DR. T. S. CARMAN. "Peace bath her victories no less than war, " and the men who braved privation, malaria, and countless other trials and dangers in the early days, in order to subdue the wilderness of forest and swamp which covered this section, are rightly held in honor for their achievements. Among the surviving pioneers of Wood county, Dr. Carman, of Bradner, stands foremost, and his versatile talents, sound judgment, determined will, and seemingly inexhaustible physical vigor are the wonder of all.
Dr. Carman was born in Queen Anne county, Md., April 10, 1808, a son of Salisbury and Anna (Critchet) Carman, and in early boyhood was taken to Baltimore by his parents. His father owned a large hat factory on Main street, Baltimore, and was a prosperous man until the breaking out of the war of 1812, when the fluctuation in prices of materials caused his failure. He served in that war as a member of the " Baltimore Blues, " and his son distinctly remembers his coming home to get his sword when the regiment was called out to oppose the landing of the British forces under Gen. Ross. After his financial reverses he moved to Philadelphia, where he died in 1819 at the age of twenty-nine years, leaving a widow and four children, of whom our subject was the eldest and is now the only survivor. Mary died in childhood; Lewis died in Texas, in 1866; and James, who was a noted auctioneer at New Orleans, La., died in that city. The mother of these was united in marriage in 1851 with James Chiviril, but to their union no children were born. She died at Baltimore, in 1866, at the age of seventy-five years.
Dr. Carman was only eleven years old when his father died, and, as there was no property left, the little family was scattered. He had been attending the common schools in, Philadelphia, but this sad event put an abrupt end to his schooling, and he was placed 'with a farmer, an Englishman, who abused him so that he soon went back to Philadelphia. A drove of Western horses came to the city about that time, and one which was supposed to have glanders was given to him to take .out to "Horse Heaven," on the Schuylkill river, to die. The diagnosis was not correct, and under the boy's kindly care the horse recovered, and its sale later brought him $80, 00, which formed the foundation of his future fortune. The fondness for horses, which this incident shows, has always been a characteristic trait, and to this day it is his delight to drive a spirited team. His unusual business ability was shown at an early age in -various dickers," and he made his way better than many so circumstanced would have done.
Returning to Baltimore, he learned dentistry, and for a while practiced there, then in Richmond, Va., and Augusta, Ga., and also traveled through the rural districts of the South and East in a sulky. He was an expert in his business, and as prices were good he prospered. In 1834 he moved to Cleveland, Ohio, and followed his profession, traveling through the South in the winter season, and in 1836 he went to Fort Seneca, Ohio, where he learned of the lands of Wood county. Being desirous of investing in real estate, he soon made a purchase of eighty acres in Section 8, Montgomery township, from Harlow Hill. This was in its primitive condition; but he made his home there in a log cabin in pioneer style, and as time passed he increased his holdings until he owned 440 acres, later entering 1,000 acres. He became a successful worker in different lines, practiced medicine, conducted a mercantile business, and carried on farming on an extensive scale, his shrewd financiering enabling him to accumulate money rapidly. Later he removed to Prairie Depot, where he carried on a store, practiced medicine, and for some time was in a similar business in Perrysburg, but in August, 1889, he moved to Bradner, where he has since resided. He owns seven houses in that town, also two in Prairie Depot, and about 500 acres of land, besides; he has done much toward the improvement of Bradner, having built many houses and platted an addition to the town. In the early days he was criticized for his extensive purchases of land, by many who have lived to see the wisdom of his dealings.
