My Genealogy Hound

Russell Deaton, the subject of this sketch, is one of the leading farmers of Marble Township, Saline County, and was born in Georgia, in 1845, being the son of Thomas and Mattie (White) Deaton, natives of North Carolina. Thomas Deaton moved to Georgia about the year 1832, and settled in Polk County, living in that section until his death, which occurred in 1874, when over eighty years old. He was married about the time of his settlement in Polk County, and he and his wife were the parents of thirteen children, seven of whom are living, as follows: Levi Deaton (a farmer in Georgia), Andrew Deaton (in Saline County, Ark.), Martha, Joseph, Martin and Reuben (all residents of Georgia), and Russell (the subject of this sketch). Mrs. Deaton 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 1868, Russell Deaton, then twenty-three years of age, purchased 100 acres of land, 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. Deaton 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 State’s earliest settlers, having come here in 1818. Mr. and Mrs. Russell Deaton 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. Deaton was a member of the Baptist Church up to the time of her death, which occurred in 1884. In 1887 Mr. Deaton married Miss Mollie Johnson, who was also a native of this county. The result of this union was one child. In 1862 Mr. Deaton joined the Confederate army, Massenburg’s battery, and was afterward transferred to Anderson’s battery, where he served until the surrender, fighting in the battles 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 at 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 ready to grant his friends a day’s sport. He votes with the Democratic party.