
id | first | middle | last | dob | dod | cod |
| 28 | James | Carman | 1845 | 9/17/1882 | consumption |
veteran | exhumed | purchaser | cemetery |
| TRUE | FALSE | Adams Street |
lot | plot | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| R2 G4 |
relations |
| Mary Machin Carman (wife, b. c1863) Fanny Carman (daughter, b. 1879) 2 other children William Carman (father, 1825-1890) Caroline C. Staples Carman (mother, b. c 1823, d. 1887) William Henry (brother, 1842-3 May 1912, engineer 1860, quarryman 1870 (went by name Henry) George (brother, b. c 1846, lived in Chatanooga TN) Ed (brother, b. c 1848; not in 1860 census) Charles R. (brother, c Dec 1852- c Apr 1864) Hannah Carman Kline (sister, b. c 1854, lived in Rices Landing, PA) Cyrus (brother, b. c 1856, lived in Table Rock, Neb.) Fred (brother, b. c 1859, lived in Frankfort,KS) Frank (brother, b. c 1863, lived in Cleveland) Edward (brother, b. c 1866, lived in Berea) Wilbur (brother, b. c 1869, lived in Cleveland) Adelaide (sister-in-law, m. to William Henry Carman, b. c 1847) Charles (nephew, b. c 1866) Albert (nephew, b. c 1868) Harvey (nephew, b. c Jan 1870) Henry Carman Sr (grandfather, d. 1869) Hannah Carman (grandmother, d. 1863) Henry Carman Jr (uncle) Alanson Carman (uncle) |
military branch | date served | war |
| Army | 2/1/1863-7/28/1865 | Civil War |
rank | medals | unit |
| Private | N/A | 7th Company, Ohio Sharp Shooters |
military comments |
| N/A |
military sources |
| Inscriptions from the Old Berea Cemetery 1904, Berea Historical Society "Heres a List of Soldiars Dead", May 30, 1930, Berea Historical Society "City Cemetery" small ledger copy, Berea Historical Society "The Berea Enerprise" 6/24/1932 p.1 c.1-2, p.6 c.5-6 Cuyahoga County Recorders Office, Veterans Services, online |
comments |
| James was born in 1845 (James Carman Grave Registration Card). He was enumerated in the 1860 census at age 15, living with his father's family, a farmer. He was a Civil War veteran, Union Army; his father gave his age as 18 when he enlisted 1 Feb 1863 as a private; he was mustered into 7th Indp Co. OH Sharpshooters on 1 Feb 1863, mustered out 28 Jul 1865 (Don Labaj CD). An article in the Berea Enterprise, 4 June 1898, claimed that he had served in the navy on a river gun boat, but it also listed the date of his death incorrectly, so it does not seem trustworthy. He was not enumerated in 1870 census, not living with his family. James was married to Mary Machin on 15 Aug 1878 (James Carman-Mary Machin marriage license). Mr. Nokes performed the ceremony (Grindstone Advertiser, 22 August 1878). The Grindstone Advertiser made note of the occasion: "James Carman and Mary Machin were married by Esq. Nokes on Thursday night last" (22 August 1878). He was enumerated in 1880 census as an "engineer" (most likely on quarry railway, the second biggest employer in town; his brother W. H. also worked for the quarries), age 34, wife Mary age 17, daughter Fanny age 1. Not living near his mother and brothers, but still in good neighborhood (neighbor Frank Stearns). He ran into some trouble with the law: "Assault and Battery—On Tuesday evening James Carman was arrested by Constable Hatch, on a warrant charging him with assault and battery upon one Thomas Bidlemeyer. On Wednesday morning the case was called by Justice Smedley, but was held over till Friday at the request of the prosecuting witness, in order that he might procure the testimony of his wife who was unable to appear in Court Wednesday morning" (29 November 1872, Grindstone Advertiser). "State of Ohio vs. James Carman—Before Justice Smedley. This case was commenced last week Wednesday, but was adjourned till Friday at the request of the prosecuting witness, one Thos. Bidlemeyer, who claimed to be the injured party. On Friday morning the case was again called, but the prosecuting party failed to appear in court, and the prisoner was discharged and the cost assessed against the said Bidlemeyer. Probably his grievances were not very great, or he would not have failed to appear in court and allowed himself to be charged the cost through default" (6 December 1872, Grindstone Advertiser). "Brigands Among Us. Three Masked Men Enter A House and Rob The Inmates We read with comparative coolness, of the exploits of the brigands of Italy or Spain, or the Ku Klunk[sic] of the South, but the people of Berea and Middleburgh Township have recently learned that a bold robbery may be committed in their very midst, before the eyes of the victims, and the perpetrators escape unharmed. The phrase, “Your money or your life,” so familiar on the stage or in the dime novel, has been repeated in earnest in this community. On Sunday evening last, Jan 