Elias Dennis
| Elias Smith Dennis | |
|---|---|
Bvt. Maj. Gen. Elias S.Dennis
|
|
| Born |
December 4, 1812 Newburgh, New York |
| Died | December 17, 1894 (aged 82) Carlyle, Illinois |
| Place of burial | Carlyle Cemetery, Carlyle, Illinois |
| Allegiance |
United States of America Union |
| Service/branch |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1861–1866 |
| Rank |
 Brigadier General Brevet Major General
|
| Commands held | District of Northeastern Louisiana |
| Battles/wars | |
| Other work | Illinois state politician, judge, sheriff |
Elias Smith Dennis (December 4, 1812 – December 17, 1894) was a politician and soldier from the state of Illinois who served as a general in the Union Army during the American Civil War.
Dennis was born in Newburgh, New York, and grew up on Long Island. He moved to Carlyle, Illinois, in 1836. He married Mary Kain Slade, widow of Illinois Congressman Charles Slade. Charles Slades´ three sons would become Dennis' stepsons. William Slade fought as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Mexican War; Charles Slade, who married one of Sidney Breese's daughters, died in war and Jack Slade was a famous gunfighter who was hung by Montana vigilanties in 1861. Elias S Dennis had one son with Mary, Elias S. Dennis Jr.
Dennis served in the Illinois House of Representatives from 1842 to 1844 and was an Illinois State Senator from 1846 to 1848. Elias was appointed Kansas Territory Marshal for the Leavenworth, Kansas area March 12, 1857 by President Buchanan. The announcement of his appointment was published in "The New York Herald" New York, NY May 11, 1857 pg. 8, col B. .........".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 intimation that he had of his appointment was through the medium of a telegraphic dispatch from a Western member of Congress in Washington, announcing the fact. We believe him to have a sincere desire to do his duty and so long as he continues a conservative, will have our best wishes for his success."
Elias was dismissed from his duties as the Kansas Territory Marshal March 1, 1858. "The New York Herald" New York, NY Apr 17, 1858; p. 8, col 3. "When Senator Douglas ascertained that Dennis had been dismissed because he had testified against the Border Ruffian frauds, he moved & reconsideration of the vote of confirmation. Oligarchic Senators said no! never ! and Free State serviles submitted. The Senate voted 27 for—20 against Douglas's motion. 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 me the fate of all the Democrats sent to Kansas, who have flinched, in the slightest degree, in upholding the rascalities of the Pro-Slavery party.
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