Governor Thomas Carney

Kansas

 Thomas Carney

(Rebel Invasion of Missouri and Kansas by Hinton)

Born in Ohio, Thomas Carney found employment as a young adult in the mer-chandizing business. In 1858, Carney relocated to Leavenworth, Kansas, and opened his own business. Carney was elected to the state legislature in 1861. While serving, Carney took part in the investigation and impeachment of the Governor, Auditor, and Secretary of State, who were accused of selling state bonds at an inflated price. In 1862, Carney ran for governor, won and was inaugurated in January 1863.

During Price's 1864 Missouri Expedition, Governor Carney called into service the Kansas State Militia, adding thousands of troops to the Army of the Border commanded by Maj. Gen. Samuel R. Curtis.

"The State is in peril! Price and his rebel hosts, threaten it with invasion. Kansas must be ready to hurl them back at any cost. The necessity is urgent. The extent of that necessity the subjoined communications from Maj. Gen. Curtis to me will establish.

"Kansans, rally! You will do so, as you have always promptly done when your soil has been invaded. The call this time will come to you louder and stronger because you know the foe will seek to glut his vengeance upon you. Meet him, then, at the threshold and strike boldly; strike as one man against him.

"Let all business be suspended. The work to be done now is to protect the State against marauder and murderer. Until this is accomplished we must lead a soldier's life and do a soldier's duty.

"Men of Kansas, rally! One blow, one earnest, united blow will foil the invader and save you. Who will falter? Who is not ready to meet the peril? Who will not defend his home and the State? To arms then! To arms, and the tented field until the rebel foe shall be baffled and beaten back!

"Major-General Deitzler will lead the brave men of Kansas and issue the necessary orders."

After being defeated in 1864 by Samuel J. Crawford, Carney was elected to be mayor of Leavenworth and served two terms. Carney then returned to his business affairs. Carney founded of the First National Bank of Leavenworth and served as Director of the Lawrence and Fort Gibson Railroad Company.

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