In 1828 he was married, in Baltimore, to Miss Ellen Young, a native of the " Blue Hills," ten miles from the city. She died in Baltimore in 1834, not long after their marriage, leaving no children, and he subsequently married, in Baltimore, in 1835, Miss Elizabeth Howard, a native of Maryland, by whom he had four children: Two died in childhood; the others-Howard and Anna (now Mrs. Wesley Graham)-reside at Prairie Depot. This wife died at Prairie Depot in 1843, and the Doctor afterward married Miss Nancy A. Myers, a native of Wayne county, Ohio, and daughter of Michael Myers. One child was born of this union, Mary (now Mrs. Jefferson Adams), of North Baltimore. In 1853 death took from him this partner in life, who requested that he should marry her sister, Emily A. Myers, who was born in New Rochester, Wood county, in 1838. Twelve children were born of this fourth marriage, viz.: Patience died in childhood; Thomas, Jr., lives in Bradner; Ida married Harry Wright, of Sterling, Ill.; Kitty M. married Volney Jones, of Jerry City, Ohio; James and William H. reside in Bradner; Julia married Edward Keil, of Pemberville; Belle is the wife of G. F. Coyle, of Bradner; Daisy married W. H. Stow, of Bradner; Edna died at the age of eleven; Ross died in infancy, and June at the age of seven years. The Doctor is a Mason, and he and his wife are leading members of the Disciples Church. Their home has always been noted for its hospitality and good cheer.
Dr. Carman is remarkably well preserved, having never used liquor or tobacco in any form, and at his advanced age, now (fall of 1896) over eighty-eight years, he is active in mind and body, giving his personal attention to his numerous properties and business interests. The only marked sign of his years is his weakened eyesight; but so alert is he mentally, and so in sympathy with the world's progress, that he reads the newspapers daily, although it requires quite an effort to do so. At fifty years of age he measured forty-four inches around the chest on the bare flesh, and was unusually powerful. His will is unbending, a desire to do or have anything nearly always meaning that that desire will be fulfilled, no matter what the cost. His wonderful memory enables him to recall the events of his early life as a-boy in Philadelphia and Baltimore, with great distinctness. He remembers the rejoicing over Jackson's victory in 1814 (January 8), and in 1824 he witnessed the reception of Lafayette at Baltimore, and saw Charles Carroll, of Carrollton, and Andrew Jackson, at this demonstration. He made trips on the second and third steamboats built in the United States, the " Pennsylvania " and Aetna;" was present at the laying of the first stone of the B. & O. R. R. by Andrew Jackson, at Baltimore, each State being represented by a delegation, and among the other distinguished visitors present on that occasion were James Carroll (one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence), and Lafayette and his son. His native abilities seem to have been equal to any task. Left to make his way from early boyhood practically without any instruction, he has made a notable success in one of the most exacting of the learned professions, his career as a physician covering more than a quarter of a century. A born leader, his force of character and intellect are recognized by all with whom he comes in contact, and when he has served on juries he has invariably been chosen as foreman. In his financial affairs his ability has been well displayed. He was never given but one dollar in his life, and that was a Spanish dollar, bearing the date 1808, a gift from his stepfather, who was a pilot on an American vessel that raised a sunken Spanish ship containing that dollar among its store of treasures. It is still a cherished possession. He has lost as well as made money during his business life; but any mistake of that sort has been more than made good. In whatever business he has undertaken, he has grasped the principles of success intuitively, and whether as a merchant or a pioneer farmer his lack of previous training seems to have been no real obstacle in his way. Amos Spafford, on account of his being the first white settler in Wood county, was made a gift of 160 acres of land, April 26, 18 16. Later in the same year this land fell into Mr. Carman's possession by the purchase of E. D. Peck's land, adjoining old Fort Meigs, the sum paid being fifteen thousand dollars.
Politically he has always been a Democrat, and his first vote was cast in Baltimore for Andrew Jackson. His ambition does not run in the direction of politics, and he has declined numerous candidacies, although, with the favorable acquaintance throughout the county which his business life has brought him, he would have received hearty support from both parties. He is not indifferent to local politics, however, and few men in this section have wielded the influence which he can exert in his quiet way, in opposing an enemy or forwarding the interest of a friend. He was a member of the board of equalization in the early days, and suggested the classification of lands. At one time he was nominated for treasurer; but owing to his many private responsibilities, he declined the honor, giving, however, his influence to Edward Graham, who was elected. Dr. Carman and Gov. Foster are close friends, and the Governor's father and he were associates and intimate friends. In his younger years our subject was a great hunter, and many a deer, wild turkey and other game fell to his unerring rifle.
