John C. Carter

This article is about an American Civil war General. For the actor born "John Charles Carter", see Charlton Heston.

John Carpenter Carter (December 19, 1837 December 10, 1864) was a Brigadier General of the Confederate States Army during the American Civil War.

Portrait of Brig. Gen'l John C. Carter

Early life

John Carpenter Carter was born in Waynesboro, Georgia on December 19, 1837. He attended the University of Virginia from 1854 to 1856. Carter studied law under Judge Abram Carruthers at Cumberland University in Lebanon, Tennessee, was an instructor at the school after his graduation, and married the judge's daughter. He was practicing law in Memphis, Tennessee when the Civil War began.

Civil War service

Carter entered the war as a captain in the 38th Tennessee Infantry regiment and quickly became its colonel. He commanded the regiment during the Battle of Shiloh, Battle of Perryville, Battle of Stones River, Battle of Chickamauga and Atlanta Campaign. Carter was promoted to brigadier general to rank from July 7, 1864. He temporarily commanded a division at the Battle of Jonesboro. Brigadier General John C. Carter was mortally wounded during the Battle of Franklin on November 30, 1864 and died December 10 in the Harrison home, 3 miles (4.8 km) south of the battlefield.

Aftermath

Brigadier General John C. Carter was buried at Rose Hill Cemetery, Columbia, Tennessee.

References