(NOTE: Joseph Carr probably had never sat for a portrait prior to his entering the service during the Civil War. Joseph survived those early days during the winter of 1862/63 and like most of the boys, during the Spring or Summer of 1863, probably took the time to sit for a portrait that was most likely printed in the form of what was called a CDV. He almost certainly made a number of copies, not only to send home to his loved ones back home, but also to swap with his tentmates and messmates. He survived the war and lived well into the 20th century. Through the years, he probably had his photograph taken hundreds of times. I would dearly love to see a copy of one of those CDV's added to his FAG site. However, at this time, I would just be happy to see some pictures of him as an old man. Can anyone help me? Thanks, Baxter)

Corporal JOSEPH A. CARR, Co. A, 86th Illinois

Joseph A. Carr was born on July 18, 1836 in New Albany, Floyd County, Indiana, the son of Abram Carr, who was born c. 1812 in Virginia, and Maleta/Malette (Bridwell) Carr, who was born c. 1814/15 in Kentucky. At the time of the 1850 census, the Carr family is found in Georgetown, Floyd County, Indiana in the 1850 census;
Abram Carr M 29 Virginia
Maleta Carr F 35 Kentucky
Joseph A Carr F 14 Indiana
Elizabeth Carr F 11 Indiana
Louisa Carr F 9 Indiana
George W Carr M 7 Indiana
Charles D Carr M 1 Indiana
John P Hall M 21 Virginia

Abraham Carr brought his family west to Illinois shortly after this census was taken. At the time of the 1860 census, the Carr family is found in Palestine Township, Woodford County, Illinois. One of the neighboring families was the Chapman family;
Abram Carr M 48 Va
Malette Carr F 45 Ky
Joseph A Carr M 23 Ind
Elizabeth Carr F 19 Ind
George W Carr M 16 Ind
Joanna Carr F 7 Ind
Olive C Carr F 5 Ind
Melissa Carr F 3 Ind
Maletta Carr F 0 Ill

Abram Carr died in Woodford County, Illinois on ____________ __, 1873. Meletta (Bridwell) Carr died in 1871. Their mortal remains were laid in the Centennial Chapel Cemetery in Secor, Woodford County, Illinois. See Abraham's Find A Grave Memorial# 13098967.

Now to continue with the biography of Joseph A. Carr;
On August 11, 1862, Joseph A. Carr volunteered at El Paso, Woodford County, Illinois to serve in a company which was being raised in the Eureka and El Paso, Illinois areas of Woodford County by William S. Magarity, who had been the first man elected to serve as Woodford County Sheriff in the 1840's, for service in the Union army. At the time he enlisted, Joseph is recorded as being single and as residing in El Paso, Illinois.
However, it now appears that the fact that he was single was an error. In the Woodford County, Illinois Marriage 1841 - 1870, it is found that Joseph A. Carr was married to Sarah A. Chapman on January 5, 1862 in Woodford County, Illinois. Sarah A. Chapman was born c. November 20, 1840/43 in Ohio, probably Licking County, the daughter of Joseph Chapman and his 2nd wife, Elizabeth (Fisher) Chapman. At the time of the 1850 census, the Chapmans are found in Hocking, Fairfield County, Ohio;
Joseph Chapman M 47 Ohio
Elizabeth Chapman F 41 Virginia
Hannah Chapman F 25 Virginia
Wells H Chapman M 23 Ohio
Mary Chapman F 20 Ohio
Rebecca Chapman F 15 Ohio
Levi Chapman M 13 Ohio
James Chapman M 10 Ohio
Sarah Chapman F 7 Ohio
Francis Chapman F 5 Ohio
Emila Chapman F 3 Ohio

The Chapmans came west to Illinois in the 1850's and at the time of the 1860 census, the Chapman family is found in Palestine Township, Woodford County, Illinois, neighbors of the Carrs;
Joseph Chapman M 51 Ohio
Elizabeth Chapman F 40 Va
Levi Chapman M 21 Ohio
James Chapman M 17 Ohio
Sarah Chapman F 16 Ohio
Fanny Chapman F 14 Ohio
Emeline Chapman F 12 Ohio
Louisa Chapman F 9 Ohio