31st. Mrs. Mary Gessner, an aged German lady and her son Peter, a man thirty years of age perhaps, who resides with her on her farm about three miles north of Berea, had seated themselves by the fire, when they were suddenly startled by three men with faces covered, rushing into the room with drawn revolvers and calling upon Mr. Gessner for his money or his life. Finding that he was completely in their power, he was compelled to do their bidding. They ordered him to get under the bed, which he did, one of the party keeping guard with his revolver. One of the others commenced to tie the old lady with a small rope but finally desisted but kept the rope around her wrist, leading her around by it, until her flesh was lacerated and bled freely. She went with them to another part o[sic] the house, got a key and opened a box from which they took about $28, but appeared to believe that there was more money in the house. Mr. Gessner was ordered out from under the bed and compelled to go with them while they broke open trunks, examined bed ticks and ransacked the house thoroughly. They helped themselves to cake from the cupboard and compelled Peter to draw a pitcher of cider which they drank. During the search one of the party went out and on returning asked Peter what he had done with his money, evidently having knowledge of the fact that he had recently received several hundred dollars and evidently knowing where the family usually kept their money as they inquired repeatedly for the box where it was kept. The old lady told them that she wanted two dollars to buy a pair of shoes with, which they gave her, but failing to get any more they took it again. The robbers finally left the house. On going to the door soon after, Mr. Gessner heard the sound of buggy wheels going toward Berea. On Monday Peter Gessner filed an affidavit before J.M. Watson, Esq., of this village, and warrants were issued for the arrest of James Carman, Richard Bolton, and Thos McAfferty, all of Berea. The trials commenced on Tuesday. Bolton was tried first, this case occupying the entire day, resulting in his discharge. S.S. Brown acted as Attorney for the State, A.G. Hubbard, E q., and E.J. Kennedy for the defense.On Wednesday the case of Carman was taken up, the prosecution being reinforced by L. Breckenridge Esq. of Cleveland. Peter Gessner testified that two of the men wore caps which turn down, leaving an opening for the eyes, and the other had his face covered with cloth, with holes for his eyes. He stated positively that he recognized Carman’s voice, and when the men rank the cider he saw enough of Carman’s face to recognize him. On the to her side, one witness testified that Carman was in town all that evening. The examination lasted all day and evening , the lawyers closing their please after midnight. Edq. Watson reserved his decission[sic] until nine o’clock Thursday morning, when James Carman was held for his appearance at Court under a $500 Bond. Public opinion is very strong against the parties arrested, as their record is nto the best, Carman and Bolton having each served a term in the Michigan State Prison. The case of Thos. McAfferty was called this morning and the defendant discharged without an examination, the prosecution having no evidence to produce" (4 February 1875, Grindstone City Advertiser). "ARRESTED FOR ROBBERY James Carman, Thos. McAfferty and Martin Cummins, held for their appearance at Court, for robbing James Beckton, All of Berea. Our village has again been aroused by the report that another of those autrageous[sic] crimes which have been of such request occurrence during the past year, has been committeed[sic] in our midst. On Sunday afternoon, James Beckton filed his affidavit before J.M.Watson, J.P., charging James Carman, Thos. McAfferty and Martin Cummins with unlawfully taking from his possession on the evening of Friday, March 24th, the sum of $215. A warrant was issued, and the arrest made by Constable Hatch. The parties gave bail for their appearance on Monday morning, at which time the case was continued till the following day. On Tuesday morning, about 10 o’clock, the examination commenced in Council Hall. E.M. Brown, Esq., and Wm. Mitchell, Assistant Prosecuting Attorney of Cleveland, appeared for the State, and Messrs. G. A. Hubbard and W.T. Buckner, of Berea, for the defendants. The examination continued with a short recess for dinner, until late in the evening. On Wednesday the Attorneys argued the case, and the decision was rendered by the Court at about 3 o’clock P.M, all three of the parties being held for their appearance at the next term of Common Pleas. The bond in each case was fixed at $500. From the