Biographical Record of Wood County, Beers, 1897, P. 648 Contributed by Lavidaloca
Dr. Carman was born in Queen Anne county, Md., April 10, 1808, a son of Salisbury and Anna (Critchet) Carman, and in early boyhood was taken to Baltimore by his parents. His father owned a large hat factory on Main street, Baltimore, and was a prosperous man until the breaking out of the war of 1812, when the fluctuation in prices of materials caused his failure. He served in that war as a member of the " Baltimore Blues, " and his son distinctly remembers his coming home to get his sword when the regiment was called out to oppose the landing of the British forces under Gen. Ross. After his financial reverses he moved to Philadelphia, where he died in 1819 at the age of twenty-nine years, leaving a widow and four children, of whom our subject was the eldest and is now the only survivor. Mary died in childhood; Lewis died in Texas, in 1866; and James, who was a noted auctioneer at New Orleans, La., died in that city. The mother of these was united in marriage in 1851 with James Chiviril, but to their union no children were born. She died at Baltimore, in 1866, at the age of seventy-five years.
Dr. Carman was only eleven years old when his father died, and, as there was no property left, the little family was scattered. He had been attending the common schools in, Philadelphia, but this sad event put an abrupt end to his schooling, and he was placed 'with a farmer, an Englishman, who abused him so that he soon went back to Philadelphia. A drove of Western horses came to the city about that time, and one which was supposed to have glanders was given to him to take .out to "Horse Heaven," on the Schuylkill river, to die. The diagnosis was not correct, and under the boy's kindly care the horse recovered, and its sale later brought him $80, 00, which formed the foundation of his future fortune. The fondness for horses, which this incident shows, has always been a characteristic trait, and to this day it is his delight to drive a spirited team. His unusual business ability was shown at an early age in -various dickers," and he made his way better than many so circumstanced would have done.
Returning to Baltimore, he learned dentistry, and for a while practiced there, then in Richmond, Va., and Augusta, Ga., and also traveled through the rural districts of the South and East in a sulky. He was an expert in his business, and as prices were good he prospered. In 1834 he moved to Cleveland, Ohio, and followed his profession, traveling through the South in the winter season, and in 1836 he went to Fort Seneca, Ohio, where he learned of the lands of Wood county. Being desirous of investing in real estate, he soon made a purchase of eighty acres in Section 8, Montgomery township, from Harlow Hill. This was in its primitive condition; but he made his home there in a log cabin in pioneer style, and as time passed he increased his holdings until he owned 440 acres, later entering 1,000 acres. He became a successful worker in different lines, practiced medicine, conducted a mercantile business, and carried on farming on an extensive scale, his shrewd financiering enabling him to accumulate money rapidly. Later he removed to Prairie Depot, where he carried on a store, practiced medicine, and for some time was in a similar business in Perrysburg, but in August, 1889, he moved to Bradner, where he has since resided. He owns seven houses in that town, also two in Prairie Depot, and about 500 acres of land, besides; he has done much toward the improvement of Bradner, having built many houses and platted an addition to the town. In the early days he was criticized for his extensive purchases of land, by many who have lived to see the wisdom of his dealings.
In 1828 he was married, in Baltimore, to Miss Ellen Young, a native of the " Blue Hills," ten miles from the city. She died in Baltimore in 1834, not long after their marriage, leaving no children, and he subsequently married, in Baltimore, in 1835, Miss Elizabeth Howard, a native of Maryland, by whom he had four children: Two died in childhood; the others-Howard and Anna (now Mrs. Wesley Graham)-reside at Prairie Depot. This wife died at Prairie Depot in 1843, and the Doctor afterward married Miss Nancy A. Myers, a native of Wayne county, Ohio, and daughter of Michael Myers. One child was born of this union, Mary (now Mrs. Jefferson Adams), of North Baltimore. In 1853 death took from him this partner in life, who requested that he should marry her sister, Emily A. Myers, who was born in New Rochester, Wood county, in 1838. Twelve children were born of this fourth marriage, viz.: Patience died in childhood; Thomas, Jr., lives in Bradner; Ida married Harry Wright, of Sterling, Ill.; Kitty M. married Volney Jones, of Jerry City, Ohio; James and William H. reside in Bradner; Julia married Edward Keil, of Pemberville; Belle is the wife of G. F. Coyle, of Bradner; Daisy married W. H. Stow, of Bradner; Edna died at the age of eleven; Ross died in infancy, and June at the age of seven years. The Doctor is a Mason, and he and his wife are leading members of the Disciples Church. Their home has always been noted for its hospitality and good cheer.
