About Me
I serve as an Associate Professor and Director of the Master’s in Criminal Justice program at Middle Tennessee State University, following almost two decades as a special agent in the U.S. Army’s Criminal Investigation Division. My career took me from the backroads of rural America to federal investigations overseas—but the lawless frontiers of early America have captured my curiosity.
Carter F. Smith
Retired Criminal Investigator, Criminal Justice Professor
After 22 years in military and federal law enforcement, I turned to the archives—where I found Sam Mason, a Revolutionary War veteran turned river pirate, waiting in the footnotes of forgotten trials. My work bridges past and present, tracing how crime, justice, and power collided on the frontier. I’ve written on gangs, organized crime, and early American law in both academic journals and books like From Patriot to Pirate and The Trial of Sam Mason. Mason was no myth—just a man shaped by war, whiskey, and weak borders. And I’ve spent years chasing his story downstream.
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What Sets This Series Apart
1
Historically Rich Novels
Vivid storytelling grounded in real people, places, and events—crafted from court records, military archives, and frontier journals.
2
Interactive Timeline
Follow Sam Mason’s life across decades and territories—from Virginia battlefields to Mississippi caves—brought to life with the Cool Timeline plugin.
3
Community for Descendants
A place for families and researchers to connect, share stories, submit documents, and uncover hidden connections.
3
Research, Blogs & Insights
Dive into detailed articles exploring frontier life, forgotten skirmishes, and the evolving legacy of Sam Mason.
Are You Connected to Sam Mason?
We welcome descendants, amateur sleuths, and professional historians. Submit your family stories, theories, and archival finds. Help us continue uncovering the truth about Sam Mason.
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