Who Was ‘Uncle Dutch’? Meet Arlington’s First Mayor

Published on January 13, 2026

Editor's Note: As Arlington celebrates its sesquicentennial throughout 2026, we are sharing stories about the people, places and moments that made The American Dream City what it is today.

By Jason Sullivan, Arlington Historical Society

Carver Dixon King (1843–1930) became Arlington’s first mayor shortly after the town was established in 1876.

Born in Tennessee in 1843, King fought in the Civil War before coming to Texas in 1875, where he immediately began his long career in public service. He served as Arlington’s Mayor from 1876 to 1881 and again from 1899 to 1900. That second term only lasted two months. Beyond his mayoral service, he also served 13 terms as Justice of the Peace, worked as a notary, and owned a grocery store and icehouse.

King was married twice and had two children from his first marriage. Nicknamed “Uncle Dutch,” he was known for his honor, integrity, level-headedness, and friendship, possessing a unique way of approaching challenges.

King passed away on Oct. 27, 1930, at age 87, after a brief illness, with many attending his funeral to pay their respects. He was buried at Parkdale Cemetery and is remembered as a man who served his people well. Arlington honors King with a Texas Historical Marker located at 301 E. North St., in the vicinity of where his home once stood.

Learn more about those who have served as mayor over Arlington’s 150-year history through the City of Arlington’s online Hall of Mayors.