Seven children are believed to have been born to Joseph and Sarah, including;
1. Joseph A. Carr Jr., born c. April 5, 1863/65 in El Paso, Woodford County, Illinois. Joseph Jr. was married to Luella Stacy (1868 - 1951) on ____________ __, 18__ (c. 1887/88) in __________ County, Iowa. Joseph and Luella are known to have had the following children;
A. Bertha May Carr, born August 7, 1887 in Iowa. Bertha was married to John Wesley Warner in 19__. Bertha died on May 10, 1984 and her mortal remains were laid in the Greenwood Cemetery in Lexington, Dawson County, Nebraska. See her Find A Grave Memorial# 70148971.

B. Guy Leslie Carr, born November 19, 1888 in Mount Ayr, Iowa. Guy was married to G______ Irene ________. At the time of the 1930 census Guy and his family are found in Kennebec, Dawson County, Nebraska;
Guy L Carr Head M 41 Iowa
G Irene Carr Wife F 31 Nebraska
Isabelle M Carr Daughter F 9 Nebraska
Leola E Carr Daughter F 7 Nebraska

C. Tena Ethel Carr, born October __, 1895 in Nebraska.

D. Esther E. Carr, born August __, 1897 in Nebraska. Esther was married to Earl S. Whitaker. At the time of the 1920 census, the Whitakers are found in Mitchell, Scotts Bluff County, Nebraska;
Earl S Whitaker Head M 24 Nebraska
Ester L Whitaker Wife F 22 Nebraska
Harry F Whitaker Son M 2 Nebraska

E. Clarence R. Carr, born September 27, 1899 in Nebraska. Clarence was married to Margaret E. ___________. At the time of the 1930 census, Clarence and his family are found in Kennebec, Dawson County, Nebraska;
Clarence R Carr Head M 30 Nebraska
Margaret E Carr Wife F 27 Colorado
Clarence J Carr Son M 5 Nebraska
Robert L Carr Son M 2 Nebraska

F. Bernice E. Carr, born c. 1901/02 in Nebraska.

G. Myrle J. Carr, born c. 1903/04 in Nebraska.

H. Gerald L. Carr, born c. 1904/05 in Nebraska.

I. John J. Carr, born c. 1907/08 in Nebraska. John J. Carr was married to Leullen ___________. At the time of the 1940 census, John and his family are found in Hillside Election Precinct, Dawson County, Nebraska;
John Carr Head M 33 Nebraska
Leullen Carr Wife F 27 Colorado
Glendalle Carr Son M 9 Colorado
John Carr Son M 8 Colorado
Dana Jean Carr Daughter F 6 Nebraska

J. Alvin W. Carr, born February 14, 1910 in Eddyville, Dawson County, Nebraska. Alvin Carr was married to Edith E. Isburg. Alvin died on March 29, 1988 in Lexington, Dawson County, Nebraska and his mortal remains were laid in the Greenwood Cemetery in Lexington, Dawson County, Nebraska. See his Find A Grave Memorial# 58373650.

At the time of the 1900 census, the Carrs are found Loup Township, Custer County, Nebraska;
Joseph A Carr Head M Apr 1865 35 Illinois
Luella Carr Wife F Nov 1867 33 Iowa
Bertha Carr Daughter F Aug 1887 13 Iowa
Guy Carr Son M Nov 1888 12 Iowa
Ethel Carr Daughter F Oct 1895 5 Nebraska
Esther Carr Daughter F Aug 1897 3 Nebraska
Clarence Carr Son M Sep 1899 1 Nebraska

At the time of the 1910 census, the Carrs are found in Kennebec, Dawson County, Nebraska;
Joseph A Carr Head M 47 Illinois
Luella Carr Wife F 41 Iowa
Tena E Carr Daughter F 14 Nebraska
Esther E Carr Daughter F 12 Nebraska
Clarance R Carr Son M 10 Nebraska
Berniece E Carr Daughter F 8 Nebraska
Myrl J Carr Son M 6 Nebraska
Gerald L Carr Son M 5 Nebraska
John J Carr Son M 2 Nebraska
Alvin W Carr Son M 0 Nebraska
Willis H Vorhees Laborer M 48 New Jersey

