Charles T. Carpenter
Charles Thomas Carpenter | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Bedford County, Tennessee, U.S. |
| Died | February 22, 1945 (aged 86) |
| Occupation | Banker |
| Known for | Being taken captive during the Dalton Gang's last attempted robbery in Coffeyville, Kansas |
Charles Thomas Carpenter (December 9, 1858 – February 22, 1945) was a prominent American banker who became known for being taken captive during the Dalton Gang's last attempted robbery on October 5, 1892, in Coffeyville, Kansas.
Early life
Carpenter was born in Bedford County, Tennessee to parents Samuel and Sarah (Montgomery) Carpenter. He received his education at a private institution in Palmetto and completed his studies at Indiana University Bloomington in 1876, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree. During his time there, he was affiliated with the honor society Phi Kappa Phi.
Career
Following graduation, Carpenter moved to Kansas to join his family residing in Oswego, Kansas. He began his career working alongside his father before taking on the role of cashier at Condon Bank for two years. In 1886, he advanced to become a partner at the bank’s Coffeyville branch. Additionally, he managed the Charles T. Carpenter Insurance Agency, recognized as the largest insurance firm in Montgomery County, Kansas. His community involvement included serving as president of the Coffeyville Board of Education and acting as a trustee for Montgomery County High School located in Independence, Kansas.
Family
Carpenter wed Temple West from Pike County, Indiana in 1892. She played a significant role in the religious and social communities of Southern Kansas, holding the position of president at the Carnegie Library of Coffeyville and becoming the first female member of the city's school board. Together, they raised seven children.
Dalton Gang robbery
On October 5, 1892, during the Dalton Gang's unsuccessful attempt to rob two banks simultaneously in Coffeyville, Carpenter was taken hostage inside his bank branch. The shootout that followed resulted in the deaths of four townspeople and four gang members; one member of the gang was apprehended. Carpenter survived the ordeal without physical injury.