Alva Carskaddon (1853-1932)

CARSKADDON

Posted By: Karon Velau (email)
Date: 4/5/2022 at 14:04:12

Alva Carskaddon
(April 11, 1853 – September 4, 1932)

Alva Carskaddon, who is connected with agricultural interests in Calhoun County, but makes his home in Lake City, is descended from good old Revolutionary stock, his grandfather, John Carskaddon, having been one of the heroes who fought for the independence of the nation and thus succeeded in founding the republic. He became a resident of Ohio, and in that state David Carskaddon, the father of our subject, was born on the 8th of July, 1825. He was but ten years of age when the family removed to Indiana, casting in their lot with the early settlers of St. Joseph County, their home being near South Bend. There amid the wild scenes of frontier life David Carskaddon was reared, making his home in that state until 1854, when he came to Iowa, settling in Marion County. There he engaged in farming until September, 1861, when putting aside all business and personal considerations, he offered his aid to his country, enlisting as a private of Company K, Ninth Iowa Volunteer Infantry. In a short time he was elected captain and on the 3d of December, 1862, he was commissioned colonel. He participated in twenty-eight important engagements and that they were among the most disastrous of the war is shown by the fact that the regiment lost thirty-seven officers, and the killed among the private soldiers was equally great in proportion. Colonel Carskaddon was a brave and loyal soldier and his own courage and fidelity inspired his men to deeds of valor. He was wounded at Atlanta, Georgia, July 28, 1864, and was mustered out on the 14th of January, 1865. After his return from the war he engaged in the furniture and stock business. He was a prominent and
influential man and was elected sheriff of Linn County. In 1882 he removed to Lake City, where he spent his remaining days. On the 16th of May, 1852, Colonel Carskaddon was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Bates, a native of Clark County, Ohio, born December 23, 1830. Two children were born of this union: Alva and Harmony. The latter was born January 11, 1855, and is the deceased wife of W. S. Twogood, so that our subject is now the only surviving member of the family, for his father died August 14, 1894 and the mother passed away on the 15th of August, 1899. Alva Carskaddon was born near South Bend, in St. Joseph county, Indiana, April 11, 1853, and when but a year old was brought to Iowa, where he has spent his entire life. He attended the public schools of Marion, this state, and after his graduation he worked in a chemical laboratory and in a tin shop, being thus employed for four years. In 1877 his father was elected sheriff and Mr. Carskaddon became his deputy, serving in that capacity for four years. In 1880 he came to Calhoun County, where he carried on farming in connection with his father for five years. On the expiration of that period he purchased a farm of his own and has since devoted his energies to its cultivation, placing it under a high state of cultivation, the fields yielding to him a golden tribute in return for the care and labor he bestows upon them. He has added all modern accessories and conveniences and now has a well improved place. In 1899 he removed to Lake City, where he now resides, but he still gives his personal supervision to the operation of his land. He is also a stockholder in the Lake City Electric Light & Power Company.
On the 7th of July, 1881, Mr. Carskaddon was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Bilber, of Marion, Iowa, a daughter of B. D. Bilber, who was born in Pennsylvania and there married Lavina Wydell, also a native of the Keystone state. In 1856 they emigrated westward, taking up their abode in Marion, Iowa, where they are still living. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Carskaddon have been born two children, but they lost their younger daughter, Marvel Lucile, who was born November 7, 1896, and died the following day. Sarah Maria, born May 30, 1882, is still with her parents. In his political views Mr. Carskaddon has always been a Republican, unwavering in his allegiance to the principles of that party, and he is equally loyal and consistent as a member of the Presbyterian church. His life has been a busy, useful and upright one, marked by integrity and honor. [Source – Biographical Record of Calhoun County, Iowa, by S. J. Clarke, 1902, p.292]