Part of an old map of the San Jacinto area from the Texas Revolution

Veteran Bio

Texian Location:  Participant

The Kemp Sketch

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CARR, JOHN -- Came to Texas in 1833. The following information concerning him is contained in Service Record No. 6917.

He served in Captain Jonathan Bird's Company from March 5 to March 28, 1836, when he was transferred to Captain Moseley Baker's Company. He participated in the battle of San Jacinto and was discharged June 1, 1836, when the company was dissolved. His health was bad and he was allowed days in which to reach his home, making his discharge effective June 6.

On March 30, 1838, Mr. Carr was issued Bounty Certificate No. 2725 for 320 acres of land for serving in the army from March 5 to June 5, 1836. He was issued Donation Certificate No. 439 for 640 acres of land May 12, 1852, for having participated in the battle of San Jacinto. He was issued a Headright Certificate for one-third of a league of land by the Harrisburg County Board March 30, 1838. This was lost and a duplicate was issued April 25, 1872. The land on the latter certificate was surveyed in Mr. Carr's name in Llano County.

Mr. Carr was living in Harris County October 18, 1851, but probably died before January 1, 1871. He did not apply for a pension in 1870 as did most of the surviving veterans in that year.

The following petition signed by Mr. Carr October 18, 1851, is on file in the Memorials and Petitions, Archives Texas State Library:

"To the Hon. the Legislature of the State of Texas.

Your petitioner John Carr a citizen of Harris County, respectfully represents that he received from the Board of Land Coms. of Harrisburg County a certificate of Headright for one third of a League of land, as a colonist, that the record of the issuance of said headright was lost at the time of the visit of the Investigating Board & the same was not reported on at all by said Board. He further represents that said lost record was recovered, and at the fourth session of the 3d Legislature of Texas an ace was passed & approved, submitting said record to the Commissioner of the General Land Office, who was to act in the same capacity as the Travelling Board were authorized to do, and the claim of your petitioner was rejected by him on the ground: that the "record of proof was insufficient." He further represents that he has procured from the Commissioner of the Genl. Land Office, a certified copy of the original proof made in the matter of the application of your petitioner & herewith submit it to your inspection. He also submits herewith proof again that he is entitled to a headright, and that he served in the army. He further represents that he served in Captain Moseley Baker's Company at the Battle of San Jacinto, and was honorably discharged, that he arrived in Texas in the year 1833 & has never left it, and that he has always performed faithfully the duties of a citizen. He prays therefore, that the premises considered. Your Hon Bodies will require the Comr. Genl. of the Land Office to confirm the Certe. of Headright heretofore issued to him & that the land may be appropriated by virtue thereof according to law, may be patented to him."

Shown in H. of S. J. as James Carter roll 1836 J. Carter.

Written by Louis W. Kemp, between 1930 and 1952. Please note that typographical and factual errors have not been corrected from the original sketches. The biographies have been scanned from the original typescripts, a process that sometimes allows for mistakes in the new text. Researchers should verify the accuracy of the texts' contents through other sources before quoting in publications. Additional information on the veteran may be available in the Herzstein Library.


Battle Statistics

  • Died in Battle: No
  • Rank: Private
  • Company: Capt. Moseley Baker

Personal Statistics

  • Alternate Names: Carter
  • Came to Texas: 1833
  • Bounty Certificate: 2725
  • Donation Certificate: 439