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Compiled by John H. Wheeler Published in 1903 by B. F. Bowen Biography Page 132 - 133 |
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SAMUEL CARNAHAN
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On section 4, Antioch township, lives Samuel Carnahan, whose attention is given to agricultural pursuits in the operation of his valuable farm of eighty acres, of which seventy-two acres is under a very high state of cultivation. He was born upon a farm in LaGrange county, Indiana, March 19, 1844. His father, Samuel Carnahan, was also a farmer by occupation, carrying on that pursuit until his death, which occurred in LaGrange county in the fifty-fifth year of his age. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Mary Ann Mashon, also died in LaGrange county, her death occurring in her sixty-fifth year. They were the parents of nine children, of whom Samuel was the fourth in order of birth. Upon the old homestead in the county of his nativity Samuel Carnahan was reared and when not engaged with the duties of the school-room his attention was largely given to farm work, with which he became familiar in its various departments. He continued to live in LaGrange county until he was thirty-eight years of age, or until the fall of 1882, and at that time he came to Wexford county, where he has since made his home. In December following his arrival he purchased eighty acres of land on section 4, Antioch township, and the following March he settled upon this tract of land with his family. With characteristic energy he began its cultivation and improvement and has continued his work here with the result that he now has seventy-two acres of land under cultivation. The fields have been divided by well-kept fences and the early tints of spring give promise of golden harvests in the autumn, while the sale of his crops return to him a good harvest. On the 12th of January, 1871, Mr. Carnahan was united in marriage, in LaGrange county, Indiana, to Miss Sarah Rathbun, who was born in Elkhart county, Indiana, May 1, 1852, a daughter of Costain and Andalusia (Gould) Rathbun. Her father died in LaGrange in the fifty-third year of his age, and the mother afterward came to Michigan, spending her last days in Mesick, where she died in her seventy-fourth year. She was the mother of five children, of whom Mrs. Carnahan is the second. The home of the subject and his wife has been blessed with five children: Lester C.; Charles H.; Clara E., the wife of Samuel Jones; Rachel A., the wife of Edward Patterson; and Samuel Albert. Mr. Carnahan has served as treasurer of Antioch township and has held different school positions. He was elected one of the county superintendents of the poor in the fall of 1890 and in these various offices he has ever been found reliable and trustworthy, discharging his duties in a prompt and capable manner. His political support is given to the Republican party and he is a member of the Grange. He is also a liberal contributor to church work and co-operates in many measures for the general good. During his residence in Wexford county he has so lived as to command the good will and confidence of all with whom he has come in contact and he has gained many friends. His life has been one of untiring industry and his farm has been cleared entirely through his own efforts. Mr. Carnahan is erecting a residence, eighteen by twenty-six feet in size, on his farm, and will thus have one of the most comfortable and conveniently arranged homes in the township. |