Carter, Robert Goldthwaite, 1845-1936

Robert Goldthwaite Carter (1845–1936), soldier and writer, was born and educated in Maine. He moved to Massachusetts in 1857, and served as a private in Company H, 22nd Massachusetts Infantry in the Civil War, August 1862-October 1864. In 1865 Carter enrolled in the United States Military Academy, graduating in 1870. He was immediately placed in Troop E, Fourth United States Cavalry. A few days after marrying, in September 1870, he and his new wife Mary moved to San Antonio. Carter had a successful military career, earning the Medal of Honor in 1900, for his actions in 1871, being designated brevet captain for gallant service in action in 1873, and being promoted to first lieutenant in 1875. In June 1876 he retired from the army after being injured in the line of duty.

Carter wrote a number of books during his retirement concerning his military career as well as his ancestors and family members. In addition, he published an autobiography, Record of the Military Service of First Lieutenant and Brevet Captain Robert Goldthwaite Carter, U. S. Army 1862-1876 (1904). In 1935, Carter’s written works on his experiences in Texas were published, and he died the following year. He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.

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