Stone Gardens: Kentucky-born merchant, landowner lies at rest in solitary rural Scott County grave

William B. Sutton, born in 1820 in Kentucky, carved a lasting legacy in Arkansas through his entrepreneurial spirit, family devotion, and community involvement.

From his early days as a merchant to his final years as a landowner in Scott County, Sutton’s life reflects the ambition and resilience of a man who shaped the economic and social landscape of 19th-century Arkansas.

Born in the rolling hills of Kentucky, Sutton moved to Northwest Arkansas by 1841, where he began his career as a merchant. His keen business sense quickly established him as a key figure in the region’s growing economy.

By 1847, he had settled in Fort Smith, where he became a prominent businessman, influencing the city’s commercial growth for over three decades.

His home, the Sutton Mansion at 416 North 6th Street, built in 1850, stood as a testament to his success.

During the Civil War, Union soldiers occupied the mansion, a stark reminder of the era’s turmoil.

Sutton’s personal life was deeply rooted in family and faith. He was married to Catharine Leguin Sutton at one point, Later, he was married to Mary (maiden name unknown) , as confirmed by the christening record of their daughter, Mary Sanders Sutton, born on November 10, 1868, in Fort Smith.

The daughter was christened on June 13, 1869, at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Fort Smith.

Sutton’s legacy extended to his grandchildren, William Bruce Sutton and Irene S. Stanphile, whose names are inscribed on his tombstone, suggesting a close family bond.

In 1881, Sutton sold his Fort Smith property and relocated to Scott County, where he embraced a new chapter as a landowner and farmer. He owned 665 acres, with 400 acres cultivated, and focused on raising livestock, contributing to the agricultural economy of the region.

A devout Christian, Sutton was an active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, reflecting his spiritual commitment.

His involvement in the Odd Fellows society further cemented his role as a community leader, fostering social and economic connections.

These affiliations positioned him as a respected figure in both Fort Smith and Scott County, where his integrity and vision earned him admiration.

His tombstone’s inscription, “Safe with his savior and home at last from Life’s unresting sea,” encapsulates his faith and humility.

William B. Sutton passed away in 1892 at age 72, leaving behind a legacy of business acumen and community service. He is buried in Sutton Burial Place, Abbot in Scott County, in a secluded spot off Highway 378, a few miles from the North Scott County Fire Station.

The lone headstone, surrounded by trees and bushes, is difficult to find, with cedar trees needing trimming to preserve its large, ornate structure.

Visitors are cautioned about copperhead and rattlesnakes in summer and fall.

The weathered inscription on his tombstone reads: “A native of Kentucky, he began his career as a merchant in N.W. Ark. in 1841. Becoming a prominent business man of Ft. Smith from 1847 to 1881".