Transcribed by Mary Ann Kaylor

Page 1110

CARMEAN, ROBERT - The calling of farming is not an easy one at best it is exhausting work, but he who follows it with any degree of science will reap handsome profits and in his declining years have all the comforts that come to those whose active lives have been well spent. Robert Carmean, now living retired in Springfield, was for many years engaged in farming in Sangamon County, Ill. He was born in 1848 in Pickaway County, Ohio, a son of Noah Carmean. When he was five years of age, in 1853, the family moved to a farm in McDonough County, Ill., and there Mr. Carmean grew to manhood, learning by practical experience the work of farming, which he had chosen for this life calling, and obtaining his education in the public schools. In 1861 the family moved to Morgan County, Ill., and two years later, when but fifteen years old, Mr. Carmean enlisted in Company I, Seventh Regiment, United States Cavalry, serving until the close of the war as a member of the Fifteenth Army Corps. He took part in many fierce engagements and three horses were killed under him, one of which fell upon his leg. After a service marked with signal bravery, he was honorably discharged in October, 1865, at Camp Butler.

After Completing his service to his country Mr. Carmean returned to the work of the farm and in 1870 was married to Miss Kate Conley, of Champaign County, Ill., who died in September, 1906, having been the mother of the following children: Alexander, Lulu, Katy, Harry, George, John, Robert, Fred and Roy, of whom Lulu and Katy are deceased. In 1875 Mr. Carmean came to Springfield and for five years was identified with the ice business, but eventually returned to the farm, where he was engaged until building his present residence, and retiring from active life, in 1897. He is a member of the Second Methodist Episcopal Church, in the faith of which his wife died. His politics are those of the Republican party. He is held in high esteem by all who have the pleasure of his acquaintance, both as a worthy comrade of the Grand Army of the Republic, and as a citizen.