Career
Born on September 29, 1850, in England, Denham immigrated to the United States at age 12. He lived in New York City and enlisted in the Navy as soon as he was old enough. By April 12, 1872, he was serving as a seaman on the United States Ship Kansas.
On that day, he helped rescue several men who were in danger of drowning after their boat capsized in heavy surf.
On board the United States.S. Kansas near Greytown, Nicaragua, 12 April 1872. Displaying great coolness and self-possession at the time Commander
A. F. Crosman and others were drowned, Denham, by heroism and personal exertion, prevented greater loss of life. Denham retired from the Navy in 1912 as a seaman first class, after a 48-year career.
He died in Burbank, California, on June 3, 1948, of a heart attack.
Denham was buried at Calvary Cemetery in Los Angeles, California.
