Biography of Alexander Carnahan

Alexander Carnahan served as the Register of Deeds for Sumner County after being elected in 1889 and moving to Wellington. Born on February 28, 1852, in Pennsylvania, he was the great-grandson of a War of 1812 veteran and a prominent local figure. Following his father’s early death, Alexander built a successful farming and stock-raising career in Kansas. He married Emma Kimble in 1879, and together they had four children. A dedicated member of the Presbyterian Church, he established a respected place in his community.

ALEXANDER CARNAHAN, Register of Deeds, Sumner County, although he has not resided in this county many years, has gained a high standing among her citizens, being known as a man of strict probity, varied knowledge, and more than ordinary culture. He was elected to the office which he now holds in 1889, at which time he removed to Wellington, where he now makes his home. In politics he is a Republican, and is proud of the fact that he cast his first Presidential ballot for James A. Garfield.

The subject of this sketch was born upon land in Pennsylvania which his great-grandfather had entered from the Government, and where his father and grandfather were born and spent their lives. His grandfather was well known throughout Western Pennsylvania, and occupied many prominent and useful positions in his day. He served in the War of 1812 under Gen. Harrison. He was County Commissioner for a long term of years, being a member of the board when the location of the court house was decided; the ballot was a tie, and it fell to his lot to cast the deciding vote, which he did in favor of the present site. He also served as a member of the State Legislature with credit to himself and satisfaction to his constituents. He died in 1879 at the advanced age of ninety years. He was a member of the United Presbyterian Church. The maiden name of his wife was Nancy Smith. Unto them were born seven children, of whom but two are now living — George R., who resides on the old homestead, and David T., a prominent minister in the Presbyterian Church.

William Carnahan, the father of our subject, died in March, 1865, at the age of forty-three years. He was the father of eight children, one of whom was born after his own death. His widow was spared to see her family grow to womanhood and manhood, her death occurring March 16, 1887. She had fulfilled all her duties as a good Christian and devoted wife and mother, in a manner to call forth the highest praise.

The gentleman whose name introduces this biographical compendium opened his eyes to the light in Union Township, Allegheny County, Pa., February 28, 1852. He is the second son of his parents, and was left fatherless at the age of thirteen years. After taking a special course in the University of Pittsburg he concluded to try his fortunes in the West, and having journeyed as far as Illinois, spent a year in that State. He then came to Belle Plaine, Kansas, during the winter and purchased a tract of wild land in Sedgwick County, which he improved, and upon which he resided until the spring of 1883. He then sold and removed to Sumner County, where he bought two hundred and forty acres, nearly all raw land. This he improved and made his home until his election to the office of register of deeds, being engaged in general farming and stock-raising, proving his ability as an agriculturist, and placing himself in a front rank among the farmers.

An important step in the life of Mr. Carnahan was taken in 1879, when he became the husband of Miss Emma Kimble. She is a native of Pickaway County, Ohio, the daughter of Solomon and Sarah Kimble, and is a woman of intelligence, refinement and fine character. She is a devoted member of the Presbyterian Church, as is her husband, and like him she holds a high position in the esteem of the community. Mr. and Mrs. Carnahan are the parents of three children who are living, and of one — Maggie A. — who died when a year old.