James G. Deeny

DEENY, COYLE, LONG, SULLIVAN, SMITH, TONEY

Posted By: Janet Koozer (email)
Date: 4/12/2009 at 19:55:32

This Man and State of Iowa are Twins

On December 28, 1846, the day the State of Iowa was admitted to the Union, James G. Deeny, now of Waukon, was born in Ireland. At the age of three weeks he started out to make the acquaintance of this new-born state across the Atlantic, for at that tender age he left his homeland and, with his parents, James and Bridget Deeny, came to America and to Iowa.

They settled in the Lycurgus vicinity in Allamakee county, where they farmed until James grew up and married. He then continued to live on the home farm until about 20 years ago when he retired from farming and moved to Waukon. He resides with his daughter, Mrs. Harrison Toney and family.

He was married December 27, 1876, to Ellen Coyle, who passed away in 1925. To them nine children were born, seven of whom are living: Hugh and Charles of Waukon, Mrs Catherine Sullivan of Washington state, Mrs. Nellie Smith of Minneapolis, and Mrs. Harrison Toney, W.J. Deeny and Mrs. Albert Long, Waukon.

A Republican all his life, Mr. Deeny cast his first presidential vote for Ulysses S. Grant in 1868. He has never used tobacco in any form. Living in his 90th year, his health is very good.

~source: 1936 newspaper clipping

This photo from R. & S. Photo and Engraving accompanied the news article:

Allamakee Biographies maintained by Sharyl Ferrall.
WebBBS 4.33 Genealogy Modification Package by WebJourneymen