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Photos by Linda Bowden
Historical
Marker:
Carlton Cemetery is commemorative of the growth and decline of
a fading community as agriculture and railroads changed the destiny
of small Texas towns. Local lore places the first grave at this
site in 1867 when J. E. Pinkerton, a farmer, was killed by a
band of Indians. After hitting solid rock, area settlers moved
200 feet to the north, where they established Pinkerton's grave
with a 16-inch high solid native stone bearing only his initials
on a chiseled shield. The village of Carlton was organized in
1876 and named for Dr. F. M. Carlton, who was buried here in
1897. James Monroe McCarty rests in the first dated grave, inscribed
January 21, 1872. Of 1,278 graves counted in 1997, 213 are unmarked.
Of these, 22 anonymous graves date from the influenza epidemic
of 1918-1919. Also buried here is Deputy Sheriff Audie Gibson,
killed by bandits in 1932. Carlton natives have faithfully maintained
the cemetery in honor of their relatives, friends, and the many
local veterans who served their country. The Carlton Cemetery
Association was formed in 1957. L. W. Fine, cemetery overseer,
was the last person to be buried by his neighbors in 1957. Burial
services have since been assumed by funeral homes. (1998)
First Grave in Carlton Cemetery: On July 9, 1867, J. E.
Pinkerton, a farmer, traveling to Carlton on horseback, became
bogged down in a muddy swamp whild crossing Tywhappatee Creek.
While struggling to free his horse, he was attacked by a band
of renegade Comanche Indians. This occurred the same date that
renegade Comanche Indians attacked the country school house 7
miles northease of Hamilton. Two children were taken captive
and their teacher Ann Whitney lost her life protecting her students.
It is unknown which attack happened first. S. J. (Dock) Kerley
helped bury Mr. Pinkerton. Due to rock
formations elsewhere his site was shocen for the Carlton Cemetery.
Mrs. R. L. (Eula Brimer said her father, Mr. J. W. Hill attended
the funeral of a neighbor's baby girl and sat on the grave of
J. E. Pinderton. An unidentifed small grave lies north, next
to the grave of Mr. Pinkerton. (This is thought to be that child's
grave.)
