Biography of Lafayette M. Carson

Lafayette M. Carson, born on July 1, 1857, in Iowa, came from a respected Montgomery County family. He was known for his integrity and dedication to public service, serving as a deputy sheriff and township constable. Despite limited formal education, he excelled in farming and was involved in local Republican politics from a young age. His father, William Carson, was a principled man who settled in Iowa in 1847, and his mother, Seletha, was a devoted Baptist. Lafayette’s contributions earned him admiration in his community.

LAFAYETTE M. CARSON—The gentleman here named is a member of one of the oldest and most respected families of Montgomery county, and is himself deservedly popular for the many sterling qualities which he has manifested since coming to years of discretion. His service in connection with the law-enforcing branch of the county government has been of a high order and will receive recognition from his party associates in the future should he manifest a willingness to allow his name to be used.

Lafayette Carson was born in Iowa, where his parents were pioneer residents of Keokuk county. The date was July 1, 1857. He was a bright thirteen-year-old boy when the family settled on a claim in Louisburg township, and where they have continued to reside. His boyhood was passed in the labor incident to farm life, his schooling being of such a character as could be secured in the limited time at his disposal in the winter. Being of a more than ordinary observant turn of mind, however, this lack of book-knowledge has been largely atoned for. He very early began farming for himself, and, with the exception of one or two periods of official life, has continued to till the soil. He did not wait for his majority to become interested in public affairs, and, even in his ‘teens, was helpful to those who were in charge of the Republican organization. His obliging and courteous disposition soon won him many friends and his services were recognized by his appointment by Sheriff Frank Moses as his deputy, with headquarters at Elk City. In addition to his one term in this position he has served a number of years as constable of his township and in all his official dealings with the people has, by his considerate and thoughtful acts of kindness, drawn forth many expressions of appreciation.

Touching briefly on the history of the family, the biographer notes the parents of Mr. Carson as William and Seletha (Marr) Carson. The father was a native of the “Keystone State,” the mother of Tennessee. Passing his boyhood in Pennsylvania, William Carson came with his parents, at twelve years of age, to Miami county, Ohio. Later he removed to Shelby county, Ind., where he purchased a farm and began life for himself. In 1847, as stated, he settled in Keokuk county, Iowa. Mr. Carson was a man of the strictest probity of character, careful in all his dealings to give value received, and of stern ideas of justice and right. He died in 1876 and lies in the family burying-ground on the farm which he settled six years before. In religious faith he was a strict Presbyterian, though always according liberty of opinion to others, as in the case of his wife, who was a Missionary Baptist, and in her younger days a great worker in that organization, and who still survives her husband, at the advanced age of seventy-seven years. He was a prominent Mason and the lodge in Elk City was named in his honor, being known as Carson Lodge, No. 182. Children were born to them as follows: Robert, a farmer in Oklahoma; Lafayette; Thomas, a farmer of this county; Mattie, Mrs. Dr. Davis, of Independence, Kansas. These children are all useful and respected members of society in the different communities in which they reside and deserve the uniform esteem in which they are held.