My Genealogy Hound

CANNEDY, STEPHEN D. farmer, Sec. 21, P.O. Greenfield. The subject of this sketch is a son of one of the oldest settlers in this township, and but few in the county can date their coming to an earlier time than he; first made the trip on foot from Tennessee, his only companion his trusty rifle; he came out to take a view of the country, and, liking it, returned as he came, and brought his family out in an ox-cart, bringing therein what few articles of furniture they had, the family walking, his wife carrying a child in her arms. He made one or two trips back to Tennessee in the same manner before he finally located; he made a selection of land on the spot where Greenfield now stands, and erected the first cabin thereon; land not being in market at that time he disposed of his claim, and after his return from Tennessee settled on the place now owned by Anson Miller, three miles south of Griswold, where he remained about forty years; he died Jan. 18, 1870. The subject of this sketch was born in DeKalb County, Tenn., and came to this country with his parents, being three years of age at this time; remained with his parents until he had attained his twenty-second year, when he set out for himself, working among the farmers, and at whatever employment that came to hand; May 10, 1851, was married to Nancy Spradley, daughter of Bryant Spradley. She was born August, 1828; they have had five children, but two are now living: Harriet, born Oct. 10, 1852; Helen, born Feb. 23, 1860. Mr. Cannedy, after his marriage, made very many changes; lived rather of a migratory life, first settling on the place he now lives, then went to Greenfield, staid one year; was there engaged in the manufacture of brick, then to the homestead, remained about ten years; then to Fayette, staid ten years, back again to the old homestead, then to Texas, staid ten months, back again to Greenfield, then back to the place first settled; has since remained. While at Fayette was engaged in wagon-making, and served as justice of the peace; has been occupied in running circular saw mills considerable of the time; thinks he will go to Texas again; he and his family are members of the United Brethren Church.