Sarah’s life story is marked by her marriages to Moses Wright and later to Thomas Hines, from which she bore three children: Levi Wright, Henry Hines, and John Hines. Her lineage is further illuminated by the lives of her parents, Anthony Dunford-Carr and Celie Carr. Sarah, once owned by Harriet Nail-Carr, a Choctaw woman and brought into the marriage with husband Reverend John Harpole Carr. This brings a unique dimension to this historical account.

Reverend John Harpole Carr, whose roots trace back to Captain John Harpole, a notorious slave trader from Tennessee, played a significant role in the early 19th century. Captain Harpole relocated his family and enslaved individuals to Hempstead County in the southwest Arkansas territory around 1818. The Reverend’s contributions extended beyond his immediate family, as he established a school for Chickasaw girls in the early 1850s, reflecting his engagement with the indigenous community.

This study aims to shed light on the personal histories entwined with broader historical movements, exploring themes of identity, heritage, and the impact of slavery and cultural assimilation. Through the lives of Sarah, her ancestors, and descendants, we gain insight into the resilience and complexity of families navigating the turbulent currents of American history.

During this research, one primary document often led to the discovery of another, creating a chain of historical evidence that enriches our understanding. For instance, a marriage certificate might provide names and dates that match those found in a census record, leading to the discovery of additional family members and their respective life events. This interconnectedness of documents is crucial for constructing an accurate and comprehensive family history.