Dennis

Cavaliers and Pioneers 1623-1666 Vol. 1 Nell Marion Nugent Genalogical Publishing Co. Balt Md. 1934 ,1983

Patent Book No 4

27 Nov 1657 Mr Thomas Stratton, 300 a Northampton Co. p 121(180) Southerly on Dun branch, Easterly. on land of Farmer Jones and George Traveler and Northerly on on Major William Walters. Tranportation of 6 persons: Ann Clay, Wm Collum (or Collins), John Denny (Dennis?*), Marg. Irish (person?), Darman Neheuallin, Mary Turrough.

(same day*) 27 Nov 1657 William Roberts 600 acres Northampton Co. p 121 (180) Neare Matchepungoe, Easterly upon devdt. of John Browne, at Phillips' Creek and southerly upon branch parting it from land of Thomas Bell. Transportation of 12 perons, Rich. Richard, Kath. Florra, Owen Adwin, Tonnath(Donnick/Donnath*) Dennis, , Law. Stegg.

(same day*) 27 Nov 1657 William Roberts 600 acres Northampton CO. p 134 (197) Near Matchepungoe, Easterly upon Devdt. of John Brown at Philipps' Creek and Southerly upon branch parting it from land of Thomas Bell, Transportation of 12 persons: Richard Richards, Katherine Florra, Owen Adroune, Tonath(Donnick/Donnath*) Dennis, Lawrence Hogge (or Hegge), Jno. Williams, ELizabeth Hobson, Robert Atkins, Tho. Broadways, Alexander_____, David Connawin, Jno. Derrowe.(Devoreax)

(same day*) 27 Nov 1657 Mr Thomas Stratton, 300 a Northampton Co. p 134 (198) Easterly on land of Farmer Jones and Geroge Traveller and Northerly on Major William Waters, tranportation of 6 perons: Ann Cley, Wm. Collum, John Densy (Dennis?*), Darmon Nehevellin?, Mary Turrough, Margaret Irish.

*(Note the significant variation of spellings in these two separate accounts of the same incident R.A.Riggin)

A Somerset Sampler Lower Delmarva Genealogical Society

Judge John Upshur Dennis compiled genealogical information on the Dennis family, which was published under the title "Genealogical Tables of the Paternal Lines of the Dennis Family as prepared prior to June, 1890, by Judge John Upshur Dennis of Baltimore." The following material is based in part on Judge Dennis's notes, with additions and corrections from Lynn Perry and from fresh research by the editor. (Lynn Perry compiled an extensive history of the Dennis family down to the present time, Dennis & Co. (typescript, Coral Gables, Fla., 1963; copy in Wicomico Co. Free Library), which may be consulted for a much more complete study of the descendants of Donnock and Elice Dennis.)
The first Dennis of record on the Eastern shore was John Dennis, who appeared in Accomack (later Northampton) county court records beginning in 1634. Some researchers have claimed that he was the father of Donnock Dennis, but no proof was offered and none has since come to light. Mr. and Mrs. John V. Dennis of Princess Anne, Md., who have spent much effort examining the problem, are convinced that there is no connection between Donnock Dennis and the first John Dennis.

