About this site

Primary Research

The Dennis Family of Sumter and Clarendon Counties of South Carolina

The information on this page represents the combined efforts of several researchers. I have verified the information by Wills, Equity, Deeds, Census and Cemetery Records where possible. Where no source is given, the information is unproven/unverified. Additions and corrections are welcome. Proper credit is always awarded to the provider of information. Happy Researching!

!Source: Lori McLeod Wilke; "Walking with ghosts", Research 2000 - 2009

Generation One

Littleton Dennis born Unknown in Unknown died Aft. April 21, 1840 in Sumter District, South Carolina Source: Will of Littledon Dennis (Recorded in Will Book D 2 Pge 12) Recorded 10th Day of Aug 1840 W. Lewis Ordy Bundle 132 Pkge 13- Married to Mary Unknown born Unknown in Unknown died Aft. April 21, 1840 in Sumter District, South Carolina Source: Will of Littledon Dennis (Recorded in Will Book D 2 Pge 12) Recorded 10th Day of Aug 1840 W. Lewis Ordy Bundle 132 Pkge13

1820 Sumter District Census
(present day Clarendon was part of Sumter District - see above)

1 male 10-16(Gideon); 1 male 16-18 (Daniel) ; 1 male 18-26 (Unknown); 1 male 26-45 (Littleton); 1 female 10-16; 1 female 16-18; 1 female 18-26

Neighbors:

Red Howell; Bryant Whissell?; Littleton Dennis; Jeremy Dennis; Edward McKirney; Richard Rawlings; Jas. Evans

WILL OF LITTLETON DENNIS

In the Name of god Amen I Littleton Dennis of Sumter District and State of South Carolina Being Very sick and low and knowing that it is once appointed for All mankind to die But being in sound mind and Memory do make and ordain This my last will and Testament that is To say First I gave my Soul To god That give it and of my Worldly goods which it hath Pleased Him to bless me with I gave and bequathe in the Following manner To Wit-----------------------

Itim 1st I gave and Bequathe unto my Daughter Elizabeth Dennis, one bed and bedstead, too bed spreads, and one Nord homespun sheet one white Double wove sheet, one Chect Hukkeback sheet, too quilts, and one wollen Counterpin, also I gave to her one bull that is Running with my stock to do with As her own property, also one Hiffer that is Running With my stock to my too daughters Elezebeth Dennis And Levina Dennis to do as they see proper with-----------------------------

Itim 2nd I give and bequathe unto my daughter Levina Dennis, one bed and, bedstead one white Double wove sheet, one Checkt Hukkeback sheet, Too quilts,and one woollin Counterpin, one bed spread, And Too Nord Homespun sheets, Also I leave one young Horse Called Ball, to be sold at the best advantage, And the money he Bringh to bee Equally Divided Between My to Daughters Elezebeh, and Levina Dennis-----------------------

Itim 3rd I gave and bequathe unto mo Beloved wife, Mary Dennis During her Natural Liftime all my Lands, and plantation, for her to support upon, and also I gave my Negro woman, Named Mary, to her, her Liftime if the sd Negro pleases her, if not she shall Bee at liberty to sell the sd Negro, if she sees proper Also I gave to her one mare Named Finnix, and all My Plantation Tooles, and Cart and all the Household Furniture, that is not Before mentiond With all thee Kitchen furniture I also leave My loveing wife, all my Provisions now on hand all That will bee made the present year, and all my Stock of hogs, and all my Cattle, and Sheep, to do with As She sees proper, also I leave one horse Called Bogus, to be sold, to pay my Just Debts, and if he Dont Bring Enough, it must bee madeout of The Cattle, and sheep, and I further want when it is the will of god to take my loveng wife From this world I want her to have the liberty of Doing, withe what she is blessed with, as she pleases Except my lands, and that I wish sold and my Too Daughters, Elezebeth Dennis, and Levina Dennis, To Draw Fifty Dollars a piece, then the Ballance of the money my land Brings, to Equally Divided Between Elezebeth Dennis, Daniel Dennis, Levina Dennis and Gidden Dennis

I further Nominate my Loveing Wife Mary Dennis With my son Daniel Dennis Executers to my Last will and Testament

