The Samuel Quinton Project – Sponsored by James K Polk Chapter, NSDAR
As direct descendants of patriots who fought or otherwise aided the colonists during the American Revolutionary War, the members of the James K Polk Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, are passionate about service to veterans and about our nation’s history. When we learned that there was one Revolutionary War soldier who migrated west to Polk County and is buried here, we wanted to honor him with a commemorative marker. It would be especially appropriate to do this as part of the celebration of our nation’s 250th birthday in 2025-2026.
Samuel Quinton served in the South Carolina Militia for 276 days, through several battles, including the decisive victory at King’s Mountain. He was on his way to the Battle of Guilford Courthouse when he was struck down with smallpox, ending his military career. After some years in South Carolina and Georgia, Quinton and his extended family moved to Arkansas. In 1840 they lived near Cove. By 1850 they were farming at the foot of Quinton Mountain in Freedom Township, Polk County, near the Oklahoma border.
In 1848, at age 86 years old, Samuel Quinton appeared at the Polk County Court in Old Dallas to apply for his military pension. By this time, he was “very poor, and feeble from age, and solely dependent upon his own labor for the support of himself and an aged wife.” It took until 1854 for him to be granted the pension of $4 per year, retroactive to 1848. Arkansas records show his last payment was in March of 1855, indicating he probably died mid-1855. It is unclear whether he ever received any of his checks.
Quinton’s actual burial location is unknown. We choose to honor this veteran on the courthouse grounds with the other Polk County veterans. We have received permission to place the marker at the courthouse and permission from the NSDAR to erect the marker. The stone has been ordered.
The marker will be dedicated on Saturday, April 19, 2025, the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775. Ralph Waldo Emerson’s famous 1837 poem “Concord Hymn” refers to the first shot fired that day as the “shot heard round the world.” That shot sparked the American Revolutionary War that led to the creation of the United States.
We envision a number of guests coming to Mena for the dedication ceremony, including the State Regent of the Arkansas DAR, several other DAR officers, members of our chapter and neighboring chapters, and descendants of Samuel Quinton. We would also invite local veterans’ groups, community members, and the press. This will be an event to remember, and a chance for us to celebrate our nation’s beginnings as we honor the one Polk County citizen who actually fought in the Revolutionary War.
Any contributions toward the project will be gratefully accepted. Mail to James K Polk Chapter, NSDAR, PO Box 215, Mena, AR 71953. Include your name and address to receive a receipt.