Donnock Dennis (d. 1717) appeared in Northampton Co., Va., on 27 Nov. 1657 as a headright for William Roberts, near Matchepungoe; name is on 1665 list of Accomack Tithables, but not on later lists; he was in Somerset Co. with wife and children by 1668. There are a number of indications that the Dennises were of Irish origin; these are discussed by John Value Dennis in a recently published book on the Dennis family (The Dennises of Beverly and Their Kin, 1992). Among other tracts in Pocomoke R. area, Donnock acquired Thrum Capps Field (or Thrumcapped), on 5 side of river, and Dennis' Purchase, on Dividing Cr. Donnock, his wife Elice (Ellis) Nehulian, and their children are described by Torrence, but he doesn't mention ages. of daus. Margaret and Ellis. Margaret apparently m. Hope Taylor and they had issue (surname Taylor): (a) Elizabeth, (b) Ellis,(c) Dennis, (d) Margaret, (e) Robert. Somerset Co. Judicials (Deed Liber L-2 (rear), p. 33, say that banns were published for marriage of Hope Taylor and Margaret Donicke 5 Feb. 1683[4]; Hope and Margaret Taylor witnessed will of Roger O'Cane, who made bequests to members of Donnock Dennis's family. Ellis Dennis, Jr., m., first, Henry Hudson and second, John Gillett, son of Germaine and Anne Gillett. According to both Donnock's will, as recorded in Worcester Co., and inventory of his estate, his wife Elice outlived him, although Torrence and others, citing will as abstracted in Md. Calendar of Wills, say he m., second, Elizabeth ______. For possibility of a close connection between Donnock Dennis and Phillip Conner, see , Conner. (Will of Donnack Dennis, 16 Feb. 1716/7-23 Mar. 1716/7, Worcester Co., Wills, MH-3:123; Torrence, Old Somerset, pp. 441-42; Nottingham, Accomack Tithables; Somerset Co., Deeds, IKL; wills of Hope Taylor, 5 Apr. 1696-10 June 1696, and Roger O'Cane, 16 Feb.1687-6 June 1688, Skinner, Other Wills, pp. 15, 10; Perry, Dennis & Co., p. 17; will of Henry Hudson, Sr., 24 Dec. 1720-7 Mar. 1720[l], Skinner, Worcester Co. Will Book MH3, p. 161; inventory of John Gillett, 14 Feb. 1738, idem, Worcester Co. Inv. & Accts., p. 225; Somerset Co., Deeds, L:169-71; inventory of Donnock Dennis, 18 July 1717, Skinner, op. cit., p. 77; Dryden, Worc. Co. Land Records, p. 173.)

Richard Dennis. There are records of a Richard Dennis in Somerset Co. during 17th century. On 7 Oct. 1672 Richard was subpoenaed for the Provincial Court along with a group of other Somerset Co. residents; on 28 Nov. 1689 he signed the advice of loyalty from Somerset inhabitants to King William and Queen Mary. (Arch. Md., 65:43; Torrence, Old Somerset, p. 350.)

Donnock Dennis Jr. (16 Feb. 1669 I.K.L.-c1747), son of Donnock and Elice Dennis, settled on Wicomico P., according to Judge Dennis; in 1707 Donnock Jr. and Edward Hammond were brought before the court to answer charges that they had participated in a Black Mass. Donnock Jr. m., as second wife, Sarah Johnson (d. 1742), dau. of Affradozi Johnson; -Donnock had issue, listed by Judge Dennis as (1) Caleb, (2) William, (3) Theophilus - perhaps these were ch. by first wife, name unknown; according to Judge Dennis, Caleb and William were founders of the Dennis families of upper Worcester Co. and Wicomico Co. Perry gives this role to another son, Johnson Dennis; he lists several probable ch. not mentioned by Judge Dennis: (4) Sarah, (5) Affradozi, (6) Annanias, (7) Samuel, (8) Johnson; Johnson Dennis is cited as son of Dunick Dennis in will of Thomas Robins. Perry gives detailed listing of descendants of Johnson Dennis. (Dennis, op. cit.; Calendar of Md. State Pa~ers, No. 1 The Black Books (Md. Hall of Records Comn., 1943), p. 9; Perry, Dennis & Co., pp. 32-35, 35-67; will of Thomas Robins, 3 Dec. 1765-20 June 1766, Jones,
I Worcester Co. Wills J-3, pp. 125-28.)

John Dennis (1)(12 Feb. 1676-1741), gent.,
planter, son of Donnock and Elice Dennis, was b. at Quindocqua, Somerset Co., inherited father's residence at Nassawaddox (on the land called Dennis' Purhase), on Dividing Cr. near site of old Somerset Co. courthouse; served as justice of Provincial Court of Md.; m., first, Sarah Littleton (Judge Dennis calls her dau. of Southy Littleton of Accomack Co., but Perry refutes this parentage, p. 12, suggesting a relationship to John Littleton, who was in Accomack Co. by 1700):
John Dennis m., second, Elizabeth Day. John Dennis had issue: (1) Donnock, d. c1752? (Donnock Dennis of Worcester Co. on 9 Nov. 1752 sold household articles plus all the rest of his estate to Joshua Mitchell); (2) John, 12 Aug. 1704; (3) William (6 Nov. 1709-1757), settled at Morumsco, m. but d.s.p.; (4) Elizabeth, unm.; (5) Sarah, unm.; (6) George, unm. John Dennis, Sr., Wm. Dennis, and Donnock Dennis, Jr., were listed in Bogerternorton Hd. in 1723 tax list. (Dennis, op. cit.; Somerset Co., Deeds, IKL; Perry, Dennis & Co Worcester Co., Deeds, B:538; Wright, Citizens, p.15.)

