I recently came across your website, and may have some DENNIS
information you'd interested in. I have been researching Levi H.
Dennis of Overton County, TN. I believe my gg grandfather may
be his oldest son, John H. Dennis listed in the 1860 Overton
County, TN census as he is correct age. John H. worked for the
Railroad and moved to Nashville between 1860 and 1865.
Levi H. Dennis moved from Overton County, TN to Allen County, KY
between 1860 and 1870 (probably due to the war).
Levi’s wife was named Rebecca LYONS.
1860
Overton County, TN Census:
Levi H. Dennis 45 Farmer NC
Rebecca 42 TN
John H. 21
TN (See story below about John's death in 1899)
Mary 17
TN
William A. 15
TN (your ancestor – father of John Levi)
Sheridan
11
TN
(Sherd or Sherod)
Henry 8
TN
James 6
TN
1870
Allen County, KY Census:
Dennis, Levi H. 55 NC Grist Miller
Rebecca 49 TN
Mary 27 TN
Sheridan
20 TN
Henry F 18 TN
James H 15 TN
Levi is living next door to his 24 year old son William Dennis,
born in TN. (your ancestor)
Also listed in the 1880 and 1900 census.
Please find attached the Death Records for 2 of William A.’s
sisters. (You have listed as Levi’s sisters – actually his
daughters.) Unfortunately, the year of William, Levi, and
Rebecca’s deaths in Allen County are not yet indexed (or may be
damaged)…waiting.
Levi is either the son of older Levi DENNIS (1778) of Caswell
County, NC and Overton Co, TN and Susan ??. He is usually
listed as such, but could be son of one of Levi’s brothers. No
definitive information I have seen yet. Levi is the son of John
TENNISON of MD and Caswell NC. Old Levi’s mother (first wife of
John Tennison) is unknown also, but is purported to be Cherokee
or some other Indian. Some descendants tried to claim Cherokee
citizenship through her, but could not prove it.
William A Dennis and wife Margaret (Richardson) are buried in
Walker’s Chapel, Allen County, KY. Burial records indicate
William A. was born February 27, 1845 and died February 28,
1912. Margaret born March 15, 1845 and died October 11, 1915.
Best Regards,
Rick Tidwell