Our family heritage began in 1865 when a son was born to Andrew J. and his wife Amanda Carter. They  named their son Dan. Young Dan's life was spent in a small community near the North Carolina and  South Carolina state line in Scotland County called Hasty. It is believed that is where Dan met and  married his first two wives, Donnie Stevens and Carrie Dudley. He married his third wife, Malendy  Deberry near Wakulla NC. According to vital records, he fathered eleven children, Willie Frinch aka  William Frank, James, Mary Eliza, Flora K., Thomas, Lelah Ester, Carrie Blanch, Elenora Amanda and  three other girls who died shortly after birth. Although death records state Dan was a Black man,  some census records, as well as some family stories say he was a Native American.

Dan was one of the founding Deacons of the First Missionary Baptist Church, now located at the  corner of 6th Avenue and McLeod Road in Red Springs, NC. He can be found in the church archives  along with many other great founding leaders of that time. These leaders are recognized each year  at the annual church homecoming on the fourth Sunday in August of each year. Dan never drove.  Family members talk about how he would travel the 5.8 mile journey by foot, from Wakulla to Red  Springs every Sunday for Sunday School. His family flourished in that church for generations.  In 2019 his great grandson, Willie Goodyear served as project manager in the reconstruction of the main sanctuary. Upon completion of that project Willie passed away and his funeral was held in the sanctuary. As of 2022 the legacy continues with great, great grandchildren in attendance. 

Dan was a woodsman by trade. He spent much of his life chopping wood and cross ties from the  railroads. He used axes and handsaws as chainsaws were not available. This was a trade that he  shared with his son Thomas and it carried him to many places in and out of North Carolina. He  chopped wood until approximately two weeks before his death. He died at age 78. His funeral was  held at the First Missionary Baptist Church in Red Springs, NC and he was buried in the St. Luke  Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery in Hasty, North Carolina along side his first two wives Donnie  and Carrie. Malendy, his third wife, was buried at the Buie Cemetery in Red Springs, NC. Since  that time the  family  has spread as far out west as Wisconsin, as far east as Gambia,  West Africa, as far north as Pennsylvania and as far south as Tijuana, Mexico. The  fact still remains Robeson County, North Carolina is still home today.

FAMILY GATHERINGS
 The annual Carter Family Reunion is held on the second Saturday in August each year. It was always  held in and around Robeson County until recently. Family members gather to reconnect, revisit and  restore family bonds each year.

FAMILY SEARCH
 Active research of our family history has been consistant since 1995. Though a very interesting and  rewarding experience, still family members would like to know more about Dan Carter's parents and  sibling. It is only known from word of mouth that Dan had a sister by the name of Lady Carter  Easterling or Easterly. She is supposedly buried in the same cemetery as Dan and his wives Donnie  and Carrie at St. Luke Church in Hasty, North Carolina.

FAMILY FACT
 The oldest family member died in 2008.She was buried in Fayetteville, NC. She was the sister of  James Edward Buie Handy. Her name was Katie Bell Buie Fairley. At her death she was 104 years old.  She was known for her Godly wisdom and her ability to make wonderful preserves. These she made  until approximately one year before she died. To some family members she was the "Chow Chow Queen".