John W Dally (last name sometimes spelled Dalley) was born June 25, 1829, in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, the seventh of eight children and fourth son born to Henry Lane Dally and his wife Priscilla. His mother's maiden name is not presently known as his 1895 marriage license lists his mother's name only as Priscilla.

John resided in his native state until 1852, when he crossed the plains to California. He remained there about two years, then relocated to Indiana.

On September 6, 1855, John married Ruth Ann Goodrich in Tipton County, Indiana. John and Ruth relocated to Iowa, first settling in Hamilton County, but soon moving to settle at Little Sioux, Harrison County, in 1859. In 1856, John and Ruth began their family of six children: Florence B, Mortimer C, Frank M, Dora M, Maggie Evelyn and Mary Mae. John engaged in the mercantile business, but later deciding that Magnolia would be a better location for his business, the family moved to that town where John conducted a general store.

John's wife, Ruth, passed away in Magnolia, in early 1865.

On December 2, 1865, John married Nancy A. LaFerre, of Magnolia. The couple married in Douglas County, Nebraska. To this union were born four sons and three daughters: Tina, Milford Austin, John W Jr., Charles Henry, Price, Dot and Nell (Nellie).

Also in 1865, John purchased a wheat and corn grist mill on the Boyer in that part of the township known as Woodbine. He and a partner also built Woodbine Woolen Mills, a factory nearby engaging in the manufacture of woolen goods. Soon after the woolen factory was completed, John bought out the interest of his partner and was sole proprietor. He also built and ran a country store.

From 1868 History and Description of Harrison County (Boyer Township):
"Mr. Dally is an energetic, thorough business man and makes the factory profitable to himself and a blessing to the country."

When John's second wife, Nancy, died November 30, 1889, he disposed of his businesses and property and with his daughter, Nellie, relocated to Guthrie, Logan County, Oklahoma, where he built and owned the first brick hotel in Guthrie, engaging in the hotel business for ten years. The hotel has now been razed.

On February 15, 1894, John married Mollie Ozburn. Mollie died about 15 months later.

From April 25, 1895 The Daily Leader:
"Mrs. Dally Dead – Mrs. Colonel Dally, wife of the owner of the Dally Hotel in the city, died at 6:30 in the morning from the grip (influenza). Mrs. Dally was a native of Illinois, 31 years old and married to Colonel Dally about fifteen months ago."

From December 24, 1895 The Daily Oklahoma State Capitol:
"Little Nellie Dally is lying very ill at the home of her father, Colonel J. W. Dally of Hotel Dally, corner of First and Vilas."

By 1900, John and his daughter Nellie had returned to Woodbine, and John made his home mostly with his daughter, Florence, until his death.

John died on December 9, 1916, due to injuries when he was accidentally hit earlier that day by a Northwestern train. He died at the home of his daughter, Florence (Mrs W D Cromie). He was 87 years of age.

From The Woodbine Twiner, December 14, 1916; page 1:
"Death Claims A Real Pioneer
John W. Dalley was one of the oldest, if not oldest, of the remaining Harrison County pioneers. Mr. Dalley was a man of strong convictions and honest principles. While not a member of any church, it was the privilege of the writer to know from intimate conversations with him that he was a man who had made deep study of not only the Christian religion but of others as well. He was well versed in the Bible, had read the Koran and also books on other religions. He entertained a broad faith in the Deity, and his criticism of sectarian churches was mainly because, to him they appeared to entertain too narrow a view of the God he worshiped. As one of the pioneers who had so much to do with the development of the resources of this county his personality must be indelibly stamped upon its history."

From Missouri Valley Times, December 14, 1916:
"John W. Dally ... well known pioneer of Harrison County and business man of Woodbine ... He is survived by six daughters and five sons."

John was member of the I.O.O.F. and A.F. & A.M. orders.