Dorton, Edward T. Is a native of Russell county, Virginia, and was born on the 3d day of August, 1830. His parents were Joseph and Martha Dorton, natives of Virginia. His father was born July 19, 1795; died July 20, 1870. His mother was born April 15, 1807, and died February 12, 1871. Our subject finished his education at Emery and Henry College, and then began teaching school. In the year 1852 he came to Missouri, first living four years in Calloway county, and then settling permanently in Ray county. June 17, 1861, Mr. Dorton enlisted in company A, 15th Arkansas volunteer infantry, and participated in the battles of Pea Ridge and Wilson's Creek. At the latter fight he was captured by the enemy, and taken to Camp Douglass at Chicago; was afterward exchanged at Jackson, Mississippi. He was again taken prisoner at Walnut Grove, Arkansas, but was fortunate in escaping from his captors. He was paroled, April 12, 1865, at Pea Ridge, and went to Illinois, where he remained about ten months, and then came back to Ray county, where he has lived ever since. Mr. Dorton was married April 16, 1867, to Miss Pauline Dorton, daughter of James B. and Sallie Dorton. She was born May 15, 1849, in Knox county, Kentucky. The issue of this marriage has been one child: Clementina, born November 8, 1868. Soon after his marriage Mr. Dorton opened a general merchandise store at Albany, and continued the business there for one year, and then moved to Sibley, Jackson county, and, after keeping store in that place for about twelve months, removed to Orrick, Ray county, and has ever since conducted the business with good success and prosperity there. Mr. Dorton is a member of Ada Lodge, No. 344, A. F. & A. M., at Albany. Ray County History 1881, Page 642