evidence, the circumstances appear to be as follows: On Friday afternoon, James Beckton, the complainant, went to McAfferty’s saloon, with about $338 in his pocket. Twenty dollars of this he loaned to Peter Cullen. He then proposed to bet $20. against McAfferty’s revolver on a game of cards—and put up a $100 bill in the hands of Jerry Fahey, and McAfferty put up the revolver, as Fahey testifies, on the terms that if Beckton won he was to have his $20. If McAfferty won he was to have the $20; in either case McAfferty was to keep the revolver. In the course of the stay in this saloon, drinks were called for, and McAfferty claims that by accident he gave Beckton a mixture of ale and gin, which seems to have taken effect very soon. McAfferty refused to gamble in his own saloon, and soon went out, Beckton and his stake-holder, Fahey, followed, and went to Blood’s saloon, McAfferty having reached there first. At this place Beckton displayed four $50. one $10. and one $5. bill. He and Fahey soon passed out and went toward Martin Cummins’ saloon, Beckton being so drunk that he fell down while upon the road. McAfferty followed, and overtook them near the blacksmith shop. On reaching Cummins’ the game of cards was played. McAfferty winning, Beckton again displayed his money, giving McAfferty a $50 bill, and receiving six $5.00 bills in change. The next performance was a wrestle, on a bet of $5.00, that Beckton could throw McAfferty over the counter. The latter again putting up $100 with $25 belonging to the other party, in the hands of Martin Cummins. McAfferty was again decided to be the winner. During the wrestle Carman came in, remained a short time, and passed out. About this time Beckton declared that his money was gone. His clothing was searched by several parties, and the floor of the room examined by those present, but no money could be found, except the $100 bill and a little scrip. McAfferty went away and afterwards, Beckton, accompanied by Cummins and the entire party spent the rest of the night on a big drunk. We are not prepared to render a decission[sic] as to the guilt or innocence of the parties charged with taking the money, but the evidence indicates that the money was in Beckton’s possession when he went into Cummins’ saloon, but could not be found upon his person when he left. In summing up the case Justice Watson remarked to the large audience present, that in listening to the evidence which had been brought out, he believed they had some t[sic] see how long this thieving and robbery was to go on in Berea. So many robberies and crimes have been committed within the last year or two, some of the cases having been sent to a higher court, where nothing has been done, that every citizen feels a great anxiety in the result of this investigation. He then gave an outline of the evidence, and stated that he believed that at the time the search was being made in Cummins’ saloon, the money was in the pocket of some one of those present, and decided to hold all the parties charged. He considered the evidence against Carman as the least definite of any of the three. The parties all secured bail. Beckton commenced a civil suit against them for the money lost, and attached money and property placed in the hands of Constable Hatch to secure the appearance of Carman before the Justice" (30 March 1876, Grindstone City Advertiser). "James Carman, Thomas McAfferty and Martin Cummins, were indicted last week, by the Grand Jury of this county for grand larceny in the Beckton case" (11 May 1876, Grindstone City Advertiser). "Carman's trial commenced The trial of James Carman who was indicted with Thomas McAfferty and Martin Cummins for stealing the money of James Beckton commenced on Tuesday" (15 June 1876, Grindstone City Advertiser). "The Trial of James Carman was closed on Monday evening, having continued on entire week. The jury rendered a verdict of not guilty" (22 June 1876, Grindstone City Advertiser). "In the case of the State of Ohio against James Carman and Thomas McAfferty, tried at the last session of the Court of Common Pleas, the fees of forty-three witnesses in the Carman case, amounted to $438.80, and of twenty-five witnesses in the McAfferty case, to $51. Total, $490.80. We are informed that the entire cost amounted to about $650" (20 July 1876, Grindstone City Advertiser). Local newspapers reported his occasional adventures: "Hand Mashed. Mr. James Carman, one of J. McDermott & Co’s engineers, met with a serious misfortune last Thursday morning, which resulted in the loss of most of his left hand. While bending over to oil a journal his foot slipped, throwing his body forward and his left hand onto the friction wheels that