Elias S. Dennis was born in Newburgh, Orange Co., New York on December 4, 1812 and grew up on Long Island. About 1836 he migrated to Carlyle, Clinton Co., Illinois, and on February 24, 1838 he married Mary Darke Slade, widow of Charles Slade, founder of Carlyle and US Congressman at the time of his death. One of Dennis' stepsons was the legendary Jack Slade, a notorious western gunslinger and self-appointed vigilante whose exploits were described by several authors including Mark Twain in his book "Roughing It". In 1840 his only son, Elias S. Dennis, Jr. was born.
From 1842 to 1844 Dennis served in Illinois House of Representatives. He also served as Circuit Clerk until 1844 when his stepson, Charles Richard Slade, replaced him. During 1846 to1848 he served as State Senator in Illinois. In 1848 he was reappointed Circuit Clerk to replace his stepson who was killed in the Mexican War. On March 12, 1857 he was appointed by President Buchanan to serve as US Marshal of Kansas during the period when violent disputes over the slavery question earned the state the title of "Bloody Kansas." "The New York Herald, May 11, 1857; pg. 8; Col. B - Elias S. Dennis, the new appointee, was born in Newburg, Orange county, N.Y., some 40 years ago. In 1836 Mr. Dennis removed to the State of Illinois, and located himself in Clinton county, of that State, where he devoted himself to farming. During his sojourn in Illinois, Mr. D married the widow of the Hon. Charles Slade, an ex-member of Congress from that State. Mr. D has, moreover, represented the democracy as a member of the Legislature of his adopted State, having served two years in the house and four in the Senate, during which time he made many firm friends among the most distinguished politicians of the West. In politics he has always been an unwavering national democrat. In person he is rather tall, well made, with dark hair, and a most determined cast of countenance; he speaks but little, but is kind, though rather reserved in his manner. Mr. Dennis did not seek the office which he now holds, in fact, the first indication that he had of his appointment was through the medium of a telegraphic dispatched from a Western member of Congress in Washington, announcing the fact. We believe him to be actuated by a sincere desire to do his duty, and so long as he continues a conservative, will have our best wishes for his success. On March 1, 1958 Elias S. Dennis was replaced by Isaac Winston as Kansas U.S. Territory Marshal. "The Leavenworth Weekly Times" April 17, 1858 - U.S. Marshall- Winston is in office! When Senator Douglas ascertained that Dennis had been dismissed because he had testified against the Border Ruffian frauds, he moved a reconsideration of the vote of confirmation. Oligarchic Senators said no! never! and Free State serviles submitted. The Senate voted 27 for --20 against Douglas motion. The Republic says: Mr. Dennis is a Democrat, and his sole offence was telling the truth before the investigation committee of the Territorial Legislature. He has, however, only met the fate of all Democrats sent to Kansas, who have flinched, in the slightest degree, in upholding the rascalities of the Pro-Slavery party.
It is unclear exactly when Dennis returned to Illinois, but on August 28, 1861 he was mustered into the service and named Lieutenant Colonel in the 30th Illinois Infantry. In February 1862 he participated in the capture of Fort Donelson, Tennessee. He was later promoted to Colonel on May 1, 1862 and to Brigadier General on November 29, 1862. In April 1863 he fought in the Battle of Port Gibson, Mississippi and in May 1863, the Battle of Raymond, Mississippi. Later in May 1863 he was placed in command of the District of Northeast Louisiana when guerrilla were causing problems on the leased plantations there. Ironically, it appears that Grant's first choice for this post was J. P. Hawkins instead of Dennis. However Hawkins was sick at the time and thus was unable to accept the command.
On June 7, 1875 Elias married Mrs. Mary A. McFarland, another Madison Parish land-owning widow. Madison Parish Tax Rolls for 1879, 1881, and 1885 show that Mrs. Mary A. Dennis owned 757 acres located in T15N R13E. In 1879 and 1881 the property was described as "McFarland Place", but in 1885 it was called "Oak Ridge" Plantation. The property, which was located along Roundaway Bayou about 7 miles southeast of Tallulah, was not listed in 1890.
