David Thomas Denny (1832-1903) was born in Putnam County, Indiana. In 1851, at age 19, he traveled overland to Alki Point, in what was then Oregon Territory, to prepare for the arrival of the rest of the Denny Party. In 1853, he married his stepsister Louisa Boren (1827-1916), also a member of the Denny party, and moved across the bay to Seattle. David Denny had many business interests, including a sawmill and electric and cable railways. He served as probate judge and county commissioner, and he actively supported woman suffrage.
This handwritten document certifies David Denny's marriage to Louisa Boren in a civil ceremony in on January 23, 1853, held at the home of his brother, Arthur A. Denny, and Arthur's wife (and Louisa's sister), Mary Ann (Boren) Denny. The brief document is signed by David S. "Doc" Maynard (1808-1873), Seattle's first Justice of the Peace, who performed the ceremony.
Transcript of handwritten text: This May Certify that David Denny and Louisa Boren were Joined in Marriage at the Residence of Arthur A. Denny, in the County of King & Territory of Oregon, by me in presence of A.A. Denny & wife & others on this the 23th day Jan'y 1853. D.S. Maynard J.P.
Caption information sources: "Denny, David Thomas (1832-1903),"Walt Crowley, 08/31/1998,.org Essay 1729
Additional Information: Digital copy of this item available thanks to funding from a 2016 Institute for Museum and Library Services grant. Metadata updated as part of a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services administered by the Library Services and Technology Act, through the Washington State Library, a division of the Office of the Secretary of State.