At the time of the 1920 census, the Carrs are found in Kennebec, Dawson County, Nebraska;
Joseph A Carr Head M 57 Illinois
Luella Carr Wife F 51 Iowa
Merle Carr Son M 16 Nebraska
Jerold Carr Son M 14 Nebraska
John Carr Son M 11 Nebraska
Alvin Carr Son M 9 Nebraska

At the time of the 1930 census, Joseph Jr. and his family are found in Kennebec, Dawson County, Nebraska;
Joseph A Carr Head M 67 Illinois
Luella Carr Wife F 60 Iowa
John R Carr Son M 22 Nebraska
Louellen Carr Daughter-in-law F 16 Colorado
Harry F Whitaker Grandson M 12 Nebraska

Joseph A. Carr Jr. died on June 17, 1946 in Eddyville, Dawson County, Nebraska.

2. William "Willie" L. or T. Carr, born October 28, 1866 in either Woodford County or Ford County, Illinois. William Carr was married on July 4, 1888 in Ringgold County, Iowa to Metta Yaryaw/Yaryan. Metta was born c. 1870 in Ringgold County, Iowa and was 18 years old at the time of her marriage. She was the daughter of William Yaryaw and Sarah Sage. The children born to William and Metta include;
A. Chester A. Carr, born c. 1889 in Iowa.
B. Ray E. Carr, born July __, 1891 in Iowa.
C. Wayne Carr, born May 25, 1894 in Iowa.
D. Ralph D. Carr, born January 7, 1900 in Grant Twp, Ringgold County, Iowa
E. Harold Carr, born c. 1903/04 in Iowa.
F. Virgil Carr, born c. 1907/08 in Iowa.
E. Myrtle Carr, born c. 1911/12 in Nebraska.

William and Metta are found in the 1900 census living in Grant Township, Ringgold County, Iowa. He and Metta have been married 11 years;
William Carr Head M Oct 1866 34 Illinois
Metta Carr Wife F 30 Iowa
Chester A Carr Son M 11 Illinois
Ray E Carr Son M 9 Iowa
Wayne Carr Son M 6 Iowa
Ralph Carr Son M 0 Iowa

At the time of the 1910 census, William and his family are found in Kennebec, Dawson County, Nebraska;
William T Car Head M 41 Illinois
Mettie O Car Wife F 39 Iowa
Chester A Car Son M 19 Iowa
Ray Car Son M 18 Iowa
Wayne Car Son M 16 Iowa
Ralph Car Son M 10 Iowa
Harold Car Son M 6 Iowa
Virgil Car Son M 2 Nebraska

At the time of the 1920 census, William and his family are found in Broadwater, Morrill County, Nebraska;
William T Carr Head M 52 Illinois
Metta O Carr Wife F 48 Iowa
Wayne Carr Son M 24 Iowa
Ralph Carr Son M 20 Iowa
Harold Carr Son M 16 Iowa
Virgil Carr Son M 12 Nebraska
Myrtle Carr Daughter F 7 Nebraska

At the time of the 1930 census, William and Metta are found in Denver, Denver County, Colorado;
William T Carr Head M 63 Illinois
Metta Carr Wife F 60 Iowa
Myrtle Carr Daughter F 18 Nebraska

At the time of the 1940 census, William and Metta are found in Election Precinct 26, Jefferson County, Colorado;
William Carr Head M 74 Illinois
Metta Carr Wife F 70 Iowa

William T. Carr died on March 1, 1952 in Colorado.

3. Frank Carr, born October 6, 1869 in Woodford County, Illinois. Frank Carr was married on October 7, 1897 in Ringgold County, Iowa to Anna Hepburn, who was born c. 1876 in Missouri, the daughter of Thomas Hepburn and Catharine Sample. One son is known to have been born to Frank and Anna;
A. Rolla Glenn Carr, born October 23, 1902 in Iowa. Rolla died on May 5, 1992 in Kern, California.

