Biography - LEONARD H. DENNY

Dr. Leonard H. Denny, of Gillespie, one of the younger practitioners in Macoupin county, is making rapid progress in his profession and is now well established in a lucrative field. He represents the fourth generation of the family in this county and was born at Piasa, September 12, 1887, a son of Harley and Mary (Reynolds) Denny, both of whom were born at Piasa. The grandfather on the paternal side, Charles J. Denny, is still living and resides on the old home place. His father came to Piasa from Wilmington, Delaware, and was one of the original settlers in that section of Macoupin county. Members of the family have ably performed their part in the development of a region that is recognized as one of the most productive portions of the state. Harley Denny went to Wilmington, Delaware, the home of his ancestors, about 1892 and engaged in the ice and coal business. On account of failing health he visited Los Angeles, California, in 1904 and died there March 4, 1905. His body was cremated and the ashes were deposited in the old cemetery at Wilmington. The mother of our subject is still living. She is now the wife of W. G. Hunt, a prominent business man at Brighton.

Dr. Denny was reared at Brighton and acquired his preliminary education in the public schools of that town, showing an interest in his studies that gave evidence of unusual intellectual ability. In the fall of 1905 he matriculated in the medical department of Washington University of St. Louis and after pursuing the regular course at that noted institution he was graduated in 1909 with the degree of M. D. Soon after receiving his diploma he began practice at Fieldon, Jersey county, Illinois, where he continued for fourteen months. On the 6th of August, 1910, he located at Gillespie. Being naturally adapted for the practice of the healing art, he has from the start attracted favorable attention, and he commands in an eminent degree the confidence of his patients and also of his medical brethren.

On the 25th of September, 1905, Dr. Denny was married to Miss Carrie C. Burtiss, of Brighton, and by this union two children, Helen F. and Leonard H., have been born. Professionally he is an active member of the Macoupin County Medical Society and socially he is identified with Hibbard Lodge, No. 249, A. F. & A. M., of Brighton. He also holds membership in the Greek letter fraternity Phi Beta Pi, which he joined while attending medical college, and the Gillespie Commercial Club. He is now local surgeon for the Illinois traction system. His name is not found upon the rolls of any religious denomination but Mrs. Denny is a valued member of the Methodist Episcopal church. In politics he adheres to the republican party. Possessing an attractive address and, moreover, being thoroughly qualified by study, observation and experience for the practice of his chosen profession, he has gained an enviable reputation and has made many friends in Gillespie and vicinity, who confidently prophesy for him a successful and prosperous future.

Extracted 14 Nov 2018 by Norma Hass from History of Macoupin County, Illinois: Biographical and Pictorial, by Charles A. Walker, published in 1911, Volume 2, pages 306-309.