Stephen G. CARNES, a farmer of Fayette County, was born in Hardeman County, Tenn., August 3, 1829, and with two sisters constitutes the surviving members of a family of two sons and four daughters born to David B. and Mary (Gracy) CARNES, natives of North Carolina; both came to Tennessee when young and married in Hardeman County, where they farmed until the father died in 1842; the mother died in the same county in 1875.  The father, previous to this marriage, had married in North Carolina a Miss SCOTT, and to them three sons and three daughters were born, two daughters living.  This wife died in 1827.  Our subject’s mother had been married before her marriage to Mr. CARNES, to Samuel STEEL, by whom she had one son and two daughters, one of each living.

Our subject remained at home until the war, but had purchased a farm which he managed in addition to assisting at the home place.  He entered the Ninth Tennessee Infantry of the Confederate Army, where he was first lieutenant a year, then returned home a year and joined Henderson’s scouts until the war closed, when he returned to the old home place, and in 1869 married Miss Bettie COOPER, and they have had two sons, Henry C. and John B.  In 1872 he moved near Somerville, and in 1880 to his present farm consisting of 300 acres, well improved and located.  He also owns in Fayette County another tract of 160 acres.  Mr. CARNES is a Cumberland Presbyterian; Mrs. CARNES, an Episcopalian.  He is also a member of the F. & A.M., the K. of H. and K. & L. of H. and a Democrat.  Mr. CARNES is a man of fine social standing, and possesses many sterling qualities that are justly appreciated by the community in which he lives.

Source:  Goodspeed’s History of Tennessee, 1887.