John Dennis (2) (12 Aug. 1704-31 Aug. 1766), planter, son of John and Sarah Dennis1 lived at Nassawaddox; served as high sheriff of Somerset Co. and represented county in General Assembly; was named as a next of kin in 1734 inventory of John Mills; m., 10 Nov. 1724, Mary Purnell (d. 1768), dau. of William Purnell of Snow Hill, and had issue: (a) Sarah, 10 Dec. 1725, m. Dr. Thomas Holbrook of Princess Anne and had issue: 5 ch., including (1) Elizabeth Holbrook (?), m. ____ Hamilton; (b) Elizabeth, 8 Jan. 1727, m. Samuel Handy and had issue (surname Handy): (1) Samuel ("Old Col. Samuel Handy of Snow Hill"), (2) Elizabeth (3) John, m. _____ Chaille, dau. of Col. Peter Chaille of Snow Hill, (4) William; (c) Littleton 3 Feb. 1728; (d) John, 10 June 1729 ("Col. John Dennis of St. Martins"), represented Worcester Co.in Md. Legislature, 1755, m. _____ _____ and had issue: (1) Robert, said to have gone west; (e) Mary, 17 May 1738, m. Col. Levin Pollitt of Somerset Co. and had issue: several ch., unnamed; (f) Eliza, 3 Nov. 1743, m. Thomas Maddux of Back Cr. and had issue (surname Maddux):
(1) Mary, possibly others; (g) Leah, 2 June 1745,m.Rev. James Robertson (d. c1767), son of Rev. James Robertson (d. 1734), and had issue (surname Robertson): (1) Elizabeth, (2) George; (h) Ann, 11 Mar. 1747, m. Robert Caldwell and had issue (surname Caldwell): (1) William, (2) Robert, (3) Mary. (Dennis, op. cit.; will of John Dennis, 1 Feb. 1766-2 Sept. 1767, Somerset Co., Wills, EB4:131; inventory of John Mills, 19 Mar. 1734[5J, Skinner, Worcester Co. mv. and Accts., p. 251.)

Littleton Dennis (2c) (3 Feb. 1728-6 May 1774), lawyer, son of John and Mary Dennis, served as deputy surveyor of Somerset Co., owned large tracts of land in Somerset and Worcester Cos., including Pittsborough, in Pitts Cr. Hd., Worcester Co., a tract which he patented in 1769, made up of a number of smaller pieces assembled by him over the years. The present mansion house, Beverly, on 5. side of Pocomoke R., was begun by Littleton Dennis and completed by his widow. On 5 Sept. 1765 Littleton Dennis and Josiah Polk filed a petition to confiscate 20 a. for a second mill in Salisbury (see above, Caidwell, for first mill); petition not signed until 9 Oct. 1770; when Dennis d., in 1774, his widow conveyed her interest in the saw and grist mills to Josiah Polk; this was the mill at Isabella St. Littleton Dennis m. Susanna Upshur (8 July 1733-14 Nov. 1784), dau. of Abel and Rachel (Revell) Upshur, of Northampton Co., Va. (Rachel Revell, who m. Abel Upshur, is said by Judge Dennis (p. 34) to have been dau. of the first Randall Revell, but Revell d. 1687, and Rachel was b. c1702, according to her tombstone; Whitelaw, Virginia's Eastern Shore, 1:583, says Rachel was dau. of John Revell of Accomack Co.). Littleton and Susanna Dennis had Issue: (1) James (18 Jan. 1756-4 Nov. 1774), unm.;(2) Henry, 12 Sept. 1757, sailed from Beverly 11 Feb. 1785 for West Indies, was never heard of again; m., 1780, Ann Purnell, dau. of Judge Lemuel Purnell; (3) Elizabeth (19 May 1760-26 Oct. 1811), m., 3 Feb. 1776, John Teackle of Kegotank, Accomack Co.; (4) Littleton (27 Mar. 1763-25 Sept. 1764); (5) Littleton (21 July 1765-16 Aug. 1833), m., 4 Dec. 1788, Elizabeth Upshur (May 1769-11 May 1819), dau. of Col. John Upshur of Northampton Co.; (6) Sarah (7 Oct. 1768-5 Aug. 1804), m., 10 Nov. 1785, Francis Hutchins Waters (15 Jan. 1764-9 June 1826), son of John Waters of Somerset Co.;(7)John (17 Dec. 1771-17 Aug. 1807), m., 8 Aug.1793 Elinor Jackson, dau. of Henry and Elizabeth (Wilson) Jackson of Somerset Co. (Dennis, op. cit.; Md. State Archives, Somerset Co. patented certif. of survey, No. 1837, Ref. 14; Dryden, Worcester Co. Land Records. pp. 632, 560, 61, 97,171, 368, 552, 574; Perry, Dennis & Co., pp. 14, 17; mill transactions, Somerset Co. Judicial Rec., 1767-71, p. 12, and Deeds, F:336.) [JD/JJ/PB]