Dr. Carman is remarkably well preserved, having never used liquor or tobacco in any form, and at his advanced age, now (fall of 1896) over eighty-eight years, he is active in mind and body, giving his personal attention to his numerous properties and business interests. The only marked sign of his years is his weakened eyesight; but so alert is he mentally, and so in sympathy with the world's progress, that he reads the newspapers daily, although it requires quite an effort to do so. At fifty years of age he measured forty-four inches around the chest on the bare flesh, and was unusually powerful. His will is unbending, a desire to do or have anything nearly always meaning that that desire will be fulfilled, no matter what the cost. His wonderful memory enables him to recall the events of his early life as a-boy in Philadelphia and Baltimore, with great distinctness. He remembers the rejoicing over Jackson's victory in 1814 (January 8), and in 1824 he witnessed the reception of Lafayette at Baltimore, and saw Charles Carroll, of Carrollton, and Andrew Jackson, at this demonstration. He made trips on the second and third steamboats built in the United States, the " Pennsylvania " and Aetna;" was present at the laying of the first stone of the B. & O. R. R. by Andrew Jackson, at Baltimore, each State being represented by a delegation, and among the other distinguished visitors present on that occasion were James Carroll (one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence), and Lafayette and his son. His native abilities seem to have been equal to any task. Left to make his way from early boyhood practically without any instruction, he has made a notable success in one of the most exacting of the learned professions, his career as a physician covering more than a quarter of a century. A born leader, his force of character and intellect are recognized by all with whom he comes in contact, and when he has served on juries he has invariably been chosen as foreman. In his financial affairs his ability has been well displayed. He was never given but one dollar in his life, and that was a Spanish dollar, bearing the date 1808, a gift from his stepfather, who was a pilot on an American vessel that raised a sunken Spanish ship containing that dollar among its store of treasures. It is still a cherished possession. He has lost as well as made money during his business life; but any mistake of that sort has been more than made good. In whatever business he has undertaken, he has grasped the principles of success intuitively, and whether as a merchant or a pioneer farmer his lack of previous training seems to have been no real obstacle in his way. Amos Spafford, on account of his being the first white settler in Wood county, was made a gift of 160 acres of land, April 26, 18 16. Later in the same year this land fell into Mr. Carman's possession by the purchase of E. D. Peck's land, adjoining old Fort Meigs, the sum paid being fifteen thousand dollars.
Politically he has always been a Democrat, and his first vote was cast in Baltimore for Andrew Jackson. His ambition does not run in the direction of politics, and he has declined numerous candidacies, although, with the favorable acquaintance throughout the county which his business life has brought him, he would have received hearty support from both parties. He is not indifferent to local politics, however, and few men in this section have wielded the influence which he can exert in his quiet way, in opposing an enemy or forwarding the interest of a friend. He was a member of the board of equalization in the early days, and suggested the classification of lands. At one time he was nominated for treasurer; but owing to his many private responsibilities, he declined the honor, giving, however, his influence to Edward Graham, who was elected. Dr. Carman and Gov. Foster are close friends, and the Governor's father and he were associates and intimate friends. In his younger years our subject was a great hunter, and many a deer, wild turkey and other game fell to his unerring rifle.