April the 21st 1840 )
Signed Sealed and Delivered ) Littleton Dennis In the presence of us )
Test- John Brand Joshua Vasser Patrict M. Gibbons(Recorded in Will Book D 2 Pge 12)

Recorded 10th Day of Aug 1840 W. Lewis Ordy Bundle 132 Pkge 13-a

Apparently the Estate was finalized and some transfers took place in 1857 - see email below under child one

Sumter Will Project

Note: A Henry Dennis is shown on Series Number: S213192 Volume: 0038 Page: 00541 Item:01 Date: 1801/12/23 (who is this?) Description: DENNIS, HENRY, PLAT FOR 140 ACRES ON BIG BRANCH, CLARENDON COUNTY, SUMTER DISTRICT, SURVEYED BY W. R. L. STUKES. Names Indexed: DENNIS, HENRY/STUKES, W. R. L./WHITE, JESSE/DENNIS/REILY, SAMUEL/CANTEY/ Locations: BIG BRANCH/SANTEE RIVER/CLARENDON COUNTY/SUMTER DISTRICT Type: PLAT/

Children of Littledon and Mary Dennis

1. Unknown Male Dennis Census Place: Sumter District South Carolina Census Year 1820 b. Bet. 1794 - 1802 d. Bet. 1836 - 1839 married to M.A. (--?-) b. Abt. 1808 d. Bet. 1850 - 1860

Children:

i. Unknown Female Dennis b. Abt. 1833

ii. Unknown Female Dennis b. Abt. Oct 1836

Note: I received the following email:

Date: Sat, 31 Jan 2004 16:50:30 -0600 From: "M. Young" To: "L" Subject: Re: Dennis query

..... The Dennis I am looking for would have died between 1836 and 1839.

I have the birthdays of the children -

Oct. 1836 for the youngest surviving Dennis child

Oct. 31, 1839 for the oldest Young child.

M. A., b. c. 1808, married a Dennis and had 2 daughters (born 1833 and 1836).

After he died, she married William C. Young.

Between Oct. 1839 and sometime in 1851, William and M. A. had 8 children. She appears with him in the 1850 census. She is not found in the 1860 census.

Another researcher guestimated that M. A. died about 1858, probably due to her husband, William C. Young, being a witness in 1857 to the transfer in the interest of Littleton Dennis' estate. The only ones that would probably really have a claim to any of the Dennis estate would have been the 2 Dennis children, both girls.

These girls both married Gibbons boys in the late 1850's/early 1860's. The Gibbons seem to be tied to this family fairly closely, since some of M. A.'s Young children also married Gibbons. This is all I know so far. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you. Melanie

2. Daniel E Dennis born March 3, 1803 in Sumter County, now Clarendon County, South Carolina died July 10, 1885 in Sumter County, now Clarendon County, South Carolina buried New Zion Methodist Church Cemetery New Zion SC married to Sidaline Goodman born October 26, 1818 in Sumter County, now Clarendon County, South Carolina died September 30, 1876 in Sumter County, now Clarendon County, South Carolina buried New Zion Methodist Church Cemetery New Zion SC Source: Will of Littledon Dennis (Recorded in Will Book D 2 Pge 12) Recorded 10th Day of Aug 1840 W. Lewis Ordy Bundle 132 Pkge13-

3. Elizabeth Dennis Source: Will of Littledon Dennis (Recorded in Will Book D 2 Pge 12) Recorded 10th Day of Aug 1840 W. Lewis Ordy Bundle 132 Pkge13-

4. Levina Dennis Source: Will of Littledon Dennis (Recorded in Will Book D 2 Pge 12) Recorded 10th Day of Aug 1840 W. Lewis Ordy Bundle 132 Pkge13-

5. Giddeon Dennis born April 30, 1806 in Sumter County, now Clarendon County, South Carolina died July 14, 1894 in Sumter County, now Clarendon County, South Carolina married to Nancy Unknown born unknown in unknown Source: Will of Littledon Dennis (Recorded in Will Book D 2 Pge 12) Recorded 10th Day of Aug 1840 W. Lewis Ordy Bundle 132 Pkge13-

Children of Giddeon and Nancy Unknown Dennis

1. Leonora Dennis born 1839 in Sumter County, now Clarendon County, South Carolina died source: 1880 Census Place Saint Marks, Clarendon, South Carolina Family History Library Film 1255226 NA Film Number T9-1226 Page Number 199D