Donnock DENNIS, an Irish Immigrant who, as a lad, abt. had come into Northampton Co., Va., brought his family in into Somerset Co., Md., where he prospered. Unsubstantiated traditions have grown up around the family, but all evidence is against any connection between Donnock Dennis and seventeenth-century Accomack Co. landowner, John Dennis, and:
evidence fails to support the tradition that Donnock's son John wed1st Sarah Littleton of the wealthy Northampton Co. Littleton family, and 2nd Elizabeth Day. William Taylor may have come into Virginia as early as 1633; he was in Accomack his presumed grandson, Hope Taylor, was in Somerset by 1683, There is no direct proof that the Taylor Somerset Co. is descended from the Accomack Co.Taylor family except for recurrence of the name Elias in both.

1 Donnock DENNIS, b.(c.1645*) possibly in co Galway, Ireland d.Som.Co., Md. 16 Feb./23 Mar. 1716/17; Northampton Co., Va. 31 July 1668) Elise/Ellis Nehulain (Nebulain), who d. c1695; he mar. 2nd(c1696) Elizabeth Bodkin?. An illegitimate child of Elise Nebulian by Morice Matthews, William Matthews, was born 9 June 1661 (Hungar's Parish). The name Donnock also appears in the records as Donnoch, Donach, Donagh, Donald, etc. He is probably to be identifed with Tonath Dennis, who appears as a headright 27 Nov 1657 in a patent granted to William Roberts for land in Northampton Co. Va. Dennis's age is given as 12* (North. Co. Record Book PB No. 4 p.121, entry 180). The names and associations of the Dennis would indicate that they originated in Ireland. The Dennis family was in Somerset Co. in 1668, when it is recorded that Donnok had brought in his children William (i.e. Matthews) and Margaret.
They settled first at Morumaco; later Dennis bought "Dennis' Purchase" on the Pocomoke River, evidently near Dividing Creek in 1669 Dennis secured a patent to "Thrumcaps Field," June 1670 Dornic Dennis, "planter," and wife Ellis sold to German Gillett of Northampton Co, Va. land granted to Donnock Dennis, called "Thrums," on the south side of the Pocomoke River. In 1672 Thomas Blake of Galloway, \eland, granted power of attorney to his friend, "Donagh Dinis\of Morumsco Creek," Somerset Co., to collect debts due Blake. In1680 cattle marks were registered for William Matthews, son-in -law (i.e step-son) of Donnock Dennis (Som. Deeds 3:247, 18:114 1: 32, in back of book).