Biographical Record of Wood County, Beers, 1897, P. 648 Contributed by Lavidaloca
DR. T. S. CARMAN. "Peace bath her victories no less than war, " and the men who braved privation, malaria, and countless other trials and dangers in the early days, in order to subdue the wilderness of forest and swamp which covered this section, are rightly held in honor for their achievements. Among the surviving pioneers of Wood county, Dr. Carman, of Bradner, stands foremost, and his versatile talents, sound judgment, determined will, and seemingly inexhaustible physical vigor are the wonder of all.
Dr. Carman was born in Queen Anne county, Md., April 10, 1808, a son of Salisbury and Anna (Critchet) Carman, and in early boyhood was taken to Baltimore by his parents. His father owned a large hat factory on Main street, Baltimore, and was a prosperous man until the breaking out of the war of 1812, when the fluctuation in prices of materials caused his failure. He served in that war as a member of the " Baltimore Blues, " and his son distinctly remembers his coming home to get his sword when the regiment was called out to oppose the landing of the British forces under Gen. Ross. After his financial reverses he moved to Philadelphia, where he died in 1819 at the age of twenty-nine years, leaving a widow and four children, of whom our subject was the eldest and is now the only survivor. Mary died in childhood; Lewis died in Texas, in 1866; and James, who was a noted auctioneer at New Orleans, La., died in that city. The mother of these was united in marriage in 1851 with James Chiviril, but to their union no children were born. She died at Baltimore, in 1866, at the age of seventy-five years.
Dr. Carman was only eleven years old when his father died, and, as there was no property left, the little family was scattered. He had been attending the common schools in, Philadelphia, but this sad event put an abrupt end to his schooling, and he was placed 'with a farmer, an Englishman, who abused him so that he soon went back to Philadelphia. A drove of Western horses came to the city about that time, and one which was supposed to have glanders was given to him to take .out to "Horse Heaven," on the Schuylkill river, to die. The diagnosis was not correct, and under the boy's kindly care the horse recovered, and its sale later brought him $80, 00, which formed the foundation of his future fortune. The fondness for horses, which this incident shows, has always been a characteristic trait, and to this day it is his delight to drive a spirited team. His unusual business ability was shown at an early age in -various dickers," and he made his way better than many so circumstanced would have done.
Returning to Baltimore, he learned dentistry, and for a while practiced there, then in Richmond, Va., and Augusta, Ga., and also traveled through the rural districts of the South and East in a sulky. He was an expert in his business, and as prices were good he prospered. In 1834 he moved to Cleveland, Ohio, and followed his profession, traveling through the South in the winter season, and in 1836 he went to Fort Seneca, Ohio, where he learned of the lands of Wood county. Being desirous of investing in real estate, he soon made a purchase of eighty acres in Section 8, Montgomery township, from Harlow Hill. This was in its primitive condition; but he made his home there in a log cabin in pioneer style, and as time passed he increased his holdings until he owned 440 acres, later entering 1,000 acres. He became a successful worker in different lines, practiced medicine, conducted a mercantile business, and carried on farming on an extensive scale, his shrewd financiering enabling him to accumulate money rapidly. Later he removed to Prairie Depot, where he carried on a store, practiced medicine, and for some time was in a similar business in Perrysburg, but in August, 1889, he moved to Bradner, where he has since resided. He owns seven houses in that town, also two in Prairie Depot, and about 500 acres of land, besides; he has done much toward the improvement of Bradner, having built many houses and platted an addition to the town. In the early days he was criticized for his extensive purchases of land, by many who have lived to see the wisdom of his dealings.
