My Genealogy Hound

Below is a family biography included in The History of Carroll County, Arkansas published by Goodspeed Publishing Company in 1889.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

* * * *

Hiram S. Shahan, an enterprising farmer, and the present sheriff of Carroll County, Ark., was born in Preston County, Va., September 15, 1837. He is a son of John S. and Nancy (Thorn) Shahan, both also natives of Preston County, Va. About 1841 John S. Shahan removed west with his family, and settled in Carroll County, Ark., on pre-empted land. Here he improved a farm, on which he still resides. His wife has been dead several years. For a number of years he has held the office of justice of the peace and is a stanch Republican in politics. Hriam S. Shahan grew to manhood on his father’s farm. In 1861 he enlisted in the Union army for three months, which time he served in the Home Guards in Missouri. On July 7, 1862, he enlisted in the regular service, and was assigned to the First Arkansas Cavalry, with which he served until the close of the war. During the battle of Prairie Grove he had the thumb of his right hand shot off. A shot also passed through the sleeve of his right arm. Before the war was over he was promoted to quartermaster-sergeant. When hostilities ceased he returned home and engaged in farming. He was married in Carroll County, in 1859, to Amanda E. Litterell, a native of Alabama, who was chiefly reared and educated in Carroll County. To their union have been born ten children, of whom John M. and Matilda Jane are deceased. Those living are Grant (of Kansas), Nancy (Mrs. M. Bridwell), Hiram L., Elijah, Charles, George, Clara and Effie E. Both Mr. and Mrs. Shahan are earnest Christians and members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Shahan is a member of Green Forest Masonic Lodge and is a Master Mason. In politics he endorses and supports the principles of the Republican party. For four years he served as justice of the peace. He was also appointed assessor, and made one assessment of the county. In the fall of 1886 he was elected sheriff of the county, receiving a majority of ninety-five votes, when the county is Democratic by a majority of 400 votes. He has made a faithful and efficient officer, and has given satisfaction to both parties.

* * * *

This family biography is one of 82 biographies included in The History of Carroll County, Arkansas published in 1889.  For the complete description, click here: Carroll County, Arkansas History, Genealogy, and Maps

To view additional Carroll County, Arkansas family biographies, click here

Use the links at the top right of this page to search or browse thousands of other family biographies.