James H. Dennis is a man of great prominence in Pike County, and one of the most extensive farmers and stock-raisers found here. He makes his home on section 9, in Chambersburg Township, and owns eleven hundred and forty-five acres, most of which is in a splendid state of cultivation. He has been actively engaged in both lines of business since the year 1846, and has made a fortune by constant application and close attention to his work. He possesses fine business tact and excellent judgment, and is a man of remarkable energy. Many years ago he commenced to make a competency for himself, being at that time in reduced financial circumstances and teaching in order to make a living. His farm is among the finest in Chambersburg Township, being generally known as "Grand Prairie Farm," and his residence is only a half mile from the village.

Our subject was ushered into this world in Centerville, Bourbon County, Ky.; November 23, 1823, and was the son of Clark Dennis, a native of Philadelphia, and his wife, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Stout. The father followed his trade as a tailor until the year 1835, at which time he and his family removed by way of the rivers to Mt. Sterling, Brown County, Ill., where he opened a tailor shop, and worked at his trade most successfully for three years. At a later date he purchased a small piece of land where both husband and wife died, he at the age of eighty-seven, and she when only forty-seven years old. They were both consistent members of the Christian Church, and he was a strong supporter of the Democratic party.

Mr. Dennis was the second in number of the family of four sons and five daughters, and was about twelve years of age when the family removed to Brown County, and there received a good education in the common schools, and in after years made a most successful teacher. He was married in Chambersburg Township, to Miss Aribel Hume, who was born here, and is the daughter of William A. and Margaret (Meyers) Hume, natives of Kentucky. Mr. Hume died in 1874, and his wife breathed her last when in her fortieth year. Of their union were born three sons and four daughters, of whom Mrs. Dennis is one of the eldest. She has been of great assistance to her husband in their journey together, and is a charming lady, and universally esteemed.

To our subject and his wife have been born ten children, five of whom - Olive, Orval, Charles, George, and an infant are dead. Those living are as follows: Oscar married Miss Sarah Pool, and after her death married Miss Lou Cottingham; his last wife (he having been married the third time) was Miss Octava Chenoweth. They live in Chambersburg Township; James H. Jr., married Miss Minnie Parke, and resides in Chambersburg; Harry, married Miss Ella Irving, and lives in this township; Ophelia is at home; Ida is the wife of Orval Van Wey.

Mr. and Mrs. Dennis are faithful members of the Christian Church, in which he has been an Elder for the past eighteen years. He is a firm supporter of the Democratic party, and represented his district in the Legislature of 1868; he has been called upon to fill many important local offices, serving for several years as Supervisor, and in other public positions, and has won the confidence and esteem of all who know him. A portrait of the Hon. J. H. Dennis is presented elsewhere in this volume

Portraits and Biographical Pike and Calhoun Counties 1891
Buried at Hume Cemetery