Dennis was elected Sheriff of Madison Parish in 1880 and served well in that position for several years.
Elias Dennis moved back to Carlyle, Illinois in March 1887 and lived on a small farm with his son. Apparently his wife, Mary, stayed in Madison Parish rather than move to the North. However, she did visit him from time to time as mentioned in the Carlyle, Illinois Constitution and Union on February 28, 1889:
" Personal Mention. - Mrs. General Dennis of Louisiana came here on a visit on Tuesday."
Brigadier General Elias Smith Dennis died of pneumonia almost in anonymity in Carlyle, Illinois at 10 a.m. on December 17, 1894 and was buried in the city cemetery. From Brigadier General Elias S. Dennis is Carlyle's Forgotten Hero of Civil War by Helen Sharp Wickliffe:
"Probably no other officer of his ranks, accomplishments and distinction has had his career so completely overlooked by the contemporary newspapers upon the occasion of his death. No obituary appeared in the Chicago Tribune, nor any other Illinois newspaper. Two days later the New York Tribune carried 16 lines, apparently having been alerted by its Southern Illinois correspondent."
From 1842 to 1844 Dennis served in Illinois House of Representatives. He also served as Circuit Clerk until 1844 when his stepson, Charles Richard Slade, replaced him. During 1846 to1848 he served as State Senator in Illinois. In 1848 he was reappointed Circuit Clerk to replace his stepson who was killed in the Mexican War. On March 12, 1857 he was appointed by President Buchanan to serve as US Marshal of Kansas during the period when violent disputes over the slavery question earned the state the title of "Bloody Kansas." "The New York Herald, May 11, 1857; pg. 8; Col. B - Elias S. Dennis, the new appointee, was born in Newburg, Orange county, N.Y., some 40 years ago. In 1836 Mr. Dennis removed to the State of Illinois, and located himself in Clinton county, of that State, where he devoted himself to farming. During his sojourn in Illinois, Mr. D married the widow of the Hon. Charles Slade, an ex-member of Congress from that State. Mr. D has, moreover, represented the democracy as a member of the Legislature of his adopted State, having served two years in the house and four in the Senate, during which time he made many firm friends among the most distinguished politicians of the West. In politics he has always been an unwavering national democrat. In person he is rather tall, well made, with dark hair, and a most determined cast of countenance; he speaks but little, but is kind, though rather reserved in his manner. Mr. Dennis did not seek the office which he now holds, in fact, the first indication that he had of his appointment was through the medium of a telegraphic dispatched from a Western member of Congress in Washington, announcing the fact. We believe him to be actuated by a sincere desire to do his duty, and so long as he continues a conservative, will have our best wishes for his success. On March 1, 1958 Elias S. Dennis was replaced by Isaac Winston as Kansas U.S. Territory Marshal. "The Leavenworth Weekly Times" April 17, 1858 - U.S. Marshall- Winston is in office! When Senator Douglas ascertained that Dennis had been dismissed because he had testified against the Border Ruffian frauds, he moved a reconsideration of the vote of confirmation. Oligarchic Senators said no! never! and Free State serviles submitted. The Senate voted 27 for --20 against Douglas motion. The Republic says: Mr. Dennis is a Democrat, and his sole offence was telling the truth before the investigation committee of the Territorial Legislature. He has, however, only met the fate of all Democrats sent to Kansas, who have flinched, in the slightest degree, in upholding the rascalities of the Pro-Slavery party.
It is unclear exactly when Dennis returned to Illinois, but on August 28, 1861 he was mustered into the service and named Lieutenant Colonel in the 30th Illinois Infantry. In February 1862 he participated in the capture of Fort Donelson, Tennessee. He was later promoted to Colonel on May 1, 1862 and to Brigadier General on November 29, 1862. In April 1863 he fought in the Battle of Port Gibson, Mississippi and in May 1863, the Battle of Raymond, Mississippi. Later in May 1863 he was placed in command of the District of Northeast Louisiana when guerrilla were causing problems on the leased plantations there. Ironically, it appears that Grant's first choice for this post was J. P. Hawkins instead of Dennis. However Hawkins was sick at the time and thus was unable to accept the command.
