John F. Carr ran saw and grist mills at Smithfield, on Menard Creek. Carr was a steamboat builder, and possibly used the saw mill for his own consumption as well as commercially. By 1856, he had taken a partner named Macomb. Their advertisement in November 17, 1856, issue of the Liberty Gazette read: “STEAM SAW MILL At Smithfield, Polk County, Texas. Having our mill in complete operation at the above mentioned place, we are prepared to fill all orders for lumber at the shortest notice and at low rates. All kinds of upper country timber will be sawed. Orders sent by mail will be promptly attended to. Corn Meal ground at all times.”
His sternwheeler, the John F. Carr, served the Confederacy in Galveston Bay and Matagorda Bay. It participated in the Battle of Galveston.