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         WILLIAM CARSON, a general farmer and stock-raiser, residing on section 18, Elm Grove Township, was born in County Tyrone, Ireland, July 5, 1837, and is a son of Joseph and Martha (Orr) Carson. His father was born in Ireland, July 13, 1796, and was there united in marriage. By this union six children were born, four of whom are yet living: William, of this sketch; John, a stock-dealer of Winchester, Kan.; Robert O., a farmer of Pleasantville, Pa., where he is also engaged in the banking business; Joseph W. is a resident of Winchester, Kan. Determining to try his fortune in the New World, Joseph Carson, accompanied by his wife and our subject, emigrated to America, crossing the broad Atlantic, and landing in America in 1839. He took up his residence in Forest County, Pa., and is yet living in the house where he first unloaded his household goods on landing. He is now in his ninety-third year, and yet retains both his physical and mental powers in a marked degree. His wife died in July, 1883, at the age of seventy-two years. Both were members of the Reformed Presbyterian Church.

Our subject received his education in the com- . . .

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. . . mon schools of Pennsylvania, where for several years he engaged in farming, and in drilling oil wells. He was united in marriage, in the month of March, 1866, with Miss Maggie E. Dill, who was born in Armstrong County, Pa., and is a daughter of Richard and Esther (White) Dill, who were natives of Ireland. To them have been born five children, all of whom are yet at home—John R., Martha J., Samuel O., William E. and Daisy B.

In 1867 Mr. Carson left Pennsylvania and removed to Louisa County, Iowa, where he purchased 160 acres of land on section 18, Elm Grove Township. This was then wild and uncultivated, but he immediately began its cultivation and improvement, and now has one of the many fine farms of the county. He has added to his original purchase until he now owns 240 acres of prairie land, upon which is about a mile and a half of hedge fence. Mr. Carson is one of the leading citizens of the township, and takes an active interest in temperance and educational work. As a citizen, he has the confidence of the entire community, and as a neighbor and friend, is held in the highest respect. He and his family are members of the Covenanter Church, and are earnest workers for its interests. Mr. Carson does all in his power to advance the cause of Christianity, gives liberally to its support, and in his own life endeavors earnestly to follow the teachings of his Master.