2. Adella Dennis born October 10, 1847 in Sumter County, now Clarendon County, South Carolina died January 1, 1925 source: 1880 Census Place Saint Marks, Clarendon, South Carolina Family History Library Film 1255226 NA Film Number T9-1226 Page Number 199D

3. Elizebeth Dennis born 1849 in Sumter County, now Clarendon County, South Carolina source: 1880 Census Place Saint Marks, Clarendon, South Carolina Family History Library Film 1255226 NA Film Number T9-1226 Page Number 199D

4. Samuel G Dennis born 1851 in Sumter County, now Clarendon County, South Carolina source: 1880 Census Place Saint Marks, Clarendon, South Carolina Family History Library Film 1255226 NA Film Number T9-1226 Page Number 199D

5. J. Woodard Dennis born 1853 in Sumter County, now Clarendon County, South Carolina source: 1880 Census Place Saint Marks, Clarendon, South Carolina Family History Library Film 1255226 NA Film Number T9-1226 Page Number 199D

6. Harriet Annie Dennis born 1855 in Sumter County, now Clarendon County, South Carolina source: 1880 Census Place Saint Marks, Clarendon, South Carolina Family History Library Film 1255226 NA Film Number T9-1226 Page Number 199D

From Sumter District "deed book O" p.52,53 - dated November 19 1850
- Giddeon resided in apparently WilliamsBorgh District, South Carolina.

Gideon Dennis to Daniel Dennis conveyances State of South Carolina Sumter District>

Know all men by these presents that I Gideon Dennis of Williams Borgh district and State aforesaid for and in consideration of the sum of seventy five dollars to me in hand paid by Daniel Dennis of the district of Sumter and State aforesaid have granted bargained and sold and by these presents do grant bargain sell unto the said Daniel Dennis all My right title and interest in a certain individual tract of land belonging to the estate of Littleton Dennis deceased Said Lands situated in Sumter district on the east side of Goose?? Branch waters of Black River bounded as following vig South and east by the estate Samaj Manoch Patricks deceased North by William Brandy South West by Joshua Vassey Land together with all and Apportances thereto belonging tor in any wise incident appertaining o hold all and Singular the premises above and mentioned unto the said Daniel Dennis his heirs and assigns forever And I hereby bind Myself my heirs executors or administrators to warrant and forever defend all and Singular the promises above Mentioned unto the same Daniel Dennis his heirs and assigns forever against Myself My heirs executors or administrators and and against every other person or persons whosoever Lawfully Claiming the same or any part whereof I have hereunto et my hand and seal this the nineteenth day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty and in the seventy fifth year of the American Independence

Signed Sealed and delivered the presence of us F.B. Morgan J.T. Barriman W.C. Young

3 Feb. 1857,William C. Young swore he witnessed the above and that the other two witnesses where also present, signed W.C. Young and R.B. Fenelly, Magst. This was sworn to in Williams Burgh District and recorded in Sumter Recorded 19th March 1857

From Sumter District “deed book O” p 53 dated November 19 1850
- Giddeon resided in apparently WilliamsBorgh District, South Carolina.

Gideon Dennis to Daniel Dennis conveyance -----Gideon Dennis of Williamsburg District for 75 dollars paid by Daniel Dennis of Sumter District released his right to a piece of land part of the estate of Littleton Dennis, deceased, in Sumter District on each side of Goose Branch, waters of Black River, bounded S.E. by the estate of (Manock) Patricks, deceased, N. by William (Brandy),SW by Joshua Vassey. 19 Nov 1850 Signed Gideon Dennis, F.B. Morgan, J.T. (Barriman), W.C. Young Sworn by William C. Young that he; F.B. Morgan and J.L. (Barrinealy) witnessed it.3 Feb 1857 R.G. (Ferrily), Magst Recorded 19 Mar 1857

1880 Census Place Saint Marks, Clarendon, South Carolina Family History Library Film 1255226 NA Film Number T9-1226 Page Number 199D

