Dabney Carr

Dabney Carr was born on October 26, 1743, in Louisa County, Virginia, to John Carr, a planter and public official, and Barbara Overton Carr. His family descending from early Virginia settlers, the Carr family exerted significant landholdings and participated in public service across the colony. His grandfather, Major Thomas Carr (1678–1738), emigrated from England and established a plantation in what became Caroline County, Virginia.

Carr was educated at Rev. James Maury's School, a private boarding school in Albemarle County, Virginia. Among his classmates were Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and James Monroe. After completing his early education, Carr studied law at the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, where he also befriended John Taylor. During this period, Carr frequently visited Jefferson at his estate, Shadwell, and developed a close association with Jefferson’s family, including his sisters Martha and Jane.

On July 20, 1765, Dabney Carr married Martha Jefferson, the younger sister of Thomas Jefferson. The couple resided at Spring Forest plantation in Goochland County. Their children included Jane Barbara Carr (1766–1840), Lucy Carr (March 7, 1768–1803), Mary (Polly) Carr (born March 7, 1768), Peter Carr (1770–1815), Colonel Samuel Carr of Dunlora (October 8, 1771–1855), and Judge Dabney Carr (1773–1837).

Carr served in the French and Indian War in 1763 as part of the Volunteer Rangers under Captain Phillips, earning a land bounty for his service. Following his law studies, he practiced law in several Virginia counties, including Louisa, Goochland, Albemarle, Chesterfield, and Augusta. Patrick Henry considered Carr his primary legal competitor.

In 1771, Carr was elected to the Virginia House of Burgesses representing Louisa County and was re-elected in 1772. His political career was cut short when he died of a fever on May 16, 1773, at one of Jefferson's plantations, shortly after the birth of his youngest son, Dabney.

Prior to his death, Carr proposed the creation of an inter-colony Committee of correspondence to facilitate communication among the colonies. He delivered a compelling speech supporting its establishment, and the committee became instrumental in the formation of the Continental Congress in 1774.

Following his death, Thomas Jefferson honored his boyhood friend by burying Carr on the grounds of Monticello, fulfilling a pact made in their youth. Carr was the first person interred there, with his grave situated beneath a particular tree. Jefferson also took an active role in raising Carr’s children, overseeing their education and well-being, and their family was often present at Monticello. Martha Jefferson Carr died in September 1811 and was buried next to her husband and Jefferson.

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