CARSON. The first member of the family, of which Isaac and Cornelius Carson are honored representatives, emigrated from his native land, Ireland, to America, and made a settlement in this county, taking out a patent for land in Fallowfield township over one hundred years ago. Subsequently he traded a part of the original farm for a shot-gun, in order to induce a traveler who had the gun to settle near him in the wilderness. He died on this property, which has been in the possession of the family ever since. John Carson, his son, was born, reared and educated on the home place in Fallowfield township, and when a young man married Elizabeth Springer, of the same locality. After marriage they settled on the homestead, where Mr. Carson carried on general farming and stock raising. Their children were Mary (Mrs. Abraham Van Voorhis), Margaret (Mrs. Parker Carson), Elizabeth (Mrs. Noah Fry), John S. (father of subject), Sarah A. (Mrs. H. Allman) and Caroline (Mrs. M. Hazen). The parents of this family both died on the home place, and lie side by side in the Speers burying ground. They were members of the Speers Baptist Church; in politics Mr. Carson was a Democrat, and he held various township offices.
John S. Carson was born May 31, 1823, in Fallowfield township, Washington Co., Penn. He married Margaret Jones, a native of the township, daughter of Elijah and Mary (Warren) Jones, farmers, who were the parents of the following children: William, Eliza J. (Mrs. John Beadle), Margaret (Mrs. John S. Carson), Wesley, James, Noah and Isaac W. Mr. Jones was a member of the M. E. Church, and in politics was a Whig and Republican. After his marriage John S. Carson purchased a farm adjoining the homestead in Fallowfield township, and here passed the remainder of his life, dying September 24, 1882, his wife having preceded him to the grave December 16, 1870; they sleep their last sleep in Maple Creek cemetery, which is on the Carson farm. Mrs. Elizabeth Carson was the first buried there. They were members of the Baptist Church, and Mr. Carson was always regarded as an energetic and substantial citizen. In his political preferences he was an active Democrat, held various offices of trust in his township, and was school director for over a quarter of a century. Their children were Isaac, Cornelius, John Clarkson (who died in April, 1891, at Salt Lake City, Utah), Henry (a farmer in Fallowfield township), Robert B. (a resident of Aspen, Colo.), Mary E., Van C., Margaret M. (Mrs. I. N. Carson, of Fallowfield township), Caroline (Mrs. John W. Carson), Noah T. and Joseph (both living on the old Carson homestead).
ISAAC CARSON was born December 29, 1846, in Fallowfield township, and received a liberal education at the common schools of his district. On May 1, 1872, he married Lorinda, daughter of Noah and Lydia (Hill) Fry, natives of Fallowfield township. Her father died in December, 1884, the mother several years prior to his demise. Mr. and Mrs. Carson continued their residence in Fallowfield township until 1877, when he bought 140 acres in Allen township, to which they removed. He yet owns sixty-four acres in Fallowfield township, and in addition to general farming is considerably interested in live stock, making it a specialty. Politically he votes independent of party in local politics, but supports the Democrats in national issues. He is a member of the school board. Mrs. Carson is identified with the Disciple Church. Their children are Noah F., John S., Van C., Carl B., Omadell, Raymond, Edgar and Annie Elizabeth.
CORNELIUS CARSON was born December 29, 1848 in Fallowfield township, where his primary education was received. He attended the private academy of John C. Messenger, and later the Southwestern State Normal School at California. On the completion of his studies he taught school for some few terms, during the winter months, working on the farm the rest of the year, which latter vocation he followed until 1882 when he came to Monongahela, and here for a short time was in partnership with Yohe Brothers, in their planing mill. He then opened a furniture store which he conducted about four years, afterward embarking in his present grocery business. On October 30, 1873, Mr. Carson was married to Sarah, daughter of Joseph Beazell, of Fallowfield township. To them have been born: Laura I., Margaret A., Sarah B., Van C., Emma J., May E., Cornelius G., Isaac W. and Joseph Bascom. Our subject is an active Democrat, a leader in the party for many years. He has been twice elected a member of the borough council in a ward where the Republicans outnumber the Democrats two to one a forcible evidence of Mr. Carson's popularity, and a practical recognition of his capabilities. He is a member of the M. E. Church, a highly successful business man, and an energetic, useful citizen.
Text taken from page 1315 of:
Beers, J. H. and Co., Commemorative Biographical Record of Washington County, Pennsylvania (Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co., 1893).Transcribed February 1997 by Neil and Marilyn Morton of Oswego, IL as part of the Beers Project.
Published February 1997 on the Washington County, PA pages at http://www.chartiers.com/.[ [Back to Beers Table of Contents] [Back to Beers Project Page]