On 13 Nov. 1683 "Donald" Dennis was appointed constable of Annemessex Hundred. Roger O'Cane of Somerset
will, signed 15 Feb. 1687/88 (prob. 6 June 1688) made to Donnnagh and Alice Dennis, Sr., to Allice Dennis, Jr., to Katherine, John, and Ellinor Dennis; executor of Donnagh Dennis; witnesses included Hope and Margaret Taylor (Ann. Wills 6:22). Donnock Dennis was one of the signers of "Address of the inhabitants of the County of Somerset the 28th 1689," pledging loyalty to King William and Queen Mary and to the Protestant religion (Torrence, p.350).
Donnack Dennis of Somerset Co., planter, in his will, signed 1716/17, made bequests to wife, 300 acres "where I now live. "Denniss's Purchase," which at her death was to pass Donnock, Jr,; to grandsons William and Theophilus, sons of Donnock
Jr., 100 acres, part of "Denniss's Purchase"; to grandson Donnach Dennis, son of John, 100 acres on Littleton's on the south side of Potomack [sic] River (Pocomoke)]. He also named daughter Elenor, wife of Jeremiah Morris, son- in-law Hugh Porter, daughter Margaret, "son" Henry Hudson
Son John was to be executor. Witnesses were John Dennis, Jr., Robert Weer, William Lane (Ann. Wills 14:278).
Children (all but first born Morumsco, Somerset Co., Md,):

2. Elizabeth DENNIS, b. 16 Nov 1665 I.K.L Northampton Co., Va. 16 Nov. 1665; mar.George Lyd.

2. Margaret DENNIS, b. 8 Feb. 1667/68 I.K.L; mar. Hope TAYLOR;

2. Donnock DENNIS, Jr., b. 16 Feb. 1668/69 I.K.L; d. Som. Co. c1741, On 1 Feb, 1721/22 Donnock Dennis, Jr., sold to John Scott landthat his father had willed to his mother and which was to pass to him on her death (Som.Deeds 14:213). He is shown in Som. Co. tax lists until 1740. Though Ellis Boston though has been tentatively assigned as a daughter of John Dennis, she could well be a child of Donnock, Jr,, since he left no will, and there was no probate of his estate. Two of his sons:

3. Theophilus DENNIS, b. c 1708; d. c1732; in 1724-25 living in Pocomoke Hundred with David Gogin; in 1727 with William Lane; in 1730 with his cousin, John Dennis, Jr.; in 1731 with James Shirley.

3. William DENNIS, (known as) Jr., b. c1710/15. He is shown in the 1745 Worc. Co. debt book with 100 acres "Smiths Folly." On 4 Mar. 1746/47 William Dennis of Worc.Co., planter, son and heir of Donnack Dennis, Sr., deeded to Joseph Allen 100 acres "Smiths Folly," now called "Dennises Purchase," given to him by his grandfather in his will(Worc Co. Deeds A: 483)

4. Elinor DENNIS b. 1670/1mar. Jeremiah Morris; by 1732 they had moved to Kent Co., Del.

4. Ellis (Alice) DENNIS, Jr,, b. 29 July 1673 I.K.L; mar. Henry Hudson; in his will, signed 24 Dec. 1720 (prob, 7 Mar.1720/21), Hudson
named wife Ellis, sons Henry, John, Robert, Dennis, William, David, Major, and daughters Rhoda and Christian Hudson, Elizabeth Brittingham, Mary Bishop (Ann.Wills 16:279),

4. Katherine DENNIS b. c. 1675 m. Hugh Porter

4. John DENNIS b. 12 Feb 1676/7 I.K.L w.d.4 May 1739 p 4 Mar 1774/5 Worc. Co. by 24 Oct 1744 (Inv. )( Annap. Wills 24 p 434) mar. Elizabeth (Day?)

5. Valentine DENNIS

5. Weatherly DENNIS

5. Lazarus DENNIS

5. John DENNIS

5. Solomon DENNIS

5. Daniel DENNIS

5. William DENNIS

5. Donnoack DENNIS

5. Ellis DENNIS b.c. 1701 q.v.(Boston Family -Mathew Wise)no daughters were listed in fathers will. m. Esau Boston q.v. Esau and Ellis Boston named a son Lazarus Boston

 

Mary DONOCK; inv Patrick DONOCK Som County 21 May 1720 v-82 [This name appears in the Va. Records in two spellings, one of which was Donath(editor) County Court Notebook -Ljungstedt 1926

Worc Co.

Roger O'Cane Will Date: Probate Date:
16 Feb. 1687/8w. 6 June 1688p. Of Somerset County. To donagh and Alice Dennis, Sr. and to Alice Dennis, Jr.
at majority, and to katherine, John and ellinor Dennis, personalty. Donagh Dennis, Jr. EX and residue of estate,
including 100 acres of land, Wit; Peter Lowder, Hope Taylor and Margaret Taylor.