I have a Carnahan family that has caused me years of grief. I start with a
reference from a 1902 Canadian County OK history that says Mathis Carnahan
was born in Armstrong County, PA abt 1845.
Matthias parents were David Carnahan and wife, Sarah Ringle. David Carnahan
was born in Westmoreland Co PA abut 1805/6. David moved his family to
Jackson County, IA where he died in 1864.
David's father was James Carnahan a native of Ireland, and an "early settler
of PA" but no mother was named
In the 1856 David is listed as D. K. "Carnitha" and shown living in Jackson
co IA. Residing next door to him is one William Woods and his wife, Fanny
(later the various census after that call her Hannah and Anna, but most
often is Fanny). In the household is Elizabeth "Carnitha" shown as age 70.
In 1860 Fairfield Twp Jackson Co IA David Carnahan is still listed, and the
above Elizabeth is living with him rather than the Woods'. In this census
Elizabeth Carnahan is listed as age 60.
In the 1870 Benton County, IA census Elizabeth Carnahan age 88 is listed
with William and "Anna" Woods.
In the 1880 Story County, Iowa Mortality Schedule Elizabeth Carnahan is
listed as deceased at 101 years of age. The Woods family is in the Story
County census as well.
I have death records for children of William and Fanny Carnahan Woods
children, showing their mother's maiden name to be Carnahan.
The census indicates Fanny Carnahan Woods was born about 1814 or 1815 in PA.
I do not know if David K and Fanny are siblings, cousins, nephew and niece
or, if Elizabeth is their mother or if she is a maiden lady living with
them. With Elizabeth Carnahan's date of birth being indicated in 1856 as
1786; in 1860 as 1800; in 1870 as 1782 and 1880 as 1779 just what I can do
with this material. I have not found an obituary in Story Co IA for
Elizabeth in 1880; nor is there one in Jackson County for David, nor have I
fund one for Fanny.
Can any one guide me or offer assistance?
thanks!
Gayle in Kansas