T. J. Denly

T. J. DENLY, one of the progressive farmers of Knox Township, residing on section 9, is a native of Wiltshire, England, born April 23, 1838, the eldest son of John and Sarah (Gilmore) Denly, who were the parents of ten children – Thomas J., Emily, Daniel, Fanny, Edward, John, Sarah, Hannah, Martha and a daughter Mary, who is now deceased. Thomas J. was reared on a farm, and educated in the common schools of his native country.  He came to America in January, 1857, and for two years lived in New York and vicinity. He then removed to Pike County, Pennsylvania, where he followed farming two years. April 1, 1861, he enlisted in Company K, Fourth Regular Artillery, and was in the service three years. He participated in the engagements at Yorktown Peninsula, second battle of Bull Run, Antietam, Fredericksburgh, Chancellorsville and Gettysburgh. He was honorably discharged at Rappahannock, Virginia, in April 1864.  After the war he located in Wayne County, Ohio. August 23, 1864, he was married to Mary Gilmore, of Holmes County, Ohio, a daughter of Thomas and Dorothy (Young) Gilmore. They have seven children living – James Alfred, Mary Emily, Ellen Elizabeth, Martha L., Jane, Ira E., Fanny E. A son named Wesley E. is deceased.  After leaving Wayne County, Ohio, Mr. Denly settled in Knox County, Illinois, remaining two and a half years. He then came to Clarke County, Iowa, and made his home in Ward Township for seven years, and in the spring of 1883 bought the farm where he has since resided. His farm is one of the best located in Knox Township, and contains 140 acres of improved land under the best of cultivation. He has a comfortable residence surrounded by shade and ornamental trees, out buildings for the accommodation of his stock, and a fine orchard on his farm. This fine property has been acquired by years of industrious toil and persevering energy. Mr. Denly being a poor man when he commenced life for himself, and is numbered among the self-made men of Clarke county, where he is much respected for his fair and honorable dealings. In politics he was formerly a Republican, but now affiliates with the Greenback party.

SOURCE: Biographical and Historical Record of Clarke County, Iowa, Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, 1886 p. 237