In 1828 he was married, in Baltimore, to Miss Ellen Young, a native of the " Blue Hills," ten miles from the city. She died in Baltimore in 1834, not long after their marriage, leaving no children, and he subsequently married, in Baltimore, in 1835, Miss Elizabeth Howard, a native of Maryland, by whom he had four children: Two died in childhood; the others-Howard and Anna (now Mrs. Wesley Graham)-reside at Prairie Depot. This wife died at Prairie Depot in 1843, and the Doctor afterward married Miss Nancy A. Myers, a native of Wayne county, Ohio, and daughter of Michael Myers. One child was born of this union, Mary (now Mrs. Jefferson Adams), of North Baltimore. In 1853 death took from him this partner in life, who requested that he should marry her sister, Emily A. Myers, who was born in New Rochester, Wood county, in 1838. Twelve children were born of this fourth marriage, viz.: Patience died in childhood; Thomas, Jr., lives in Bradner; Ida married Harry Wright, of Sterling, Ill.; Kitty M. married Volney Jones, of Jerry City, Ohio; James and William H. reside in Bradner; Julia married Edward Keil, of Pemberville; Belle is the wife of G. F. Coyle, of Bradner; Daisy married W. H. Stow, of Bradner; Edna died at the age of eleven; Ross died in infancy, and June at the age of seven years. The Doctor is a Mason, and he and his wife are leading members of the Disciples Church. Their home has always been noted for its hospitality and good cheer.
Dr. Carman is remarkably well preserved, having never used liquor or tobacco in any form, and at his advanced age, now (fall of 1896) over eighty-eight years, he is active in mind and body, giving his personal attention to his numerous properties and business interests. The only marked sign of his years is his weakened eyesight; but so alert is he mentally, and so in sympathy with the world's progress, that he reads the newspapers daily, although it requires quite an effort to do so. At fifty years of age he measured forty-four inches around the chest on the bare flesh, and was unusually powerful. His will is unbending, a desire to do or have anything nearly always meaning that that desire will be fulfilled, no matter what the cost. His wonderful memory enables him to recall the events of his early life as a-boy in Philadelphia and Baltimore, with great distinctness. He remembers the rejoicing over Jackson's victory in 1814 (January 8), and in 1824 he witnessed the reception of Lafayette at Baltimore, and saw Charles Carroll, of Carrollton, and Andrew Jackson, at this demonstration. He made trips on the second and third steamboats built in the United States, the " Pennsylvania " and Aetna;" was present at the laying of the first stone of the B. & O. R. R. by Andrew Jackson, at Baltimore, each State being represented by a delegation, and among the other distinguished visitors present on that occasion were James Carroll (one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence), and Lafayette and his son. His native abilities seem to have been equal to any task. Left to make his way from early boyhood practically without any instruction, he has made a notable success in one of the most exacting of the learned professions, his career as a physician covering more than a quarter of a century. A born leader, his force of character and intellect are recognized by all with whom he comes in contact, and when he has served on juries he has invariably been chosen as foreman. In his financial affairs his ability has been well displayed. He was never given but one dollar in his life, and that was a Spanish dollar, bearing the date 1808, a gift from his stepfather, who was a pilot on an American vessel that raised a sunken Spanish ship containing that dollar among its store of treasures. It is still a cherished possession. He has lost as well as made money during his business life; but any mistake of that sort has been more than made good. In whatever business he has undertaken, he has grasped the principles of success intuitively, and whether as a merchant or a pioneer farmer his lack of previous training seems to have been no real obstacle in his way. Amos Spafford, on account of his being the first white settler in Wood county, was made a gift of 160 acres of land, April 26, 18 16. Later in the same year this land fell into Mr. Carman's possession by the purchase of E. D. Peck's land, adjoining old Fort Meigs, the sum paid being fifteen thousand dollars.
Politically he has always been a Democrat, and his first vote was cast in Baltimore for Andrew Jackson. His ambition does not run in the direction of politics, and he has declined numerous candidacies, although, with the favorable acquaintance throughout the county which his business life has brought him, he would have received hearty support from both parties. He is not indifferent to local politics, however, and few men in this section have wielded the influence which he can exert in his quiet way, in opposing an enemy or forwarding the interest of a friend. He was a member of the board of equalization in the early days, and suggested the classification of lands. At one time he was nominated for treasurer; but owing to his many private responsibilities, he declined the honor, giving, however, his influence to Edward Graham, who was elected. Dr. Carman and Gov. Foster are close friends, and the Governor's father and he were associates and intimate friends. In his younger years our subject was a great hunter, and many a deer, wild turkey and other game fell to his unerring rifle.
