The Alamo Defenders: William R Carey

By TheAlamoFilm.com

CAREY, WILLIAM R.
(1806-1836)

Born to Moses Carey and his wife in Virginia, William Carey immigrated as a single man to New Orleans.  On July 28, 1835, he arrived at Washington-on-the-Brazos, and joined as a Texas Army volunteer when the Texas Revolution began. 

He marched with troops to Gonzales and was appointed Second Lieutenant on October 28, 1835.  During the siege of Bexar, Carey received a slight wound to his scalp while manning a cannon.  He was promoted to first lieutenant in the field for his actions in the battle.

On December 14, 1835, he was elected by popular vote to be captain of his 56-man artillery company, named the “Invincibles.”  His company remained in Bexar as part of the garrison under Lt. Col. James C. Neill.

During the weeks before January 14, Neill moved his entire force into the Alamo.  Carey commanded the Alamo compound while Neill commanded the town of Bexar. Neill utilized Carey's company for tough tasks and even, on one occasion, as military police.

During the siege and battle of the Alamo, Carey commanded the fort's artillery. He died in battle on March 6, 1836.  His father traveled to Texas to settle his estate and received $198.65 for Carey's military service.

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