• Gideon DENNIS Self M Male W 73 SC Farmer SC SC
• Nancy DENNIS Wife M Female W 71 SC Keeping H SC SC
• Harriet DENNIS Dau Female W 27 SC SC SC
• Mary Alice DENNIS GDau S Female W 13 SC SC SC
• Wm. Calvin DENNIS GSon S Male W 11 SC SC SC
• Elizabeth DENNIS GDau S Female W 3 SC SC SC
• Isaac BENLOW Other Male W 21 SC Laborer SC SC

 

---

Generation Two

Daniel E. Dennis Source: Will of Littledon Dennis (Recorded in Will Book D 2 Pge 12) Recorded 10th Day of Aug 1840 W. Lewis Ordy Bundle 132 Pkge 13- born March 3, 1803 in Sumter County, now Clarendon County, South Carolina died July 10, 1885 in Sumter County, now Clarendon County, South Carolina buried at New Zion Methodist Church Cemetery New Zion Clarendon County, South Carolina Married after 1850 to Sidaline Goodman born October 26, 1818 in Sumter County, now Clarendon County, South Carolina died September 30, 1876 in Sumter County, now Clarendon County, South Carolina buried at Methodist Church Cemetery New Zion Clarendon County, South Carolina

Family of Sidaline Goodman

Henry Goodman b. 1784 d. 1874 buried in Goodman-Frierson Cemetery Shiloh SC married to Susanna Langston b. 1790 d. unknown buried in Goodman-Frierson Cemetery Shiloh SC although no stones showing in cemetery.

Census Year 1820, Census Place Sumter Sumter County South Carolina page 116, Ancestry.com. 1820 U.S. Federal Census [database online]. Provo, Utah: MyFamily.com, Inc., 2004. Original data: United States. 1820 United States Federal Census. M33, 142 rolls. National Archives and Records Administration, Washington D.C.

3 males 0-10; 1 male 26-45; 2 females 0 - 10, 1 female 26 - 45,
2 Number of persons engaged in Agriculture;

1 male slave aged 0-14, 1 male slave aged 14-26, 1 female slave aged 0-14

Census Year 1830, Census Place Not Stated Sumter District South Carolina Ancestry.com. 1830 U.S. Federal Census [database online]. Provo, Utah: MyFamily.com, Inc., 2004. Original data: United States. 1830 United States Federal Census. M19, 201 rolls. National Archives and Records Administration, Washington D.C.

1 male 0-5; 1 male 5-10; 1 male 10-15; 1 male 15-20; 1 male 40-50; 1 female 10-15; 1 female 15-20; 1 female 30-40;

0 male slaves, 2 female slaves 0-10; 2 female slaves 10 - 24; 8 female slaves 24-36

Census Year 1840, Census Place Not Stated Sumter District South Carolina Ancestry.com. 1840 U.S. Federal Census [database online]. Provo, Utah: MyFamily.com, Inc., 2004. Original data: United States. 1840 United States Federal Census. M704, 580 rolls. National Archives and Records Administration, Washington D.C.

1 male aged 10-15; 1 male aged 15-20; 1 male aged 40-50; 1 male aged 50-60; 1 female aged 10-15; 1 female aged 15-20; 1 female aged 40-50;

Male slaves 4 to 10-1; aged 10-24 - 2; aged 24-35

total 21 persons in household; 10 engaged in agriculture; 1 in commerce or trade; 1 in primary or common school, 22 scholars at Public Charge, 8 persons over age 20 who cannot read or write.

Census Year 1850 Census Place Sumter District South Carolina

Living next door to son, Levi; Edwin a laborer, owned 3000 acres - shows a child named Oliver aged 5 who is too young to be their child, must be a grandchild.

Children of Henry Goodman and Susannah Langston

1. Unknown Female Goodman b. Bet. 1810 - 1815 (2 females between 0 -10 - Census Year 1820, Census Place Sumter Sumter County South Carolina page 116)

2. Sidaline Goodman b. 1818 married to Daniel E. Dennis (2 females between 0 -10 - Census Year 1820, Census Place Sumter Sumter County South Carolina page 116)

3. Unknown Male Goodman b. Bet. 1810 - 1815 (3 males between 0 -10 - Census Year 1820, Census Place Sumter Sumter County South Carolina page 116)

3. Levi Goodman b. Bet. 1815 - 1820 (3 males between 0 -10 - Census Year 1820, Census Place Sumter Sumter County South Carolina page 116)

