by Bill Woodard, Executive Director – Smith County Chamber of Commerce
Carthage, Tennessee — On the eastern outskirts of Carthage, Tennessee, nestled within a one-acre fenced area, lies the hallowed grounds of Walton Cemetery. This unassuming cemetery, dating back to the late 18th century, holds the remains of a man and woman who played a pivotal role in the founding of this charming town: Captain William Walton and his wife Sarah Jane.
Captain William Walton, born in Bertie County, North Carolina, in 1760, was not just any early American settler. He was a Revolutionary War hero, a landowner, a visionary, and, most notably, the founder of Carthage itself. The cemetery bears witness to his enduring legacy, alongside that of his wife.
Walton’s final resting place, marked by a rectangular stone box, can be found toward the eastern end of the cemetery, with his wife’s grave nearby. A Daughter’s of the American Revolution marker adorns both Captain Walton’s grave and Sarah, paying homage to their crucial role in American history.
Captain Walton’s journey was one of valor and resilience. He served as a soldier during the American Revolutionary War, enduring capture, and imprisonment until the surrender of Savannah in 1780. His unwavering dedication led to his promotion to the rank of captain, where he was entrusted with leading a North Carolina unit. His wartime contributions were acknowledged with a land grant.
In 1783, Captain Walton married Sarah Jane, embarking on a new chapter in their lives together. Two years later, in 1785, they moved to the Cumberland country, known today as Carthage, along with Captain Walton’s brother. There, they constructed a cabin near the confluence of the Cumberland and Caney Fork Rivers. This cabin served as both their home and the foundation of their future endeavors.
Captain Walton’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to operate Walton’s Ferry, a crucial crossing point located at the tip of a peninsula formed by the Caney Fork and Cumberland Rivers. In 1799, he initiated the construction of the Walton Road over the formidable Cumberland Mountain, linking communities and enabling commerce in the region.
William Walton’s contributions extended beyond infrastructure and commerce. In 1804, he demonstrated his dedication to the community by donating 50 acres of land to the budding town of Carthage for the nominal sum of $1. This generous act laid the foundation for the town’s development and future city governance. It was an early example of the public/private partnership that makes both government and business successful event today.
Education was another realm in which Captain Walton made a significant impact. In 1813, he donated over two acres of his land in Carthage to the Geneva Academy, a Tennessee State government public education institute. This academy provided teachers to the local community, contingent on raising funds and offering a suitable land area and school building. In 1814, Captain Walton himself erected the first public school building in Carthage once again showing how government must work with individuals to make our future secure.
Carthage Mayor L. A. Ligon and the Carthage City Council of John Shaw, T. J. Fisher, F. B. McGinness, W. V. Lee, Frank Swope, and W. E. Myers, took charge of the Geneva Academy until the Smith County School System was established in 1914.
On April 3, 1997, the Town of Carthage Mayor and City Council paid tribute to William Walton, recognizing him as one of Tennessee’s greatest citizens of the 18th and 19th centuries. His contributions to the founding of Carthage and the establishment of the Carthage public school system continue to resonate as enduring symbols of community progress.
A Glimpse into Smith County’s History —
Carthage, the county seat of Smith County, Tennessee, is situated along the north bank of the Cumberland River, approximately one mile below the confluence of the Caney Fork River. Smith County, established in October 1799, was initially part of the Western District of North Carolina, set aside for military grants to Revolutionary War veterans.
The county, named in honor of Revolutionary War Colonel Daniel Smith, became the fifth county created in Middle Tennessee. In 1789, William Walton, the county’s first settler, chose a prime piece of land in redemption of his land grant and built his home on the north side of the Cumberland River, opposite the mouth of the Caney Fork River.
Smith County’s historical roots are closely intertwined with Captain Walton’s legacy. When the need for a county seat arose, Walton, through his influence, led to the selection of his property as the site for the county seat. He generously donated fifty acres for a courthouse and other public buildings, a pivotal moment in the birth of Carthage. By legislative decree, the new town was named Carthage, with a post office established in 1806.
In 1879, Carthage’s iconic Second Empire-Style Courthouse, described as “the largest and most elegant brick courthouse within the state of Tennessee,” was completed. Carthage had firmly established itself as an important commercial center along the Cumberland River by that time. The county pays homage to our Veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country with a memorial monument on the courthouse lawn. Captain Walton would be proud of the legacy he began in 1799.
Come to the William Walton Harvest Festival and hear the recounting of some of our history live from the Historic Smith County Courthouse steps this Saturday, September 30th from 10:45 am to 5 pm. There is also an after party hosted by Tennessee Outlaw Country, a local band that has made it to the charts at 6pm with an educational Q & A session before the concert.
