CARR, THOMAS WARNER AND MARY JANE (BOYER)

by Virginia Isom Huddle

Entry F66 from the History of Hooker County Nebraska
with permission of the Hooker County Historical Society

Tom and Mary Jane Carr.

Thomas Warner Carr was born in 1858 and
died in 1929. Mary Jane Boyer Carr was born
in 1866 and died in 1931.

On December 31, 1882 at Stephen and
Polly Boyer's home in Independence, Vir-
ginia, Thomas Warner Carr and Mary Jane
Boyer were married. They came by train to
Madison County, Nebraska. Here seven of
their twelve children were born: Mattie
Elmira in 1885, married Charlie Isom; Eddie
Lee in 1888 and married Janet Hogg; Nannie
Ethel, 1890 she married James Hodges; Troy
Etta in 1893 and married Joe Frazey; Baby
Mary 1895 but died at birth; John Stephen
1896 and he married Thelma Dooley; Leta
Elizabeth in 1899 and she married Charlie
Butler.

In the fall of 1900, they traveled in covered
wagons to a homestead in Dry Valley, Cherry
County, Nebraska. Here they built a sod
house and it was here where five more
children were to join the family. Rose Edith
in 1902 and she married Wright Hampton;
Virginia Esther in 1904, marrying George
Frazey; Glen Thomas was born in 1906 and
died in 1916, age 10; Floyd Edwin was born
1908 and married Maxine Rice; Teddy
Roland, 1910 and died in infancy.

Later a frame house was built on the
homestead. Tom and Mary Jane lived there
the rest of their lives.

The Curley Post Office was moved into the
soddy and later into the frame house where
mail from Mullen was distributed to neigh-
bors. The Post Office was managed by the
Carrs until it was discontinued many years
later.

The Carr home and homes of their children
became known as ``wayside'' rests and over-
night stops for freighters and travelers. These
weary folk were all sure to find food and rest
for themselves and their animals in these
homes. The Carrs welcomed friends, rela-
tives, strangers and all.

Thomas and Mary Jane were fondly known
as ``Uncle Tom'' and ``Aunt Moll'' Carr. This
couple was my grandparents.