1890 Buchanan and Delaware Counties History pgs. 288-291

GODFREY DOLLEY, one of the pioneer settlers of Delaware county, is a native of Prussia, and was born May 21, 1833. His father, Christopher Dolley, was a native also of Prussia and served his full quota of years in the German army. He was a hardworking, industrious citizen and for several years was employed in a large woolen factory. In 1843 he embarked with his family for America and after a tempestuous voyage of more than seven weeks landed in New York city. He proceeded West immediately as far as Chicago, which was then a young and growing town almost on the Western frontier. He spent the winter there, and worked at anything he could get to do. The following spring he moved his family to the country, about fourteen miles from Chicago, where he rented land and began farming. He resided in Cook county, Ill, about ten years, during which time he endured many of the hardships and privations incident to that time and locality. In the spring of 1853 he removed to Delaware county, Iowa, locating in Union township, where he died in 1888, at the ripe old age of four score years. His faithful wife preceded him to the other world, she dying in 1871. Both were zealous members of the Lutheran church. Godfrey Dolley, the subject of this notice, was the eldest of a family of two children. He attended school some in Prussia, and had a fair start toward a good common-school education, before coming to the new world. His opportunities for schooling in this country were very poor. After he became of age he worked for his board and attended school during the winter months. After locating in Delaware county he worked on a farm, but in 1861 purchased a small farm in Union township.

When the war of the rebellion broke out, Godfrey Dolley was among the first to respond. He enlisted in the Twelfth Iowa infantry, in the summer of 1861, and for almost three years faced rebel shot and shell on many a battle-field. He had his first experience in battle at Forts Donelson and Henry. He was one of the invincibles under the command of General Prentiss at Shiloh, where he was surrounded by the enemy and captured. He was taken to Corinth, and thence to Memphis and Montgomery, Ala., where he was imprisoned about two months. He was then removed to Macon, Ga., where he was confined for four months. He suffered all the horrors common to the Union soldiers in the Southern prisons. After six months of prison life he was exchanged and once more set free. He was in very poor health and was given a furlough and allowed to go home to recuperate. After the expiration of thirty days he joined his regiment and was sent to Vicksburg, where he was engaged until the final surrender of that rebel stronghold. His regiment was ordered to follow Johnson across the Big Black river, and on their return they went into summer quarters near Vicksburg, Miss. He subsequently joined Banks' expedition and marched up the famous Red river. He was also in the engagement at Tupelo, Miss, where comrades fell on both sides of him. At the expiration of his three years' term, he was mustered out at Nashville, Tenn. He was never wounded, although he was in several severe battles.

Mr. Dolley married February 19, 1865, taking to share his life's fortunes Miss Malinda Robinson, who was born in Illinois, June 14, 1846.   She is a daughter of William and Olive Robinson, who came to Delaware county in 1846. Her father crossed the plains in California in 1852, and endured many hardships. He died in 1866 in his forty-seventh year. The mother died in 1887. Both parents were members of the Methodist church and were ever ready to do all in their power to aid in its support.The congenial union of Mr. and Mrs. Dolley has resulted in the birth of ten children, viz.-Sadie M., Olive K., Pheenie G., Myrtle E., Ella M. (deceased); Mary N., Annie L. (deceased); George L., Susan J. and William G.

In politics Mr. Dolley is a republican and has for many years been prominent in the councils of the party. He is the present trustee of Union township and has held that office for the past seven years. He is also an honored member of the Grand Army of the Republic.

He owns a fine farm of two hundred and eighty acres of highly cultivated land. Considering the fact that Mr. Dolley came to Delaware county when it was new and unsettled, and coming without means, he has been very successful and has accumulated a good share of this world's goods. He has always been industrious and economical, and what he has is the result of his own exertions, aided by his faithful wife. Both he and his wife are highly esteemed by all who know them, and as a man of business, a good neighbor, and kind friend, Godfrey Dolley bears an enviable reputation well deserved.

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