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ocated in a field near where Sutton Creek flows into Des Arc Creek is a pile of rocks, the remains of on old inn chimney and the name of it is forgotten. This property now belongs to Mrs. Jewel Beamon, and extends south along Des Arc Creek to where Patton’s water mill once stood. The millpond has been a favorite fishing place for many years. The millrace is still visible. Some parts of the old mill are buried in the plot where it stood between the creek and the race.
A dam was scheduled to be constructed in between two bluffs, on each side of the creek above the old mill site, which would be a great asset to the land that has been inundated many times by the ravaging water of this creek, during and after a heavy rainfall.
Some distance west of “Dugout Mountain” Road, Des Arc Creek flows between two bluffs. Just below these bluffs, an old millrace can be seen. John Patton once owned and operated a water mill. At one time some timber and a large round rock with an iron bolt through the center could be seen partly submerged nearby. The millpond is still a favorite fishing spot called “Patton Mill.”
A post office once stood on the west side of the Dewberry land on an old military road and is said to be the first post office in White County. It was there when Thomas Clinton Smith had the land before John L. Dewberry bought it. Later the post office was moved to Center Hill in the old J.R. Perkins store.
About one-half mile downstream in a northerly direction is a famous “swimming hole.” Long ago two families of boys who lived on top of the mountain, named Benton and Strayhorn, were said to be notorious fighters whom all others avoided. When neighbor boys went in for a swim, and heard them coming, they ran for their lives. This place is still called the “Benton Hole.”
Downstream in an easterly direction where Sutton Creek enters Des Arc and an old military road crossed both, stands a pile of rocks, on west side of the roadbed. Those rocks are the remains of an old inn where Jessie James and Younger brothers once stayed. Stagecoaches often traveled this route and forded both creeks.
On the east side of the old military road in Des Arc Creek is a small island. It was said while surveying this route Stonewall Jackson and his men buried treasure there. This place has been visited many times by treasure hunters. Various arguments have arisen over which Jackson it was, Andrew or Stonewall. Andrew was a military surveyor. He made many historic routes. Stonewall was a soldier only during the Civil War.
Below where the slough enters the creek is another favorite fishing spot called “Mitchell’s Water Top.” The Mitchell boys dammed this up and made it a good place to fish.
Located in the “lower field” of the old Dewberry farm is a pile of rocks with several trees in it. This is supposed to be a small “Indian mound.” Human bones have been plowed up around this place. Arrowheads and small rocks that appeared to have been used for pounding corn have been found here, too.
Near the highway bridge is a place where people used to fish, often with plenty of luck. A woman whose given name was “Josie” fished there so often, the late Walter L. Canfield called it “Josie’s Hole.”
George Washington’s nephew Samuel Washington served during the Civil War. He got sick during the harsh winter months, as they went through hardships in getting food and medicine. Their transportation was only by wagons, on the military road. He died and was buried on John Sparrow’s old place. The grave is unmarked and has a pile of rocks on it. My grandfather Jim and my dad knew about this. vvv