The Eureka Springs Historical Cemetery would like to bring to the community a brief history pertaining to people who lay at rest in our cemetery. We want to encourage our community to learn more about the people who have built this town. Let’s talk about John T. Carroll, born Aug. 30, 1826. He was a captain in the Confederacy, a sheriff, a delegate to the U.S. Constitutional Convention, a U.S. deputy marshal and the second Mayor of Eureka Springs. He had many other professions and ventures throughout his lifetime. The text below is quoted from Captain John T. Carroll’s headstone inscription.
“Born August 30th, 1826, in Clairborne County, Tennessee. Son of Hugh & Annie Shelton Carroll. Moved to Fort Gibson Indian territory at 10 years. Dealt in Indian supplies & raised stock on the cow skin prairie near Vinita Okla. Married Susan Carroll in 1852. 2 sons Hugh and Tucker born to this union, Susan died in 1856. Moved to McDonald Co. Mo. Married Huldah Holcomb in 1857. 8 children were born, Mary, Dick, Jeff, Halia, Frank, Nora, Albert, and Nellie. Organized and partially equipped 3 companies of Confederate Soldiers when Civil War began. Enlisted as private Co H 8th Regt. MO. INF 9/1/1861 Commissioned Captain Co. E. 11th Regt. Calvary confederate army 8/30/1862 Received Colonel commission in 1863 moved to Alabam, Arkansas. In 1864 Member of 1st Legislature convened after war. Member of Constitutional Convention of 1874. Was appointed sheriff to fill unexpired term. First came to Eureka Springs in 1869 because of healing waters moved to Eureka Springs in 1879 and engaged in General Merchandise Built first real residence where the post office now stands. Chosen to represent Town site & Agri claimants VS Eureka improvement Co. Pleaded case in Washington D.C. and won for City. Obtained charter for City elected first Mayor under City Govt. Admitted to Bar in 1881 Appointed U.S. Marshall by President Cleveland in 1885 for Western District and Indian Territory and served under Judge Parker at Fort Smith. Carroll county was named for John Carroll and he was active in City, County, and State affairs until his death.”
The Eureka Springs Historical Cemetery’s last fundraiser was to replace the old street and block signs. We accomplished this goal thanks to your community donations. Please feel free to visit your cemetery to see our new signs. Our current fundraiser is a big goal – we need to repair the cemetery roads – and we need your help! Your presence at our local Cemetery Commission meeting is encouraged. We would appreciate your interest and comments. The schedule of meetings is posted at City Hall.
