Professor Samuel Johnson Bowles Carter was born on January 11, 1842, and raised alongside his sister, Mary Carter, in Bledsoe County, Tennessee. Later in life, he married Malinda, and together they had five children: Allen A., Mattie A., Ida, Samella, and Fred D. Carter.

A distinguished educator and community leader, Professor Carter worked as a teacher, Associate Editor for the Huntsville Gazette and the Weekly Journal and served as assistant principal of the State Normal School in 1875. He was also a member of the Central Alabama Academy board of trustees, a devoted congregant of Lakeside Methodist Episcopal Church (now Lakeside United Methodist Church), and a real estate agent with Boyd & Wellman.

A dedicated Republican, he represented his party at state and national conventions. In 1895, he delivered a powerful speech at the State Normal School titled "The Causes that Lead to and the Results of the Emancipation Proclamation," which was published in The Journal the same year. Professor Carter also shared his poetic talents in the Huntsville Gazette, where many of his poems appeared.

In 1896, he ran for commissioner of the 3rd District, which included Alabama's Black Belt region. By 1899, he owned a hack (horse-drawn carriage) business, known for his fine hat and excellent horses. In 1903, he served on the grand jury for the United States Court.

Professor Carter passed away on February 21, 1912, and was laid to rest in Glenwood Cemetery. A notable line from his writings speaks to his enduring optimism: “There's a star to guide the humble. Trust in God and do the right. Let us do our whole duty now and here, Hope for everything, nothing fear; ... let everybody shout [and] join in the general jubilee."

Malinda Carter, born around 1848 in Alabama, was the daughter of Neal and Martha Carbery (possibly Austin). She grew up with five siblings: John Reuben, Pleasant Hany, Martin, Nelson, and Milton. In 1896, Malinda received the news of her father Neal Austin's passing in Helena, Arkansas.

An active member of her community, Malinda Carter contributed her time and efforts to various organizations. She was a dedicated member of the women’s society Sharon Court, where she served as treasurer and was later elected as one of its conductors. Additionally, she played a vital role on the Parsonage and Furniture Committee at Lakeside Methodist Episcopal Church.

Her daughter, Mattie A. Carter, also exemplified leadership, serving as the Huntsville, Alabama, agent for the Royal Benefit Society of Washington, D.C., continuing the family's tradition of community involvement and service.

Samuel Carter, “Prepared to Serve You,” The Journal, Huntsville, AL, Fri, 10 Mar 1899, p. 3.

Samuel Johnson Bowles Carter, FindaGrave Index, 1600s-Current (birth 11 Jan 1842, death 21 Feb 1912), Ancestry.com.

Samuel Carter, “Colored Normal School,” Huntsville Independent, Huntsville, AL, Thu, 13 May 1875, p. 3.

S. J. B. Carter, “Extracts from an Oration: Delivered by S. J. B. Carter, Before the State Normal School, Jan’y 1st, 1985. The Causes that Lead to, and the Results of the Emancipation Proclamation,” The Journal, Fri, 25 Jan 1895, p. 3.

“S. J. B. Carter Invited to Program of Negroes Labor and Trade Congress,” The Journal, Fri, 23 Jul 1897, p. 3.

Samuel J. B. Carter, 1880 U.S. Census, (Samuel I. B. Carter, birth abt 1844), Ancestry.com. 

Malinda Carter, U. S. Freedman’s Bank Records, 1865-1874; Ancestry.com

Malinda Carter, 1870 United States Federal Census; Ancestry.com

Malinda Carter, 1880 United States Federal Census; Ancestry.com

Malinda Carter, 1900 United States Federal Census; Ancestry.com

Malinda Carter, 1910 United States Federal Census; Ancestry.com

Malinda Carter, Huntsville Gazette (Huntsville, Alabama) Sat., June 18, 1892, Page 2

Malinda Carter, The Journal (Huntsville, Alabama) Fri. Oct. 9, 1896, Page 3

Malinda Carter, The Journal (Huntsville, Alabama) Fri. Aug.17, 1900, Page 3

Malinda Carter, The Journal (Huntsville, Alabama) Fri. Feb. 22, 1901, Page 2

Malinda Carter, The Journal (Huntsville, Alabama) Thu. June 19, 1902, Page 2

Malinda Carter, The Journal (Huntsville, Alabama) Thu. Apr 9, 1903, Page 2

Malinda Carter, The Journal (Huntsville, Alabama) Thu. June 14, 1906, Page 1