operate the derrick rope, drawing the fingers between the two wheels. The bones of the knuckles stopped one of the wheels, the other performing several hundred revolutions before it could be stopped. Supt. McDermott, who was near at hand, assisted by Mr. Wm. Brown and others, extricated him from his terrible position as soon as possible; he was taken home and Dr. Knowlton summoned. The mangled hand was a sickening sight to the beholder, and painful almost beyond endurance. The doctor, after a careful examination decided to try to save the thumb and part of the little finger, although they were so badly lacerated that it seemed almost impossible to do so; the other fingers were skillfully amputated above the knuckles. At the present writing (Wednesday) the doctor feels confident of saving the thumb and part of the fourth finger, which will be of incalculable worth to the injured man" (Berea, Advertiser, 6 Dec. 1880). "A Parker breech loading shot gun, belonging to James Carman, was raffled for at the Armory, last Saturday evening Ninety tickets were sold at $1 each. Henry Dempsey was the winner. Jim bought back his gun for $20, thereby clearing about $70" (Berea Advertiser, 12 Jan 1882). "Mr. James Carman is very low with consumption" (Berea Advertiser, 17 August 1882). He died of consumption, most likely grindstone consumption/silicosis. His obituary in the Berea Advertiser, 23 June 1882, read: "Death of James Carman. Of consumption, on Sunday morning Sept. 17th, 1882, James Carman, son of Wm. Carman. The Funeral took place Tuesday afternoon. He leaves a wife and one child." On June 28, 1882, the Berea Advertiser amended the obituary: "We were misinformed in regard to the late James Carman’s family. He left three children one of whom has been dangerously ill." One of the children did not survive its father long: The Berea Advertiser reported on 11 Jan 1883: "An eight months’ old child of the late James Carman was found dead in its bed yesterday morning. Mrs. Carman called in Dr. Pringle at once. J.M. Watson, Esq., acting coroner, was also notified. He viewed the remains, in company with lawyer Hubbard, and Drs. Warden and Coates; the physicians came to the conclusion that the cause of death was convulsions. The coroner decided that there was no cause for further examination, consequently a post mortem was dispensed with." His tombstone inscription said "James, bro of Henry Carman, 7th Co. O., Sharp Shooters". There is no extant tombstone with the notation "bro of Henry Carman" and we assume this to be a note added by the surveyors. His brother was William Henry. The City of Berea does not list his burial. Baldwin-Wallace College student Jeremy Feador identified his badly worn marble Civil War marker in May 2006. James Carman's marker has been replaced with a new granit headstone. "James Carman was in the navy on one of the river gun boats; can give no dates except he died Sept. 19, '84." |
sources |
| E. S. Loomis and D. T. Gould, "Inscriptions from the Old Berea Cemetery," 1904; Adams St Cemetery folder, Berea Historical Society "Here's a List of Berea's Soldier Dead," May 30, 1930, Berea Historical Society Grindstone City Advertiser, Grindstone Advertiser, Berea Advertiser, and other local newspapers as cited in narrative. James Carman obituary, "The Berea Advertiser," 23 Sept 1882 p.3 c.5 Berea Enterprise, 4 June 1898 "The Berea Enterprise" 6/24/1932 p.1 c.1-2, p.6 c.5-6 "Cuyahoga Cemetery Inscriptions," vol. I, compiled by the Western Reserve Historical Society, 1934 James Carman Grave Registration Card, Cleveland Public Library, microfilm Ohio Official Roster, Vol.11, p. 574. Civil War Research Database, online [http://www.civilwardata.com/active/hdsquery.dll?SoldierHistory?U&440342], William Carman entry; cited in Don Labaj CD, Berea Families, 2006 1850 US Federal Census, series M432, roll 673; cited in Donald Labaj, Berea Families CD, 2006. 1860 US Federal Census, William Carman household, series M653, roll 954, p. 115. 1870 US Federal Census, Wm. Carman household, series M593, roll 1193, p. 394. 1880 US Federal Census, James Carman household, series T9, roll 1009, p. 250; compare location with Caroline Carman and Wm. H. Carman households, series T9, roll 1009, p. 239. James Carman--Mary Machin marriage license, vol. 21, p. 520; Cuyahoga County Historical Marriage License Index online; Cuyahoga County Library, Fairview branch. James Carman inscription photo, Jeremy Feador, 2006. Grindstone Adviser, 29 November 1872 GA, 6 December 1872 GCA, 4 February 1875 GCA, 30 March 1876 GCA, 11 May 1876 GCA, 15 June 1876 GCA, 22 June 1876 GCA, 20 July 1876 Grindstone Advertiser, 22 August 1878 The Berea Enterprise, Saturday 4 June 1898. |