W. S. Dennis is numbered among the prosperous and popular merchants of Chambersburg, Pike County, at which place he has carried on a general merchandising business since 1880, at first under the firm name of Dennis Bros., but afterward as an individual enterprise. At a later period the firm was Dennis & Talbot, and then once more the trade was in the hands of Mr. Dennis alone from 1884 to 1890. At the present time he is in partnership with George Ham. They are doing a thriving business and are very popular in the commercial world, and in connection with their merchandise are interested in buying and selling grain.

Mr. Dennis was reared on a farm in the township in which he still lives, being born December 7, 1859. His father, W. S. Dennis, Sr., was a native of Kentucky and after coming to Illinois settled in Pike County where he commenced life as a teacher and farmer, and took a prominent part in politics, being in sympathy with the Democratic party. He was elected Sheriff in 1856 and served most creditably until 1858. His death occurred at his home in November, 1859, just one month before our subject was born. He was at the time only thirty-nine years old and one of the most prominent citizens in this community. He married in Chambersburg Township Miss Elizabeth Hume, who was born in this State and reared in Pike County. After his death she married Joab Brooks, who is the oldest man born in this township now living here. Both are growing old and are highly respected. Mrs. Brooks belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Our subject is the youngest of the four children born to his parents, all of whom are now living, viz: Calista, who lives with her mother; Lawrence who married Miss Amanda Robinson and lives on a farm near Versailles, Brown County; Norman, a farmer in the township in which our subject lives, and W. S. who lived at home until he became of age and was educated in the county and at Jacksonville Business College.

Mr. Dennis married in his home township Miss Cora Marden, who was born in Perry Township, Pike County, December 27, 1860, being a daughter of Frank and Hattie (Brower) Marden. Her father was born in Canada and came of English parentage, but while quite a young man came to Illinois, settling in Pike County and in that county was married. At the present writing (1890) Mr. and Mrs. Hardin live in Naples, this State, Mr. Marden being a blacksmith. Mrs. Dennis is the mother of four children - Merle, Gwendoline, Roswell, G and Ruth F., the two latter being twins.

Mr. Dennis is in complete sympathy with the Democratic party and has held several important local offices, being at one time Tax Collector. He is a member of Blue Lodge, No. 373.

Portraits and Biographical Pike and Calhoun Counties 1891