To Bryan D. Bechler bebop@ptinet.net and others researching STEPHEN CARMAN in Crawford County. Here is the info I found on him in the "History of Crawford County, PA, 1885." On page 529, in the history of Cussewago Township: "Among the earliest settlers were John Collum, John Clawson, John Chamberlin, and Stephen and Reuben Carman, all of whom, as the records show, came in 1797 or earlier. John Collum claimed to be the first settler in the township. He was here as early as 1792, according to his account, but left soon after, owing to Indian hostilities. About 1797 he returned and dwelt for years on Tract 29, a short distance west from Mosiertown. He afterward removed to the southern part of the county. John Chamberlin came in 1797 from Sussex County,NH, and settled on the Jacob Graff tract, about a mile southwest from Crossingville. He first erected a rude hut, and a few years later built a hewed-log cabin. At this raising, men attended from Meadville. Mr. Chamberlin was a Baptist Deacon, and a life-long citizen of Cussewago. John Clawson was a Quaker, and hailed likewise from New Jersey, settling on Tract 11, near the center of the township. He was a farmer, and remained through life on the farm he first settled. Stephen and Reuben Carman were brothers, and settled in the southern part of the township." On pages 1113 and 1114, in the Biographical Sketch section for Venango Township: "Samuel B. CARMAN, farmer, PO Venango, was born in Hayfield Township, this county, February 9, 1832, son of Samuel and Ann (Alward) Carman, and grandson of Stephen Carman, one of the first settlers of Cussewago Township, this county, who came from New Jersey and located on the farm now owned by Elihu Hotchkiss, and was parent of four children, viz.: Mary, wife of Morris Cole, of Cussewago Township, this county; Frazier, married to Sarah Jones of Hayfield Township, this county; Samuel, said to be the first white child born in French Creek, and Anna, married to M. Myers, of Indiana. Samuel CARMAN, Sr., had four children: Sarah, deceased wife of Dr. Sherwin of Springfield, Erie Co., Penn.; Stephen, married to Louise A. Wiard; Samuel B. and Rachel (deceased). Our subject was married September 11, 1856, to Lucinda, daughter of Hillorus and Jane (Quiggle) Graff, of Hayfield Township, this county. They are parents of seven children: Anna J., Viletta A., Elliott E., James A., Steele E., B. Mead, and Libbie V. Of these Anna J. married Benjamin Hazen, Jr., of Venango Township, this county, and Viletta A. married John S. Frazier, of Meadville. Mr. CARMAN has lived on his farm since 1859; is a member of the E.A.U. and the A.O.U.W. In politics he is a Republican. His wife is a member of the first Evangelical Lutheran Church. Mr. CARMAN was in the late Rebellion, enlisting December, 1861, in Company I, Second Pennsylvania Cavalry. He was in the battles of second Bull Run, Rappahannock, Mine Run, Whiteside Landing, and other engagements. He served three years, and was honorably discharged December 25, 1864." That's all for Stephen in this reference! Kathy Brubaker Volunteer Genealogist Linesville Historical Society kbrbkr@toolcity.net