On June 7, 1875 Elias married Mrs. Mary A. McFarland, another Madison Parish land-owning widow. Madison Parish Tax Rolls for 1879, 1881, and 1885 show that Mrs. Mary A. Dennis owned 757 acres located in T15N R13E. In 1879 and 1881 the property was described as "McFarland Place", but in 1885 it was called "Oak Ridge" Plantation. The property, which was located along Roundaway Bayou about 7 miles southeast of Tallulah, was not listed in 1890.
Dennis was elected Sheriff of Madison Parish in 1880 and served well in that position for several years.
Elias Dennis moved back to Carlyle, Illinois in March 1887 and lived on a small farm with his son. Apparently his wife, Mary, stayed in Madison Parish rather than move to the North. However, she did visit him from time to time as mentioned in the Carlyle, Illinois Constitution and Union on February 28, 1889:
" Personal Mention. - Mrs. General Dennis of Louisiana came here on a visit on Tuesday."
Brigadier General Elias Smith Dennis died of pneumonia almost in anonymity in Carlyle, Illinois at 10 a.m. on December 17, 1894 and was buried in the city cemetery. From Brigadier General Elias S. Dennis is Carlyle's Forgotten Hero of Civil War by Helen Sharp Wickliffe:
"Probably no other officer of his ranks, accomplishments and distinction has had his career so completely overlooked by the contemporary newspapers upon the occasion of his death. No obituary appeared in the Chicago Tribune, nor any other Illinois newspaper. Two days later the New York Tribune carried 16 lines, apparently having been alerted by its Southern Illinois correspondent."
Elias S. Dennis was born in Newburgh, Orange Co., New York on December 4, 1812 and grew up on Long Island. About 1836 he migrated to Carlyle, Clinton Co., Illinois, and on February 24, 1838 he married Mary Darke Slade, widow of Charles Slade, founder of Carlyle and US Congressman at the time of his death. One of Dennis' stepsons was the legendary Jack Slade, a notorious western gunslinger and self-appointed vigilante whose exploits were described by several authors including Mark Twain in his book "Roughing It". In 1840 his only son, Elias S. Dennis, Jr. was born.
From 1842 to 1844 Dennis served in Illinois House of Representatives. He also served as Circuit Clerk until 1844 when his stepson, Charles Richard Slade, replaced him. During 1846 to1848 he served as State Senator in Illinois. In 1848 he was reappointed Circuit Clerk to replace his stepson who was killed in the Mexican War. On March 12, 1857 he was appointed by President Buchanan to serve as US Marshal of Kansas during the period when violent disputes over the slavery question earned the state the title of "Bloody Kansas." "The New York Herald, May 11, 1857; pg. 8; Col. B - Elias S. Dennis, the new appointee, was born in Newburg, Orange county, N.Y., some 40 years ago. In 1836 Mr. Dennis removed to the State of Illinois, and located himself in Clinton county, of that State, where he devoted himself to farming. During his sojourn in Illinois, Mr. D married the widow of the Hon. Charles Slade, an ex-member of Congress from that State. Mr. D has, moreover, represented the democracy as a member of the Legislature of his adopted State, having served two years in the house and four in the Senate, during which time he made many firm friends among the most distinguished politicians of the West. In politics he has always been an unwavering national democrat. In person he is rather tall, well made, with dark hair, and a most determined cast of countenance; he speaks but little, but is kind, though rather reserved in his manner. Mr. Dennis did not seek the office which he now holds, in fact, the first indication that he had of his appointment was through the medium of a telegraphic dispatched from a Western member of Congress in Washington, announcing the fact. We believe him to be actuated by a sincere desire to do his duty, and so long as he continues a conservative, will have our best wishes for his success. On March 1, 1958 Elias S. Dennis was replaced by Isaac Winston as Kansas U.S. Territory Marshal. "The Leavenworth Weekly Times" April 17, 1858 - U.S. Marshall- Winston is in office! When Senator Douglas ascertained that Dennis had been dismissed because he had testified against the Border Ruffian frauds, he moved a reconsideration of the vote of confirmation. Oligarchic Senators said no! never! and Free State serviles submitted. The Senate voted 27 for --20 against Douglas motion. The Republic says: Mr. Dennis is a Democrat, and his sole offence was telling the truth before the investigation committee of the Territorial Legislature. He has, however, only met the fate of all Democrats sent to Kansas, who have flinched, in the slightest degree, in upholding the rascalities of the Pro-Slavery party.
