My Genealogy Hound

N. W. Denty, accounted one of Hot Spring County’s leading merchants, was born in Marshall County, Miss., July 31, 1847, as the son of John R. and Mary Ann (Irvine) Denty, natives of Georgia and Tennessee, respectively. They made Marshall County their home, he dying there at the age of seventy-eight years in 1885, and his wife passing away in March, 1862. He had always followed farming, and as such was very successful. He was a Mason of some distinction, having taken the higher degrees. Both were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and he was a believer in the principles of Democracy. Mary S., wife of W. T. Nesbit, of Mississippi, was a child by a former marriage. N. W. Denty received his education in the home schools, attending some before and some after the war. In May, 1863, he enlisted in Smith’s company, Eighteenth Mississippi Battalion, where he served until May, 1865. Among the battles in which he took part are Spring Hill, Franklin and Fort Pillow. During a raid in Tennessee, he had some very narrow escapes, but always managed to come out all right. In 1869 he turned his attention to farming in De Soto County, Miss. He remained there until the year 1880, when he came to Arkansas and located at Donaldson, embarking in the mercantile business, in which he has since been continuously engaged. As postmaster of Donaldson he has served for five years. In 1868 he married Miss Nanny Johnson, of Mississippi. She died in this county September 12, 1883, leaving five children, all of whom are living: Irvine L., Lulu E., Maggie E., John R. and Samuel J. Mr. Denty was married the second time July 25, 1884, Miss Laura Johnson, sister to the first Mrs. Denty, becoming his wife. She died December 19, 1887, leaving: two children: Mina B. and Imogen. His first wife was a member of the Christian Church, while he connected himself with the Knights of Honor and the Democratic party. He is progressive and prosperous; and loyal and honored among his fellow citizens, doing all he can for the welfare of his town and county.