4. Oliver Edwin Goodman b. 1817 (3 males between 0 -10 - Census Year 1820, Census Place Sumter Sumter County South Carolina page 116) LDS website, submitter Frank Caldwell Williams, shows Edwin and Oliver as two separate individuals - unsure if he is correct

5. Unknown Male Goodman b. Bet. 1820 - 1825 1 male 5-10 - Census Year 1830, Census Place Not Stated Sumter District South Carolina Ancestry.com. 1830

6. Benjamin Dubose Goodman b. Bet. 1825 - 1830 LDS website, submitter Frank Caldwell Williams / 1 male 0- 5 - Census Year 1830, Census Place Not Stated Sumter District South Carolina Ancestry.com. 1830

8. Suzanna Goodman b. Bet. 1825 - 1830 LDS website, submitter Frank Caldwell Williams / 1 female 10-15 - Census Year 1840, Census Place Not Stated Sumter District South Carolina

Occupation: Planter; 1290 acres in 1880, Raised Thoroughbred Horses which were conscripted by the Confederate Army during the War Between The States.

Property: Sumter district on the east side of Goose?? Branch waters of Black River bounded as following vig South and east by the estate Samaj Manoch Patricks deceased North by William Brandy South West by Joshua Vassey/Sumter District on each side of Goose Branch, waters of Black River, bounded S.E. by the estate of (Manock) Patricks, deceased, N. by William (Brandy),SW by Joshua Vassey. Sumter District "deed book O" p.52,53 - dated November 19 1850 Recorded 19th March 1857

Census Year 1840 Census Place Not Stated Sumter District South Carolina , Source Information: Ancestry.com. 1840 U.S. Federal Census [database online]. Provo, Utah: MyFamily.com, Inc., 2004. Original data: United States. 1840 United States Federal Census. M704, 580 rolls. National Archives and Records Administration, Washington D.C. .

Daniel Dennis 1 male aged 30-40

Date: 1845 C. South Carolina Archives of History Online, Series Number: S165015 Year: ND00 Item: 04286 ignore: 00

Description: INHABITANTS OF SUMTER DISTRICT, PETITION ASKING THAT ORDINARIES HAVE CONCURRENT JURISDICTION WITH THE COURT OF EQUITY IN THE APPOINTMENT OF GUARDIANS FOR MINORS, JURISDICTION ON CERTAIN MATTERS OF REAL ESTATE, AND INTESTATES. (6 PAGES)

Names Indexed: MCFADDIN, R./BRAND, WILLIAM/SMITH, HENRY I./FULLWOOD, ROBERT H./MCBRIDE, SAMUEL/MULDROW, W. E./GOODMAN, E. G./GIBBONS, P. M./HODGE, DAVID/BEARD, AARON F./PLAYER, C. T./FRIERSON, WILLIAM/SMITH, JOHN M./BARFIELD, C. W./ROBERSON, JOHN/JOHNSON, BLANEY/ROLONG, JACOB/MCELVEEN, WILLIAM/DENNIS, DANIEL/WELCH, WILLIAM A.

Locations: SUMTER DISTRICT/

Type: PETITION/Topics: EQUITY, COURT OF/ORDINARIES/ESTATE DISPOSITION

Census Year 1850 Census Place Sumter Township, Sumter County, South Carolina , 1608, 1608 Ancestry.com. 1850 United States Federal Census [database online]. Provo, Utah: MyFamily.com, Inc., 2004. Original data: United States. 1850 United States Federal Census. M432, 1009 rolls. National Archives and Records Administration, Washington D.C.

Dan'l Dennis aged 47 Real Estate $1000.00 born in SC, neighbors Wm Bearn and Barnwell Evans. Lived alone

Census Year 1880 Census Place: New Zion, Clarendon, South Carolina ,Source Information: Family History Library Film 1255225 NA Film Number T9-1225 Page Number 127D .

D. DENNIS Self S Male W 77 SC Farmer SC SC
Louisa DENNIS Dau S Female W 19 SC Keeping House SC SC

( neighbors: Floyds and Buddins)

From Sumter District "deed book O" p.52,53 - dated November 19 1850
- Giddeon resided in apparently WilliamsBorgh District, South Carolina.