It is unclear exactly when Dennis returned to Illinois, but on August 28, 1861 he was mustered into the service and named Lieutenant Colonel in the 30th Illinois Infantry. In February 1862 he participated in the capture of Fort Donelson, Tennessee. He was later promoted to Colonel on May 1, 1862 and to Brigadier General on November 29, 1862. In April 1863 he fought in the Battle of Port Gibson, Mississippi and in May 1863, the Battle of Raymond, Mississippi. Later in May 1863 he was placed in command of the District of Northeast Louisiana when guerrilla were causing problems on the leased plantations there. Ironically, it appears that Grant's first choice for this post was J. P. Hawkins instead of Dennis. However Hawkins was sick at the time and thus was unable to accept the command.
On June 7, 1875 Elias married Mrs. Mary A. McFarland, another Madison Parish land-owning widow. Madison Parish Tax Rolls for 1879, 1881, and 1885 show that Mrs. Mary A. Dennis owned 757 acres located in T15N R13E. In 1879 and 1881 the property was described as "McFarland Place", but in 1885 it was called "Oak Ridge" Plantation. The property, which was located along Roundaway Bayou about 7 miles southeast of Tallulah, was not listed in 1890.
Dennis was elected Sheriff of Madison Parish in 1880 and served well in that position for several years.
Elias Dennis moved back to Carlyle, Illinois in March 1887 and lived on a small farm with his son. Apparently his wife, Mary, stayed in Madison Parish rather than move to the North. However, she did visit him from time to time as mentioned in the Carlyle, Illinois Constitution and Union on February 28, 1889:
" Personal Mention. - Mrs. General Dennis of Louisiana came here on a visit on Tuesday."
Brigadier General Elias Smith Dennis died of pneumonia almost in anonymity in Carlyle, Illinois at 10 a.m. on December 17, 1894 and was buried in the city cemetery. From Brigadier General Elias S. Dennis is Carlyle's Forgotten Hero of Civil War by Helen Sharp Wickliffe:
"Probably no other officer of his ranks, accomplishments and distinction has had his career so completely overlooked by the contemporary newspapers upon the occasion of his death. No obituary appeared in the Chicago Tribune, nor any other Illinois newspaper. Two days later the New York Tribune carried 16 lines, apparently having been alerted by its Southern Illinois correspondent."
