Edward Carter, John's father, moved his family to Chowan County, North Carolina from VA in 1712. Deed records show John bought Lot #35 in New Bern Town in 1723. In 1729 Edward and John registered their "cattle brand" in Bertie Co., NC.

It seems trouble followed John Carter like a hungry lion. By July 1730 he filed a lawsuit against John Fonville. In 1738, he filed a suit against Cornel Fowler. In 1731, as Deputy Marshall, he arrested Nathaniel Phillips for not attending county muster. Then Phillips turned around and sued John Carter for false arrst. John served as sheriff of Craven County, NC. He also served as Deputy Marshall for the Colony of North Carolina.

In February 1783, while under obligations to the Governor as well as the Council, the Lower House called on John to assist with an election. According to their records, he sent back a "very abusive and saucy answer" and refused to assist. So the Lower House asked the Council to bind him over to be punished. The Council ordered Carter to appear before the bar of the Lower House and beg, on his knees, for forgiveness for his contempt, which he did, and was severely reprimanded by the Lower House.

Whether by coicidence or design, Carter was sent to arrest an outlaw named Isaac Gould, who evidently killed Carter and held his body. A posse had to be formed to go after Gould and recover Carter's body.

Carter's wife is unknown, but according to tradition, she was an Indian. It is interesting to note that for many years, John's son, Edward, was Indian Agent for the Colony, responsible for entertaining and housing the Indians in New Bern and Edonton in their visits to the Government.