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James Carter Garrett was born in Northern Alabama, December 29th, 1840; died January 13th , 1933, at the ripe age of 93 years.
He
removed to Arkansas when nine years of age. His parents and other
family kin went by the way of the Tennessee and Mississippi Rivers, on
a boat constructed especially for the pioneer movers’ use. They built
the boat themselves. There he grew to manhood just as the Civil War
rent our fair land. He enlisted in the Confederate ranks, serving to
the end of the struggle. He was wounded and captured at the battle of
Murfreesboro. He contracted smallpox while in the hospital at
Nashville. Afterward he was sent to Point Lookout, Maryland, where he
was exchanged, having been in prison 14 months. After his exchange, he
served until the end of the war.
He came to Texas in 1865,
landing at the Bluffton Crossing, on the Colorado River, near the place
which years later became his home.
He was one of the staunch
citizens of Burnet and Llano counties, having owned houses in both. He
endured many hardships, that fell to the lot of all pioneers of this
section.
In 1860 he was united in marriage to Martha Ellen Chadwick, to
which union seven children were born. They were Ruth C. Garrett of
Bluffton, W.J. Garrett of Lake Victor, Mrs. E.F.Galbraith of Yuba City,
California, Dennis T. Garrett, deceased, Charles D. Garrett of Burnet,
Aaron Garrett, who died in infancy, and Dr. H. S. Garrett of Marlin.
His wife died October 25th, 1888. During the eighteen years following
her death, he devoted his time to rearing and providing for his
children. In 1907 he was again married, to Mrs. N.E. Wells, who
survives him.
His declining years were spent on the farm he
loved so well, surrounded by loved ones, who did all they could to
alleviate his ills and cheer him when his burdens were heavy. He was a
member of the Church of Christ. Though frail of body, he retained his
mental activities to the end.
Mr. Garrett was the soul of honor,
ever true to friend and just to foe. Always law-abiding and honorable
himself, he bent his energies to convince the erring of their duty to
mankind and themselves.
His death removed a man who was honored,
trusted and respected by all who knew him. The surviving children
should be proud of such a father, and that they have profited by his
example and advice is demonstrated by the fact that all of them are
law-abiding, respected citizens in their various communities.
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