Elias Smith Dennis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Elias Smith Dennis
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Bvt. Maj. Gen. Elias S. Dennis
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| Born | December 4, 1812 Newburgh, New York, US |
| Died | December 17, 1894 (aged 82) Carlyle, Illinois, US |
| Place of burial |
Carlyle Cemetery, Carlyle, Illinois
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| Allegiance | United States Union |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1861–1866 |
| Rank |  Brigadier General Brevet Major General |
| Commands held | District of Northeastern Louisiana |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
| Other work | Illinois state politician, judge, sheriff |
Elias Smith Dennis (December 4, 1812 – December 17, 1894) was an American soldier and politician. He became a general in the Union Army during the American Civil War. He also served as a judge and sheriff after the war.
Early Life and Public Service
Dennis was born in Newburgh, New York. He grew up on Long Island. In 1836, he moved to Carlyle, Illinois. He married Mary Kain Slade. She was the widow of a U.S. Congressman. Elias became a stepfather to her three sons.
Elias Dennis served in the Illinois House of Representatives from 1842 to 1844. He was also an Illinois State Senator from 1846 to 1848. These roles meant he helped make laws for Illinois.
Later, in 1857, President Buchanan appointed him as a U.S. Marshal. This job involved enforcing laws in the Kansas Territory. He was dismissed from this role in 1858.
Civil War Service
When the American Civil War began, Elias Dennis joined the Union Army. He started as a lieutenant colonel in the 30th Illinois Infantry. He helped capture Fort Donelson in Tennessee.
He was promoted to colonel in May 1862. By November 1862, he became a brigadier general. He led a group of soldiers in the Army of the Tennessee.
During the 1863 Vicksburg Campaign, he fought in important battles. These included the Battle of Port Gibson and the Battle of Raymond. Later, he was put in charge of the District of Northeast Louisiana.
His troops also fought in the Battle of Milliken's Bend in June 1863. This was one of the first battles where United States Colored Troops fought. He commanded the Union militia in Louisiana until the war ended.
Dennis left the volunteer army in August 1865. In 1866, he was given the honorary rank of major general. This was a special recognition for his service.
After the War
After the war, Elias Dennis continued his public service. He worked as a judge and sheriff in Louisiana. He later moved back to Carlyle, Illinois, in 1887. He lived on a small farm with his son.
Elias Smith Dennis passed away in 1894 from pneumonia. He was buried in the City Cemetery in Carlyle, Illinois.
In 1915, a bronze statue of Dennis was placed at the Vicksburg National Military Park. This honored his contributions during the Civil War.
