Carroll Co., AR - Biographies - Hiram S. Shahan

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Hiram S. Shahan, an enterprising farmer, and the present sheriff of 
Carroll County, Ark., was born in Preston County, Va., September 15, 
1837. He is a son of John S. and Nancy (Thorn) Shahan, both also 
natives of Preston County, Va. About 1841 John S. Shahan removed west 
with his family, and settled in Carroll County, Ark., on pre-empted 
land. Here he improved a farm, on which he still resides. His wife has 
been dead several years. For a number of years he has held the office 
of justice of the peace, and is a stanch Republican in politics. Hiram 
S. Shahan grew to manhood on his father's farm. In 1861 he enlisted in 
the Union army for three months, which time he served in the Home 
Guards in Missouri. On July 7, 1862, he enlisted in the regular 
service, and was assigned to the First Arkansas Cavalry, with which he 
served until the close of the war. During the battle of Prairie Grove 
he had the thumb of his right hand shot off. A shot also passed 
through the sleeve of his right arm. Before the war was over he was 
promoted to quartermaster-sergeant. When hostilities ceased he 
returned home and engaged in farming. He was married in Carroll 
County, in 1859, to Amanda E. Litterell, a native of Alabama, who was 
chiefly reared and educated in Carroll County. To their union have 
been born ten children, of whom John M. and Matilda Jane are deceased. 
Those living are Grant (of Kansas), Nancy (Mrs. M. Bridwell), Hiram 
L., Elijah, Charles, George, Clara and Effie E. Both Mr. and Mrs. 
Shahan are earnest Christians and members of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church. Mr. Shahan is a member of Green Forest Masonic Lodge, and is a 
Master Mason. In politics he endorses and supports the principles of 
the Republican party. For four years he served as justice of the 
peace. He was also appointed assessor, and made one assessment of the 
county. In the fall of 1886 he was elected sheriff of the county, 
receiving a majority of ninety-five votes, when the county is 
Democratic by a majority of 400 votes. He has made a faithful and 
efficient officer, and has given satisfaction to both parties.