Juan Barra

Birthplace: Mexico
Service Years: 1880–1882
Rank: Private
Station: Fort Clark, Texas
Unit Commander: Lt. John L. Bullis
Juan Barra was a Seminole Negro Indian Scout born in Mexico, noted for his dedication and service on the U.S. frontier. Described in military records as standing 5 feet 8 inches tall with black eyes, black hair, and a copper complexion, Barra enlisted on May 26, 1880. He served two consecutive one-year terms, with his second enlistment beginning on June 7, 1881, and ending on June 6, 1882.
Barra was stationed at Fort Clark, a pivotal outpost in Kinney County, Texas, known for its role in securing the U.S.-Mexico border and suppressing raiding activity. He served under Lieutenant John L. Bullis, a well-known commander of the Black Seminole Scouts.
In the 1880 U.S. Census, Juan Barra was recorded as a 27-year-old white male, a designation that was common for many Black Seminoles in Texas at the time due to inconsistent racial classifications. His wife, Austacio, was listed as a 20-year-old white female, and their daughter, Leonides, was a 4-year-old white female.
Though only briefly enlisted, Juan Barra was part of a unique and critical legacy of Black Seminole military service. The scouts' knowledge of the terrain, languages, and survival tactics made them invaluable to the U.S. Army’s frontier operations. Juan Barra’s contributions helped pave the way for increased recognition of Seminole Negro Indian Scouts as vital defenders of U.S. borders during the Indian Wars.