to San Antonio, Texas (Bexar County) in 1881. They remained here 24 years until J.C.’s death in 1905

While living in San Antonio, J.C. Carr blossomed as Texas royalty and significantly impacted the people and Texas culture. Many newspaper articles discuss his political life and provide a glimpse into his life. [51]

He worked hard to develop his business as an Indian Depredation Agent. Working from his home office at 309 South Flores Street, [26] his business card, [1] and letterhead. [19] where he shared the slogan legitimizing his work helping settlers: “In the business since the enactment of said law by Congress.”

J.C. Carr’s role was crucial in the context of the ongoing conflicts between Native American tribes and settlers. Carr's duties involved documenting and investigating claims of property loss or damage caused by Native American raids. These depredations were a significant issue in Texas as settlers expanded westward, often encroaching on tribal lands and sparking violent encounters.

Carr's work contributed to the larger efforts of the U.S. government to manage frontier conflicts and facilitate the settlement of Texas. His reports and investigations were vital for both providing compensation to affected settlers and for informing military and policy decisions regarding Native American relations.

As a dignitary, he was sometimes called upon to address the legislature and the community about Indian affairs, Texas history, or tales of his life. [50] At times an ambassador for the State of Texas to Mexico. [51]

One of the key sources documenting J.C. Carr's activities is John Wesley Wilbarger's "Indian Depredations in Texas," [33] Refers to J.C. Carr as “Jim Carr.” The book provides detailed accounts of the many conflicts and notable figures involved during this tumultuous period in Texas history. The book includes biographical sketches of various Indian fighters and frontiersmen, offering a glimpse into the challenging and often violent environment of the Texas frontier.

He had many influential friends in the community including those in local and State politics. The famous Judge Roy Bean was a friend and for a time, J.C. Carr lived in his neighborhood located in south San Antonio which became known as Beanville. [38] He also corresponded with the likes of Texas Governor, S.W.T Lanham, [19] and others.

In 1884 J.C. and Susan Carr purchased 2 lots in what was then called the township of Murphyville (Brewster County), later named Alpine.[21] They built a small 2nd home that eventually became a historical landmark, with a marker by the Texas Historical Commission, [20] mostly for its adobe construction. Historical marker is located at the Carr-Slight House at 405 5th Street, Alpine, TX 79830 [20]

In 1897, J.C. Carr’s daughter, Laura Carter, became a widow, after the premature death of her husband, George Hill Carter. Sensing the need for a “man’s influence” in their lives, she sent her male children, George “Nick” Carr Carter (born 1891) and Oliver Lemuel Carter (born 1892) to San Antonio to live with J.C. and Susan Carr. [28]

The Granddaughter of J.C. Carr recalls: "When we lived in Midland we would come visit San Antonio where my Grandma, Grandpa and two brothers lived. We would take the train all night and take a meal to eat on the train -- We called it a 'shoebox lunch'...My grandparents lived at 309 South Flores in San Antonio. [Some archived documents show 323 South Flores] It was a big one-story house with a huge lawn at the back. A big yard that went down to a creek. The creek was clear (dry) with big rocks where we used to play…A policeman lived on one side of the house and he always walked through the property to get his horse at the barn which was on the other side" [14]

"Grandpa Carr had a large office in the house and men would come to visit. He had a good friend named Marshall Bernie who had worked with him in the capitol. The children could not come in while visitors were there. He had a big office desk and the thing that most impressed me was that behind the desk he had many pigeonholes to stuff letters and things like a post office might have." [14]

J.C. Carr (rt) and George Hill Carter (lt)

Sketch of J.C. Carr's office that he had created for promotion purposes

legends of gold—1903

The San Antonio Daily Light exposed J.C. Carr as being at the forefront of a legend circulating about hidden treasure. $2.5 million in Mexican silver and gold coins had supposedly been dumped into the Brand Rock Waterhole in Dimmitt County, Texas, some ages before. In 1903 Carr formed a group of stockholders who joined together to research, search, and hoping to cash-in on the treasure. He wrote about this adventure in a lost manuscript called The Fabulous Story.[42] [43]

J.C. Carr searched for gold during his early years, exploring California mining opportunities. In later years, in 1904 he set out looking for gold in Marathon, a popular mining area of Brewster County, Texas.[44]

Carr Dies—1905

The El Paso Herald announced on July 9 1905, “Texas Indian Fighter Dies in San Antonio…Colonel J.C. Carr Laid to Rest in Confederate Cemetery—Long Fighting Record.”[22] He passed away at his home at 309 South Flores in San Antonio, at the age of 71, J.C. Carr died of “paralysis” on July 5, 1905.[24] He is buried in the Old Confederate Cemetery in San Antonio. His wife, Susan Carr, applied for his Civil War Pension, January 14, 1906, while she was living at living at 601 San Marcos Street, San Antonio, TX.[13] Susan later lived with her daughter Laura Annabelle Carter Lloyd (née Carr) at 225 Sheridan, Roseburg Oregon, and died there, at age 83, on July 12, 1922 [26][36][37]

The Last Will and Testament of J.C. Carr, includes traditional language for estate distributions to his wife and family but also outlines interesting detail as to his business dissolution; “All of my papers relative to my Indian Depredations Claims business, contracts, correspondence, petitions, etc. are to be turned over to Marshall Burney of Atascosca County, Texas…” [35][36]