Biographical Record of Wood County, Beers, 1897, P. 648 Contributed by Lavidaloca
Dr. Carman was born in Queen Anne county, Md., April 10, 1808, a son of Salisbury and Anna (Critchet) Carman, and in early boyhood was taken to Baltimore by his parents. His father owned a large hat factory on Main street, Baltimore, and was a prosperous man until the breaking out of the war of 1812, when the fluctuation in prices of materials caused his failure. He served in that war as a member of the " Baltimore Blues, " and his son distinctly remembers his coming home to get his sword when the regiment was called out to oppose the landing of the British forces under Gen. Ross. After his financial reverses he moved to Philadelphia, where he died in 1819 at the age of twenty-nine years, leaving a widow and four children, of whom our subject was the eldest and is now the only survivor. Mary died in childhood; Lewis died in Texas, in 1866; and James, who was a noted auctioneer at New Orleans, La., died in that city. The mother of these was united in marriage in 1851 with James Chiviril, but to their union no children were born. She died at Baltimore, in 1866, at the age of seventy-five years.
Dr. Carman was only eleven years old when his father died, and, as there was no property left, the little family was scattered. He had been attending the common schools in, Philadelphia, but this sad event put an abrupt end to his schooling, and he was placed 'with a farmer, an Englishman, who abused him so that he soon went back to Philadelphia. A drove of Western horses came to the city about that time, and one which was supposed to have glanders was given to him to take .out to "Horse Heaven," on the Schuylkill river, to die. The diagnosis was not correct, and under the boy's kindly care the horse recovered, and its sale later brought him $80, 00, which formed the foundation of his future fortune. The fondness for horses, which this incident shows, has always been a characteristic trait, and to this day it is his delight to drive a spirited team. His unusual business ability was shown at an early age in -various dickers," and he made his way better than many so circumstanced would have done.
Returning to Baltimore, he learned dentistry, and for a while practiced there, then in Richmond, Va., and Augusta, Ga., and also traveled through the rural districts of the South and East in a sulky. He was an expert in his business, and as prices were good he prospered. In 1834 he moved to Cleveland, Ohio, and followed his profession, traveling through the South in the winter season, and in 1836 he went to Fort Seneca, Ohio, where he learned of the lands of Wood county. Being desirous of investing in real estate, he soon made a purchase of eighty acres in Section 8, Montgomery township, from Harlow Hill. This was in its primitive condition; but he made his home there in a log cabin in pioneer style, and as time passed he increased his holdings until he owned 440 acres, later entering 1,000 acres. He became a successful worker in different lines, practiced medicine, conducted a mercantile business, and carried on farming on an extensive scale, his shrewd financiering enabling him to accumulate money rapidly. Later he removed to Prairie Depot, where he carried on a store, practiced medicine, and for some time was in a similar business in Perrysburg, but in August, 1889, he moved to Bradner, where he has since resided. He owns seven houses in that town, also two in Prairie Depot, and about 500 acres of land, besides; he has done much toward the improvement of Bradner, having built many houses and platted an addition to the town. In the early days he was criticized for his extensive purchases of land, by many who have lived to see the wisdom of his dealings.
In 1828 he was married, in Baltimore, to Miss Ellen Young, a native of the " Blue Hills," ten miles from the city. She died in Baltimore in 1834, not long after their marriage, leaving no children, and he subsequently married, in Baltimore, in 1835, Miss Elizabeth Howard, a native of Maryland, by whom he had four children: Two died in childhood; the others-Howard and Anna (now Mrs. Wesley Graham)-reside at Prairie Depot. This wife died at Prairie Depot in 1843, and the Doctor afterward married Miss Nancy A. Myers, a native of Wayne county, Ohio, and daughter of Michael Myers. One child was born of this union, Mary (now Mrs. Jefferson Adams), of North Baltimore. In 1853 death took from him this partner in life, who requested that he should marry her sister, Emily A. Myers, who was born in New Rochester, Wood county, in 1838. Twelve children were born of this fourth marriage, viz.: Patience died in childhood; Thomas, Jr., lives in Bradner; Ida married Harry Wright, of Sterling, Ill.; Kitty M. married Volney Jones, of Jerry City, Ohio; James and William H. reside in Bradner; Julia married Edward Keil, of Pemberville; Belle is the wife of G. F. Coyle, of Bradner; Daisy married W. H. Stow, of Bradner; Edna died at the age of eleven; Ross died in infancy, and June at the age of seven years. The Doctor is a Mason, and he and his wife are leading members of the Disciples Church. Their home has always been noted for its hospitality and good cheer.
