by Charles W. Bowman
Biographies
ISAIAH DENNESS
Mr. Denness came to Colorado during the winter of 1875-76. He took up a soldiers homestead claim, having served three years in the army. He enlisted in the Twenty-eighth Illinois Volunteer Infantry. He was with the Army of the Tennessee, taking part in the battles of Kenesaw Mountain, Belmont and siege of Vicksburg, and many other important engagements. He rendered valuable service in Gen. McPherson's command as engineer. At the siege of Vicksburg, in the absence of engineers, Mr. Denness mounted several heavy guns, though it was entirely out of his line of duty. At the close of the war, he returned to his farm in McDonough County, Ill., which he still (1881) retains, where he remained until he came to Colorado and settled at Rocky Ford, Bent County. At this time the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad had been constructed only ten miles west of the place. Soon after arriving, he bought the store and stock of goods of William Beghtol. At this business he still continues, carrying a general stock of merchandise. Mr. D. was married in 1842 to Miss Esther Bruner. They have two children, both married and living in Illinois.
