CARTER, John

John Carter was born in Ireland of Scotch-Irish parents, came to America as a stowaway "only a lad in his teens" and lived with Indians in Virginia for several months or a year. In a few years he made his way to Tennessee. Here he met the family of Gideon Burton, a homesteader. He later married one of their daughters, Dorothy Burton. In early 1817, when the Burtons decided to move to Illinois, John and his bride accompanied them. They settled near East Fork Creek. Here they remained for the rest of their lives. They built up a large farm, owning many acres of land in all directions. They raised a large family, four sons and six daughters, most of them also living their entire lives on parts of the old homestead. Also located on his farm is the Carter Cemetery. Family accounts say it was used by the Indians for burials. Many early settlers are buried here. John Carter is surrounded by many of his children and grandchildren. His tombstone says John Carter, died 6 Nov1869, Age 75 yrs. 2 mo. 21 days. (Born 16 Aug 1794). Submitted by Jake Carter.