By Carol Sue Gibbs
HANNAH CARR
Born a Slave – Date Unknown
Died December 9, 1917
"Aunt Hannah" is highly esteemed by old and young, and few there are who do not know her personally, for she has lived here about three-quarters of a century, in fact has been a member of the Methodist Church here nearly that long.
These words of respect written in 1912 were used to describe a beloved resident of Matagorda.
The actual date of Hannah Carr’s birth was unknown. It is possible that she herself did not know when she was born.
At her death, her Matagorda friends were sure she was at least 100, but census records indicate she was probably closer to 90.
Her age recorded in the 1880 census was 48, which would have made 1832 her birth year. The 1900 census gave her age as 75 and said she was born in February, 1825.
If Hannah herself answered the questions, it may have been the most accurate birth date. Her age at her death would have been 92 if the 1825 date was correct.
One of the questions always asked on the census was place of birth.
In 1880 Hannah’s entry said she was born in Mississippi, but the 1900 census entry was Georgia. The census also indicated she had been married 50 years.
Regardless of where she was born, at some point, Hannah moved to Matagorda and worked for the Robert H. Williams family.
According to the Matagorda County Tribune, November, 1912, Dr. Christopher Harris “Kit” Williams was visiting in Matagorda.
One purpose of the trip was to visit Hannah as she had been his mammy when he was young.
Williams was born in 1838, therefore, Hannah would have been a young woman when she cared for him
The article went on to say of Hannah:
“During slavery times, as was the custom, her name with other Negro slave Methodists was on the roll with the white folks. Hers is the only name of her race on it today, and there as an honest, faithful and respectful member and a consistent Christian, she is respected by all, yea, by many, loved--an impressive lesson…
“Until recently when blindness overcame her the care of the church was her especial pride and pleasure. Aunt Hannah lives alone in her own nice little house just across the street from the Culver home and with her chickens and household work passes away the time.” - Matagorda County Tribune, November 1, 1912
The Official Membership and Church Records of the Methodist Church of Matagorda recorded Hannah’s baptism and vows in 1891.
At some point, Hannah was married as she was widowed by 1880.
Records also disagree on how many children she had, but her granddaughter, Annie Brown, age 11, was living with her in 1880.
Hannah also worked for the family of Galen and Amelia Hodges, owners of the Colorado House hotel.
She was a devoted servant and an excellent seamstress for the family.
She later worked for Lily Bruce Culver.
In her later years, as a freedwoman, she owned her home, which had been built for her across the street to the west from the Culver house on Wightman Street.