Life often deals its share of challenges, but for Charlie Carter, it seemed as though misfortune had taken a special interest in him. From a murder conviction that left an indelible mark on his past to the untimely loss of his first wife after 16 years of marriage, and finally, the tragic suicide of his second wife just six months into their union, Charlie’s story reads like a series of cruel twists of fate. Was it simply bad karma, or was he, as some might say, misfortune’s favorite son?
Seven years after Charlie Carter’s first wife, Annie Garmany, passed away, he remarried Henrietta Burns Parker on May 7, 1916, in Etowah County, Alabama. Henrietta was a widow with two young children, Mary Eva Parker, aged approximately seven, and Ison L. Parker, aged five. Tragedy struck the family six months later when Henrietta, overwhelmed by personal and family troubles, committed a desperate act that shocked the community.
On an November day in 1916, Henrietta led her two children, Mary Eva, now 7, and her 5-year-old son, to the banks of the Coosa River. Despondent and reportedly struggling with family difficulties, Henrietta jumped into the river with a child under each arm. Her young son managed to wriggle free and escape, but Mary Eva tragically drowned alongside her mother. Their bodies were later recovered from the river, and attempts to resuscitate them were unsuccessful.
In the aftermath, letters revealed that Henrietta had planned this tragic act deliberately, citing abuse and an inability to continue her life with her husband. The event deeply affected the community, with many attending the funerals and discussing the circumstances that led to the tragedy. These articles recount the heartbreaking details of the day and the devastating impact on the surviving family members and the local community.
A heartfelt thank-you goes out to cousin Debbie, who, years ago, dedicated her time to searching through newspaper archives and preserving this remarkable piece of our family’s history. Her efforts have allowed us to better understand the lives and struggles of those who came before us, enriching our connection to our shared heritage.
Let this be a reminder of how valuable it is to preserve family stories and historical treasures. By saving these pieces of the past, we not only honor our ancestors but also provide future generations with the tools to uncover their roots and carry forward the legacy of our family.
digging our roots 
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