Biography - C. O. DENBY

Many of the most successful residents of Macoupin county are of English descent and by their energy, perseverance and thrift have demonstrated qualities which are recognized the world over as the foundation of all material prosperity. C. O. Denby, whose home is on a highly improved farm in Bird township, belongs to this class, both of his parents having been natives of England. He was born in Bird township, May 26, 1870, a son of George and Anne (Precious) Denby. The parents were married in the old country and emigrated to America, first taking up their home at Jacksonville, Illinois. Subsequently they came to Macoupin county and located on a farm in Palmyra township where they spent the remainder of their lives.

The youthful days of Mr. Denby whose name introduces this review were spent under the parental roof and in the district schools he acquired his preliminary education. Not satisfied, however, with the rudiments of knowledge he became a student of Blackburn University at Carlinville, where under competent instruction he pursued the higher branches. After leaving the university he returned home and remained with his parents until their death. He has applied himself to agriculture and stock-raising with excellent results and is the owner of eighty acres of good land in section 12, Bird township, also being interested in other property in the township. He has been engaged in farming ever since his boyhood and as he makes use of practical methods his labors have been abundantly rewarded. He is an industrious man, upright and honorable in every act, and one of the most public-spirited citizens of the township.

On January 12, 1898, Mr. Denby was married to Miss Lauretta Nixon and they are the parents of one child, Claude R. Politically Mr. Denby is a firm believer in the republican party as the organization best adapted to control the destinies of the nation. He possesses in an eminent degree the confidence of the people of the township as is indicated by his election to' the office of assessor, a position he has filled six years. He and his wife are members of the Baptist church and are willing workers in all movements aiming to promote the permanent interests of this section. The life record of Mr. Denby is highly creditable and his success has been due to his wisely directed efforts and honorable business methods.

Extracted 18 May 2018 by Norma Hass from History of Macoupin County, Illinois: Biographical and Pictorial, by Charles A. Walker, published in 1911, Volume 2, pages 35-36.