City: Memphis
CARNES, William Watts, insurance agent; born Somerville, Tenn., Sept. 18, 1841; Scotch-Irish-Welsh and English descent; son of James Alexander and Elizabeth M. (Jones) CARNES; educated Memphis and West Tenn. Schools and U. S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, Md., entered the latter in class of 1857; stood No. 4 at last examination of his class of 36 members at Naval academy; resigned from U. S. navy on account of approaching war; received commission in C. S. army because of military education; commanded Battery of Artillery, afterward battalion of four batteries in the Army of Tenn., C. S. A.; captain of National Guard company 25 years; honorary captain Co. “A” Confederate Veterans, Memphis, Tenn.; in early life he was in the mercantile business, then entered the insurance business, and is now associated with his son, Robert S. CARNES, in management of insurance general agency in Memphis, Tenn.; married twice, first Kate W. PAYNE, of Macon, Ga., April 4, 1866, second Lila K. PAYNE, of same place, March 31, 1875; member of Memphis lodge No. 118 F. & A. M. and Penn Royal Arch chapter No. 22, St. Elmo Com. K. T. of Memphis, Knights of Honor, Royal Arcanum; sheriff of Shelby Co., Tenn. Sept. 1896 to Sept. 1898; member Episcopal church.
