In honor of John B. Denton’s birthday, Cub Scout Pack 199 from Sanger, Texas gave his gravesite a good spit and polish. Cub Scout Pack 199 spent Saturday, July 18 sweeping, pulling weeds and picking up trash around the gravesite.
The young men even washed Denton’s headstone. They not only learned about the story of John B. Denton but they also learned about the city of Denton history through the historical marker next to his gravesite.
John B. Denton was born in Tennessee on July 26, 1806. He was a Methodist Minister from 1826-1838. He moved to Clarksville, Texas in 1838 and began studying law. His skill as a preacher carried over into the courtroom.
He delivered one of the first sermons in Grayson and Fannin counties while attending court at Old Warren on the county line. He was also an active member of the Masonic Lodge at DeKalb in Bowie County.
In 1893, Denton became a commissioned captain of a company in Brig. Gen. Edward H. Tarrant’s Fourth Brigade, Texas Militia. On May 14, 1841, Denton was mortally wounded when he and a group of volunteers from his company engaged a village of Keechi Indians in battle.
Cubmaster Mike Sweet said this of their experience: “They learned the historical significance of John B. Denton; it was a good history lesson and a good community project for the boys.”
Cubmaster Mike Sweet, his wife Den Leader Johnna Sweet and Den Leader Julie Johnson and parents of the Cub Scouts were in attendance. This was one of three summer community projects for this Pack. Afterwards they went to Ruby’s Diner on the Square for ice cream.
Their hard work is appreciated by the Denton County Museums, the Historical Commission and the residents of Denton County.
BSA Troop 199 meets in the Sanger Church of Christ main building Monday nights from 7:30 until 9:00 P.M. For more information visit http://www.geocities.com/Yosemite/Rapids/3931/index.html