Biography of Russell Denton, Saline Co, AR

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        Date: 25 May 2002
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SOURCE: Goodspeed's History of Saline County

Russell Denton, the subject of this sketch is one of the leading farmers of
Marble Township, Saline County, and was born in Georgia in1845, being the son
of Thomas and Mattie (White) Deaton, natives of North Carolina. Thomas Denton
inn- to Georgia about the year 188?, and settled in Polk County. living in that
section until his death, which occurred in 1871, when over eighty years old. He
was married about the time of his settlement in Polk County, end be and his
wife were the parents of thirteen children. seven of whom are living, as
follows: Levi Denton (a farmer in Georgia), Andrew Denton (in Saline County,
Ark.), Martha. Joseph, Martin and Reuben (all residents of Georgia), and
Russell ( the subject of this sketch). Mrs. Denton still lives in Georgia and
is now about ninety years old, enjoying vigorous health for one of her age. Her
husband was one of the earliest settlers of that portion of Georgia, and
previous to the late war owned some 400 acres of valuable land and twelve or
fifteen negroes, besides a large amount of stock. He lost his property during
the war, with the exception of his real estate interests.    He was a supporter
of the Democratic party. In the year 1808. Russell Denton then twenty three
years of age purchased 1011 acres of laud, with twenty acres under cultivation
in this State, and commenced life as a farmer. He has since increased his place
to 180 acres, eighty acres of which are improved and situated on the Middle
Fork of the Saline River, upon them being found buildings in good condition and
plenty of stock. He is very successful as a cattle raiser. Mr. Denton was
married in Arkansas in the year 1870 to Miss Sarah E. Millinder of that State,
and a daughter of Joseph and Nancy (Lindsey) Millinder, also of Arkansas
nativity, who were among the states earliest settlers, having come here in
1818. Mr. and Mrs. Russell Denton became the parents of five children, three of
whom are now living: Mattie A. (wife of Isaac Dodd in Saline County), Mollie F.
and Andrew at home). Mrs. Denton was a member of the Baptist Church up to the
time of her death, which occurred in 1894. In 1887 Mr. Denton married Miss
Mollie Johnson, who was also a native of this county. The result of this union
was one child. In 1862 Mr. Denton joined the Confederate army. Massenburg's
battery, and was afterward transferred to Anderson's battery, where he served
until the surrender, fighting in the battle of Chickamauga. Missionary Ridge,
Dalton, Resaca, Cassville, New Hope Church, Kenesaw Mountain and Atlanta. He
was with Gen. Johnston in all the later battles fought by him and surrendered
with that army at Greensboro, N. C., In 1865. He was wounded during the war
three times, not, however deeming any one serious fit that time, though
recently his wound has broken out and gives him much pain. Mr. Deaton takes an
active part in all matters pertaining to education and the benefit of his
fellowmen.  He keeps a fine pack of hounds, and is always randy to grant his
friends a day's sport. He votes with the Democratic party.