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Below is a family biography included in Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Grant County, Arkansas published by Goodspeed Publishing Company in 1889.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

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John Fenter, one of Grant County’s substantial citizens, first saw the light of day February 3, 1840, on the farm where he now lives, as the son of David and Martha (Fisher) Fenter. The father was a son of Christian Fenter, of German nativity, who came to America at an early date. Sojourning awhile in Pennsylvania, he afterward moved to Ohio, then to Cape Girardeau, being that county’s first inhabitant. About 1815, he moved to Hot Spring County, Ark., where he died at the age of ninety years. He was a farmer and blacksmith by occupation. David Fenter was born in Pennsylvania, and died in Fenter Township, Grant County (then Hot Spring), in 1858, at the age of sixty-four years. He was one of the 300 who settled Austin, Tex., remaining there for thirteen years. He then returned to Arkansas, settling on the farm where our subject now lives. While in Texas he served with the famous Davy Crockett in his war against the Mexicans. During the march to the Alamo, he was taken sick and left behind, being spared the horrible butchery now so vividly pictured, in the pages of history. He was a wheel wright and farmer, being very successful in these vocations. At the time of the Indian troubles in Missouri, and during the War of 1812, he served in the United States Army with bravery and fidelity. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and politically, a Whig. His wife’s family was of English descent. She was born in Cape Girardeau County, Mo., and died in Grant County, Ark., coming to this State about 1815, and died at the age of seventy years. Through her marriage to David Fenter, she became the mother of twelve children, only three of whom are now living: John (our subject) and two sisters, Sarah (widow of Asher Bagley, now living in Grant County), and Catherine (wife of Joseph Barnes, farmer of Grant County). The dead are: Levi and Eli (who died in Little Rock, as Federal soldiers during the war), Eliza (wife of George Finly, farmer of Grant County, deceased at the age of thirty-eight years); the rest died when young. John Fenter was the youngest child. He received his education at home, being a great reader. At the time of his father’s death, being but eighteen years of age, he immediately assumed the responsibilities of the farm, and turned his attention to farming. In March, 1862, he joined Capt. Adams’ company of Trumbull’s battalion, serving about eighteen months. In 1863 he went into the Federal army, joining the Fourth Arkansas Cavalry. While in the Confederate service he was in the battle at Helena. After enlisting in the Union army, he saw some active service. While on duty as a scout, by order of Gen. Steele, he was shot twice and his horse killed from under him. One ball passed through him and the second he carries today. This adventure took place in Grant County, below Sheridan. He was disabled and laid up for three months. He served both armies bravely and faithfully, doing credit to himself. After fighting for the maintenance of the Confederacy for a short time, he came to the conclusion that their cause was wrong, and he had the courage to quit the Confederate army and join the side that in his mind was the right one. When the hostilities ceased, he again took up farming, since following this with marked success, being one of the most extensive farmers of Grant County. In 1863 he was married to Mary Cooper, who died in Grant County, the same year. In 1867 he again led to Hymen’s altar Miss Amy Tull. She died in 1874, leaving a family of four children, Mary E. (wife of James Denham farmer of Grant County), being the only one now living. Those dead are John, Levi and Amy. In 1885 Mr. Fenter was married the third time, Mary Eller becoming his wife. She was also of Grant County. To this union two children were born: Dora I. and Henry C. Mr. Fenter is a member of the Christian Church, of the order of K. of H. and the Wheel. Politically, he is a member of the Union Labor party, coming from the Republican party. He is enterprising, in the highest degree, owning the only gin in the township, the best in the county. His farm consists of 225 acres, with a 20 acre orchard.

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This family biography is one of 68 biographies included in Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Grant County, Arkansas published in 1889.  For the complete description, click here: Grant County, Arkansas History, Genealogy, and Maps

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