Fort Smith's Best Kept Secret - The Thomas Quinn House

The Thomas Quinn House was built in 1856 by Thomas Quinn, funded by selling his grocery store.  In 1861 Quinn was ordered to enlist in the army, received "volunteer money", and deserted in 1862.  Returning to Fort Smith he became a liquor dealer until 1869.  He sold the house in 1870 to his partner in the liquor store, Jacob Feurstine who was later documented to be a Union Spy.  In 1898 Jacob's son , Henry lived here with his wife and mother in law, Augusta Stephens.  Augusta was a female doctor whose practice was limited to female patients, with her office in the home.  Dr. Stephens published an article in 1894 in the Medical Brief.  After the Feurstine's divorced in 1901, the house was later occupied in 1910 by a clarvoyant, George W Holden.  Holden conducted sessions in the house.   In 1913, the house was purchased by Jesse Putman who lived there with his family, establishing Putman Funeral Home. Our beautifully restored property retains the charm and elegance of its past while offering modern amenities to our guests.