At the time of the 1900 census, Frank and Anna are found in Washington Township, Diagonal town, Ringgold County, Iowa;
Frank Carr Head M Oct 1869 31 Illinois
Anna B Carr Wife F May 1877 23 Missouri

At the time of the 1920 census, Frank and his family are found in Washington, Ringgold County, Iowa;
Frank Carr Head M 50 Illinois
Anna B Carr Wife F 42 Missouri
Rollo G Carr Son M 17 Iowa
Rosie M Cunningham Servant F 22 Iowa

Nothing more is known about Frank and Anna.

4. Elizabeth "Lizzie" Carr, born May 4, 1871 in Woodford County, Illinois. Lizzie died on January 13, 1897 in Grant Township, Ringgold County, Iowa.

5. Leota Leona Carr, born September 5, 1873 in Woodford County, Illinois. Leota was married to George H. Ferber on February 26, 1893 in Diagonal, Ringgold County, Iowa. Leota died on April 28, 1900 in Ringgold County, Iowa.

6. Florence M. Carr, born December 1, 1879 in Ringgold County, Iowa. Florence died on September 22, 1884 in Grant Township, Ringgold County, Iowa.

7. Floy Ethel Carr, born December 2, 1886 in Grant Township, Ringgold County, Iowa. Floy was married to James Wilbur Benington (1884 - 1960) at Creston, Iowa on August 15, 1906. Floy Ethel (Carr) Bevington died on August 26, 1971 in Mount Ary, Ringgold County, Iowa. Her mortal remains were laid in the Clarinda Cemetery in Clarinda, Page County, Iowa. See her Find A Grave Memorial# 71528572.

Now to continue with the biography of Joseph A. Carr;
On August 11, 1862, Joseph A. Carr volunteered at El Paso, Illinois to service in a company which was being raised in Eureka and El Paso, Illinois in Woodford County by William S. Magarity, who had been the first man elected to serve as Woodford County Sheriff in the 1840's.

ILLINOIS CIVIL WAR DETAIL REPORT
Name CARR, JOSEPH A
Rank PVT Company A Unit 86 IL US INF

Personal Characteristics
Residence EL PASO, WOODFORD CO, IL Age 26 Height 5' 5 1/2 Hair BLACK
Eyes GRAY Complexion FAIR Marital Status SINGLE Occupation FARMER
Nativity NEW ALBANY, FLOYD CO, IN

Service Record
Joined When AUG 11, 1862 Joined Where EL PASO, IL
Joined By Whom CPT MAGARITY Period 3 YRS
Muster In AUG 27, 1862 Muster In Where PEORIA, IL
Muster In By Whom N/A Muster Out JUN 6, 1865
Muster Out Where WASHINGTON, DC Muster Out By Whom LT SCROGGS
Remarks MUSTERED OUT AS CORPORAL

By mid August of 1862, Magarity had about 100 volunteers and he took his company across the Illinois River to Peoria, Illinois where they went into camp at Camp Lyon, near present day Glen Oak Park. On August 27, 1862, 96 men of the Woodford County company, including now Private Joseph A. Carr, were mustered into service as Co. A of the 86th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Magarity was elected Captain of Co. A.
On September 7, 1862, the men of the 86th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry marched out of Camp Lyon through the streets of Peoria to the railroad station. There they were joined by the men of the 85th Illinois, who had been mustered into service at Camp Peoria. Together, at the depot, the men of the 85th & 86th Illinois boarded trains bound for Camp Joe Holt, in Jeffersonville, Indiana, which was located on the Ohio River across from Louisville, Kentucky. About the 1st of October of 1862, the men of the 85th & 86th were assigned to the 36th Brigade, which was being commanded by Colonel Daniel McCook, who had been Colonel of the 52nd Ohio, also now a part of the 36th Brigade. The men of McCook's Brigade were sent as part of Union General Buehl's army into Kentucky in pursuit of Confederate troops in Kentucky.
On Oct. 8, 1862, Buehl's army caught up with those Confederate troops and the men of McCook's Brigade were briefly engaged withe them in the Battle of Perryville, Kentucky, the 86th suffering their first casualties. There would be many more in the coming years. After the Battle of Perryville, the Confederates withdrew from the State of Kentucky and the men of McCook's Brigade marched on to Nashville, Tennessee, where they would spend the winter of 1862/63.
During the next 2 and a half years, Private Joseph A. Carr would serve faithfully in Co. A. During this time, Joseph was witness to and a participant in some of the bloodiest fighting of the Western Theatre of the war, including the Battles of Chickamauga, Georgia; Resaca, Georgia; Rome, Georgia; Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia, Jonesboro, Georgia; Averysboro, North Carolina and Bentonville, North Carolina and also marched with Sherman to the Sea.
At some point during the war, Private Joseph A. Carr was was elected by the men of Co. A to fill one of the Corporal positions as a sign of his military bearing and dedication to the service and Joseph was promoted to Corporal. After the war came to a close, the men of McCook's Brigade marched on to Washington City (now D.C.) where they marched down Pennsylvania Avenue on the 2nd day of the Grand Review.
On June 6, 1865, Corporal Joseph A. Carr was still with the surviving member of Co. A when the were mustered out of the service in Washington, D.C. Shortly after that, they were on a train bound for Chicago, where they received their final pay and were discharged from the service. By the end of June of 1865, the surviving members of the 86th Illinois were back home with their families in Central Illinois.