From 1842 to 1844 Dennis served in Illinois House of Representatives. He also served as Circuit Clerk until 1844 when his stepson, Charles Richard Slade, replaced him. During 1846 to1848 he served as State Senator in Illinois. In 1848 he was reappointed Circuit Clerk to replace his stepson who was killed in the Mexican War. On March 12, 1857 he was appointed by President Buchanan to serve as US Marshal of Kansas during the period when violent disputes over the slavery question earned the state the title of "Bloody Kansas." "The New York Herald, May 11, 1857; pg. 8; Col. B - Elias S. Dennis, the new appointee, was born in Newburg, Orange county, N.Y., some 40 years ago. In 1836 Mr. Dennis removed to the State of Illinois, and located himself in Clinton county, of that State, where he devoted himself to farming. During his sojourn in Illinois, Mr. D married the widow of the Hon. Charles Slade, an ex-member of Congress from that State. Mr. D has, moreover, represented the democracy as a member of the Legislature of his adopted State, having served two years in the house and four in the Senate, during which time he made many firm friends among the most distinguished politicians of the West. In politics he has always been an unwavering national democrat. In person he is rather tall, well made, with dark hair, and a most determined cast of countenance; he speaks but little, but is kind, though rather reserved in his manner. Mr. Dennis did not seek the office which he now holds, in fact, the first indication that he had of his appointment was through the medium of a telegraphic dispatched from a Western member of Congress in Washington, announcing the fact. We believe him to be actuated by a sincere desire to do his duty, and so long as he continues a conservative, will have our best wishes for his success. On March 1, 1958 Elias S. Dennis was replaced by Isaac Winston as Kansas U.S. Territory Marshal. "The Leavenworth Weekly Times" April 17, 1858 - U.S. Marshall- Winston is in office! When Senator Douglas ascertained that Dennis had been dismissed because he had testified against the Border Ruffian frauds, he moved a reconsideration of the vote of confirmation. Oligarchic Senators said no! never! and Free State serviles submitted. The Senate voted 27 for --20 against Douglas motion. The Republic says: Mr. Dennis is a Democrat, and his sole offence was telling the truth before the investigation committee of the Territorial Legislature. He has, however, only met the fate of all Democrats sent to Kansas, who have flinched, in the slightest degree, in upholding the rascalities of the Pro-Slavery party.
It is unclear exactly when Dennis returned to Illinois, but on August 28, 1861 he was mustered into the service and named Lieutenant Colonel in the 30th Illinois Infantry. In February 1862 he participated in the capture of Fort Donelson, Tennessee. He was later promoted to Colonel on May 1, 1862 and to Brigadier General on November 29, 1862. In April 1863 he fought in the Battle of Port Gibson, Mississippi and in May 1863, the Battle of Raymond, Mississippi. Later in May 1863 he was placed in command of the District of Northeast Louisiana when guerrilla were causing problems on the leased plantations there. Ironically, it appears that Grant's first choice for this post was J. P. Hawkins instead of Dennis. However Hawkins was sick at the time and thus was unable to accept the command.
On June 7, 1875 Elias married Mrs. Mary A. McFarland, another Madison Parish land-owning widow. Madison Parish Tax Rolls for 1879, 1881, and 1885 show that Mrs. Mary A. Dennis owned 757 acres located in T15N R13E. In 1879 and 1881 the property was described as "McFarland Place", but in 1885 it was called "Oak Ridge" Plantation. The property, which was located along Roundaway Bayou about 7 miles southeast of Tallulah, was not listed in 1890.
Dennis was elected Sheriff of Madison Parish in 1880 and served well in that position for several years.
Elias Dennis moved back to Carlyle, Illinois in March 1887 and lived on a small farm with his son. Apparently his wife, Mary, stayed in Madison Parish rather than move to the North. However, she did visit him from time to time as mentioned in the Carlyle, Illinois Constitution and Union on February 28, 1889:
" Personal Mention. - Mrs. General Dennis of Louisiana came here on a visit on Tuesday."
Brigadier General Elias Smith Dennis died of pneumonia almost in anonymity in Carlyle, Illinois at 10 a.m. on December 17, 1894 and was buried in the city cemetery. From Brigadier General Elias S. Dennis is Carlyle's Forgotten Hero of Civil War by Helen Sharp Wickliffe:
"Probably no other officer of his ranks, accomplishments and distinction has had his career so completely overlooked by the contemporary newspapers upon the occasion of his death. No obituary appeared in the Chicago Tribune, nor any other Illinois newspaper. Two days later the New York Tribune carried 16 lines, apparently having been alerted by its Southern Illinois correspondent."
Gravesite Details
Elias is not buried here in Vicksburg, but in Carlyle, Clinton Co., Illinois
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