Dr. Carman is remarkably well preserved, having never used liquor or tobacco in any form, and at his advanced age, now (fall of 1896) over eighty-eight years, he is active in mind and body, giving his personal attention to his numerous properties and business interests. The only marked sign of his years is his weakened eyesight; but so alert is he mentally, and so in sympathy with the world's progress, that he reads the newspapers daily, although it requires quite an effort to do so. At fifty years of age he measured forty-four inches around the chest on the bare flesh, and was unusually powerful. His will is unbending, a desire to do or have anything nearly always meaning that that desire will be fulfilled, no matter what the cost. His wonderful memory enables him to recall the events of his early life as a-boy in Philadelphia and Baltimore, with great distinctness. He remembers the rejoicing over Jackson's victory in 1814 (January 8), and in 1824 he witnessed the reception of Lafayette at Baltimore, and saw Charles Carroll, of Carrollton, and Andrew Jackson, at this demonstration. He made trips on the second and third steamboats built in the United States, the " Pennsylvania " and Aetna;" was present at the laying of the first stone of the B. & O. R. R. by Andrew Jackson, at Baltimore, each State being represented by a delegation, and among the other distinguished visitors present on that occasion were James Carroll (one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence), and Lafayette and his son. His native abilities seem to have been equal to any task. Left to make his way from early boyhood practically without any instruction, he has made a notable success in one of the most exacting of the learned professions, his career as a physician covering more than a quarter of a century. A born leader, his force of character and intellect are recognized by all with whom he comes in contact, and when he has served on juries he has invariably been chosen as foreman. In his financial affairs his ability has been well displayed. He was never given but one dollar in his life, and that was a Spanish dollar, bearing the date 1808, a gift from his stepfather, who was a pilot on an American vessel that raised a sunken Spanish ship containing that dollar among its store of treasures. It is still a cherished possession. He has lost as well as made money during his business life; but any mistake of that sort has been more than made good. In whatever business he has undertaken, he has grasped the principles of success intuitively, and whether as a merchant or a pioneer farmer his lack of previous training seems to have been no real obstacle in his way. Amos Spafford, on account of his being the first white settler in Wood county, was made a gift of 160 acres of land, April 26, 18 16. Later in the same year this land fell into Mr. Carman's possession by the purchase of E. D. Peck's land, adjoining old Fort Meigs, the sum paid being fifteen thousand dollars.
Politically he has always been a Democrat, and his first vote was cast in Baltimore for Andrew Jackson. His ambition does not run in the direction of politics, and he has declined numerous candidacies, although, with the favorable acquaintance throughout the county which his business life has brought him, he would have received hearty support from both parties. He is not indifferent to local politics, however, and few men in this section have wielded the influence which he can exert in his quiet way, in opposing an enemy or forwarding the interest of a friend. He was a member of the board of equalization in the early days, and suggested the classification of lands. At one time he was nominated for treasurer; but owing to his many private responsibilities, he declined the honor, giving, however, his influence to Edward Graham, who was elected. Dr. Carman and Gov. Foster are close friends, and the Governor's father and he were associates and intimate friends. In his younger years our subject was a great hunter, and many a deer, wild turkey and other game fell to his unerring rifle.
Biographical Record of Wood County, Beers, 1897, P. 648 Contributed by Lavidaloca
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