At the end of 1853, Pope Pius IX sent Cardinal Gaetono Bedini as his Nuncio to America to deal with a number of disputes over church property.  Cardinal Bedini had a reputation as a reactionary for his role in suppressing revolution in the Papal States in 1849.  Anti-Catholic feelings were strong in Cincinnati.  Hearing of Bedini's visit, the Daily Commercial printed a very unfavorable article, and the Freimänner’s (Society of Freemen) Hochwächter started printing scurrilous articles calling him the "Butcher of Bologna". The Nativist Know-Nothing groups singled Bedini out as a target for attack.  The German "Forty Eighters" of Cincinnati were in full support of the Nativists.  On the day of Cardinal Bedini’s arrival in Cincinnati, December 21, 1853, the Hochwächter published an article that essentially urged his assassination, appealing specifically to the Freemen.

On Christmas Day, the Freemen called for a meeting in the morning to prepare for a demonstration. When Captain Thomas Lukens, Chief of Police, heard that the protesters of 500 men, had begun a march, he posted 100 policemen at the Bishop’s house.  When the police advanced to meet the procession, one of the marchers fired a shot. The police charged and a general fight ensued.  In the end, Watchman Carroll of the 2nd Ward, another policeman, and twelve others were wounded.  On the next morning, Watchman Caroll died from his wounds. 

Watchman Carroll’s shooter was never identified.  All sixty protesters were acquitted in court when the Municipal Prosecutor essentially failed to prosecute them.

All personal information regarding Watchman Carroll, where he came from, his family, his burial site, etc. have been lost to history.  If you have further information, artifacts, or pictures of this officer, please contact the Museum Director at Director@GCPHS.com.