Gideon Dennis to Daniel Dennis conveyances State of South Carolina Sumter District>

Know all men by these presents that I Gideon Dennis of Williams Borgh district and State aforesaid for and in consideration of the sum of seventy five dollars to me in hand paid by Daniel Dennis of the district of Sumter and State aforesaid have granted bargained and sold and by these presents do grant bargain sell unto the said Daniel Dennis all My right title and interest in a certain individual tract of land belonging to the estate of Littleton Dennis deceased Said Lands situated in Sumter district on the east side of Goose?? Branch waters of Black River bounded as following vig South and east by the estate Samaj Manoch Patricks deceased North by William Brandy South West by Joshua Vassey Land together with all and Apportances thereto belonging tor in any wise incident appertaining o hold all and Singular the premises above and mentioned unto the said Daniel Dennis his heirs and assigns forever And I hereby bind Myself my heirs executors or administrators to warrant and forever defend all and Singular the promises above Mentioned unto the same Daniel Dennis his heirs and assigns forever against Myself My heirs executors or administrators and and against every other person or persons whosoever Lawfully Claiming the same or any part whereof I have hereunto et my hand and seal this the nineteenth day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty and in the seventy fifth year of the American Independence

Signed Sealed and delivered the presence of us F.B. Morgan J.T. Barriman W.C. Young

3 Feb. 1857,William C. Young swore he witnessed the above and that the other two witnesses where also present, signed W.C. Young and R.B. Fenelly, Magst. This was sworn to in Williams Burgh District and recorded in Sumter Recorded 19th March 1857

From Sumter District “deed book O” p 53 dated November 19 1850
- Giddeon resided in apparently WilliamsBorgh District, South Carolina.

Gideon Dennis to Daniel Dennis conveyance -----Gideon Dennis of Williamsburg District for 75 dollars paid by Daniel Dennis of Sumter District released his right to a piece of land part of the estate of Littleton Dennis, deceased, in Sumter District on each side of Goose Branch, waters of Black River, bounded S.E. by the estate of (Manock) Patricks, deceased, N. by William (Brandy),SW by Joshua Vassey. 19 Nov 1850 Signed Gideon Dennis, F.B. Morgan, J.T. (Barriman), W.C. Young Sworn by William C. Young that he; F.B. Morgan and J.L. (Barrinealy) witnessed it.3 Feb 1857 R.G. (Ferrily), Magst Recorded 19 Mar 1857

Children of Daniel E. Dennis and Sidalene Goodman

1. Henry Goodman Dennis born May 16, 1855 in Clarendon County, South Carolina

Henry is rumored to have burned down the Plantation House left to his sister Louisa after their father's death. (Louisa tended her father in his last days). Henry was afflicted and unable to walk for the rest of his life shortly after the house burned. Family Lore has it that he was cursed by someone with the "power".

Possible Census Record of Henry Goodman Dennis

-1880 Census Place Brewington, Clarendon, South Carolina
Source Information: Family History Library Film 1255225 NA Film Number T9-1225 Page Number 5A

Henry DENNIS Self M Male W 20 SC Farmer SC SC
Anna DENNIS Wife M Female W 17 SC Keeping House SC SC

2. IsoBella Jane Dennis born February 23, 1859 in Clarendon County, South Carolina died May 13, 1900

From: "Wayne Watson" Isobella Jane Dennis (my great grandmother) married Robert Sidney Flemming. I'd appreciate any information on the Flemmings you might run across. Thanks, Wayne

Son? Louis Fleming born Nov 27, 1873 d. Mar 22, 1953 married to Ila O Hudson b. Dec 24, 1877 d. Jan 19, 1939 daughter of Ezra Ashby Hudson and Sarah Rebecca Fleming Smith ????? See Asbhy Orr Hudson husband of Louisa Ann Dennis next.

3. Louisa Ann Dennis born August 27, 1860 in Clarendon County, South Carolina died August 4, 1916 in New Zion, Clarendon County, South Carolinaburied New Zion Baptist Church - stone erected by contribtutions rec'd at Family Reunions org. by Kitty McLeod Barfield married to Ashby Orr Hudsonborn July 1, 1860 in Darlington District South Carolina died October 28, 1911 New Zion, Clarendon County, South Carolina buried New Zion Baptist Church - stone erected by contribtutions rec'd at Family Reunions org. by Kitty McLeod Barfield

 

Sideline Research

Family Tree DNA