Thomas & Bridget Carroll – Hillside Cemetery, Edwards, Kansas

In March of 1884, Thomas and Bridget Carroll left Missouri in a covered wagon and arrived on their homestead in Edwards County, Kansas.

Thomas William Carroll was born on the 1st of May 1848 in New York City. His parents were from Scottish descent. Thomas and his sister were left orphans at the age of three and were raised by foster parents.

On September 10, 1855 in Ireland, Bridget Agnes was born to Patrick and Mary McManamen. At the age of seven, she and her parents emigrated to America and settled in Missouri.

Thomas and Bridget were married June 18, 1876 in Missouri. They were blessed with 10 children. The first four children were born in Missouri. Upon arriving in Edwards County, the family lived in a sodhouse on the bank of Wildhorse Creek, three miles northwest of Fellsburg, Edwards County. The remaining six children were born there.

Thomas died on January 23, 1924 and is buried at Hillside Cemetery. Bridget passed away on the 4th of July 1938. She is buried with her husband at Hillside.

Note: Their second child, William T. Carroll was the subject of my second column. Pvt. Carroll was a member of Co. D 20th Kansas Volunteer Infantry and fought in the Spanish-American War. He was killed in action in the Philippines on March 27, 1899. He is also buried at Hillside Cemetery.