Chapter History

Elizabeth Denton was born in 1771 in New River, Virginia.

James English served in the American Revolution as a Private. Current DAR records show his file to be closed because more research is needed to prove his military service.

James and Elizabeth were the parents of 10 sons and one daughter. In the early 1800s, the family left Virginia for the West. Two children were born during a lengthy stay in Tennessee. James died in Tennessee, and the older children settled in Texas between 1818 and 1830 in what is now Shelby County, Texas. The widowed Elizabeth arrived sometime before 1830 and applied for a land grant soon after. She eventually had the land issued to her minor son. Elizabeth English is listed in the first census of Texas, which was taken by the Spanish government, as a widow with 7 sons and one daughter, along with their families.

Elizabeth is also recognized by the Daughters of the Republic of Texas as a colonist, and her sons and grandsons were active in the Texas Revolution. She died in Shelby County, Texas, on May 14, 1849.

Her descendants still live in Texas, many of them in Wood County. Four of her descendants were charter members of this chapter. Several of our current members are descendants of Elizabeth Denton.

Chapter Information

The Elizabeth Denton English Chapter National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR or DAR) is proud to call Wood County home. Our chapter is located in beautiful Northeast Texas. Our area of the state is alive with dazzling azaleas, dogwoods, crepe myrtles, wildflowers, majestic tall pine trees, stately oaks, and forests of old hickory that create a scenic backdrop for all our natural resources.

Mineola is a recognized National Main Street City and considered "a town with history." Our diverse area is a showcase for many points of interest for residents as evidenced by the numerous historical buildings and projects preserved throughout our area. We welcome members from Mineola, Quitman, Winnsboro, Hawkins, Big Sandy, Alba, Emory, and even Point in southeastern Rains County.

We are involved in community projects with veterans, schools, and nursing homes. We support local charities, participate in historical and commemorative events, flag retirements, and numerous other activities in the county. Each year we present a Mineola student our scholarship award and also select a DAR Good Citizen recipient from Wood County. A video of the Celebrate America! DAR volunteer initiative can be seen on the Official YouTube Channel of the DAR.

Take a few minutes to look through our website. We hope you find all the information you need to answer your questions. We welcome your comments and inquiries about our chapter and the DAR. Once you join the DAR, you join thousands of women, just like you, who want to contribute to their communities while also honoring their heritage.