At the time of the 1870 census, Joseph and his family are found in ____________ County, Illinois. He is incorrectly listed in the census on the familysearch site as John Carr;
John Carr M 34 Indiana
Sarah Carr F 26 Ohio
Joseph Carr M 8 Illinois
William Carr M 3 Illinois
Frankie Carr M 0 Illinois

At the time of the 1880 census, the Carrs are found in Brown, Champaign County, Illinois;
Joseph Carr Self M 45 Indiana
Sarah Carr Wife F 36 Ohio
Joseph Carr Son M 17 Illinois
Willie Carr Son M 14 Illinois
Frank Carr Son M 10 Illinois
Lizzie Carr Daughter F 9 Illinois
Leona Carr Daughter F 7 Illinois

In 1887, some of the surviving members of the 86th Illinois organized and held a reunion in Peoria, Illinois of the old 86th on August 27, 1887, the 25th Anniversary of the mustering in of the men of the 86th Illinois. More than 125 surviving members of the 86th Illinois attended this reunion, including 17 members of Co. A. The reunion was such a success that the men decided to continue these reunion, which continued to grow for any years. In 1923, the 20 surviving members of the 86th who were able to attend that reunion, tearfully decided that the 1923 reunion would be their last as they were just too old and too few to continue them. Over the years, 32 different members of Co. A were able to attend at least one reunion, however, Corporal Joseph A. Carr was never able to attend any of the reunions.

At the time of the 1900 census, Joseph and his family are found in the town of Diagonal, Washington Township, Ringgold County, Iowa. Joseph and Sarah are listed as having been married 38 years and Joseph's father and mother are listed as having been born in Virginia and Kentucky, respectively;
Joseph Carr Head M Jul 1836 64 Ind
Sarah A Carr Wife F 66 Ohio
Flay Carr Daughter F 14 Iowa

At the time of the 1910 census, Joseph A. Carr is found in Washington, Ringgold County, Iowa;
Joseph Carr Head M 73 Indiana
Sarah Carr Wife F 68 Ohio

At the time of the 1920 census, the Carrs are still found in Washington, Ringgold County, Iowa;
Joseph A Carr Head M 82 Indiana
Sarah A Carr Wife F 77 Ohio

Corporal Joseph A. Carr died on May 14, 1924 in Diagonal, Ringgold County, Iowa.

by Baxter B. Fite III and Karen Judy (FAG Contributor # 47786849), who is a great great granddaughter of Joseph A. Carr Sr.

(Baxter would enjoy hearing from anyone, especially descendants of the Carr family, who might be able to add to the biographical material that we have on Joseph A. Carr and the Carr family. Baxter would also love to see copies of any photographs of Joseph A. Carr, which have survived the years, especially any showing him in uniform from his days in the service, added to his Find A Grave Memorial for all to see.)