Copyright 2005, Esther Doyle Read
New 10 February 2005
READ FAMILY CONNECTIONS
DAVID READ DENNIS5
869. DAVID READ DENNIS5 (Sarah Elizabeth Read4, David Read3, John Read2, Joseph Read1) was born 1855, in New Jersey. His birth is not recorded in the records of Stillwater Township in Sussex County, although the births of many of his siblings are (LDS Batch #C509541; Pascal 1998). David was probably named after his grandfather David Read amd possibly after his father, who was also named David. In 1860, David lived with his parents and younger brother Frank in Stillwater Township. The census gives his age as four and states that he was attending school (1860 United States Federal Census, Stillwater Township, Sussex County, New Jersey, page 290, 2 August 1860). The 1870 census also places him in his parents home in Stillwater. He was the eldest of the six surviving children of David and Sarah Elizabeth Dennis. The census gives his age as 14 and states that he was attending school (1870 United States Federal Census, Stillwater Township, Sussex County, New Jersey, pages 204-205, 5 July 1870, Post Office Stillwater).
David married circa 1879, Virginia R. Shreakgast, daughter of Daniel B. Shreakgast and Evaline Stewart. She was born December 1859 in Sussex County, New Jersey (Crockett 2005; LDS AFN:1HKB-9Q9). In 1880, the young couple lived with their infant son Kirby at 62 Wills Street in Paterson, Passaic County, New Jersey. David worked in a silk mill. Their home was located in a dwelling divided into two dwellings, so it is possible that they lived in an apartment or a duplex. Gertrud Christie and her 23 year old daughter Anna lived in the building with their boarder John T. Van Riper, who was a machinist (1880 United States Federal Census, Enumeration District 159, City of Paterson, Passaic County, New Jersey, page 203 C, 1 June 1880). David and Virginia had two more children over the next decade: Albert in 1883 and Ethel in 1889. David died 12 July 1891, in Atlantic City, New Jersey (Crockett 2005; Crosswell 2004; Keefus 2001; Stoneman 2004). Acccording to one researcher (Crockett 2005) he drown in the Atlantic Ocean. David was buried in the Dennis family plot in Stillwater Cemetery in the village of Stillwater. His grave was field checked on 14 April 2005. Use the family photo album link below to access a photograph of his grave stone.
Virginia was left with three small children to raise: Kirby (age 11), Albert (age 7 and a half) and Ethel (age 2 and a half). She married Abram "Atwood" Garis in 1896. Atwood Garis was a widower with a son named Norman, who was two and a half years older than Kirby Dennis (Norman was born November 1877 in Pennsylvania). Virginia and Atwood had one son together—Cecil M. Garis, who was born March 1896. In 1900, Virginia and Atwood Garis lived in a rented home at 708 Springfield Avenue in Summit, Union County, New Jersey. The couple's blended family included Atwood (given as Abram in the census) and Virginia, Atwood's son Norman Garis, Virginia's children—Kirby, Albert and Ethel Dennis—and Atwood and Virginia's son Cecil. Abram Garis was a shoemaker. Norman Garis and Albert Dennis were employed as printers and Kirby Dennis was employed as a plumber. It is possible given the boys ages that they were each serving an apprenticeship. Ethel Dennis was in school and Cecil Garis who was 4, was still at home. According to the census, Virginia was the mother of four children, all of whom were living. These children were: Kirby, Albert, and Ethel Dennis and Cecil M. Garis (1900 United States Federal Census, Enumeration District 139, Ward 2, Summit City, Union County, New Jersey, sheet 10A, 11 June 1900). By 1910, Atwood and Virginia Garis had purchased a home on South Street in Summit. Virginia's son Kirby had married in about 1905 and lived next door with his wife Lizzie and their son Warren. Norman Garis, Albert and Ethel Dennis still lived at home with Atwood and Virginia. All three were employed in the printing business. Norman and Albert were printers and Ethel was a compositor. Cecil Garis was also still at home. He was 14 years old and was in school. Atwood Garis is listed in the census as a "merchant shoemaker" (1910 United States Federal Census, Enumeration District 113, Ward 2, Summit City, Union County, New Jersey, sheet 15A, 25 April 1910).
Atwood Garis died between 1910 and 1920. Virginia was once again a widow. In 1920, she lived in a rented home at 80 Ashwood Avenue in Summit with her son Cecil Garis and her daughter Ethel Dennis Howell and Ethel's husband Charles. Cecil Garis was employed as a collector for the gas company. Charles Howell was a newspaper printer (1920 United States Federal Census, Enumeration District 160, Ward 2, Summit City, Union County, New Jersey, sheet 8B, 6 January 1920). In 1920, Virginia was the head of household, but in 1930, Charles Howell was the head of household. In 1930, Virginia lived with Charles and Ethel Howell n their home at 140 Morris Avenue in Summit. Virginia was 70 years old. According to the census she was 19 years old when she first married. Virginia's two granddaughters, Marjorie and Betty Howell, also lived in the household (1930 United States Federal Census, Enumeration District 20-159, Ward 2, Summit City, Union County, New Jersey, sheet 1A, 2 April 1930). Virginia died sometime after 1930. I currently do not know where she was buried.
David Read Dennis and Virginia R. Shreakgast had 3 children born betweeen 1880 and 1889. I have identified 6 grandchildren born between 1909 and 1928. Total descendants equals 9.
CHILDREN OF DAVID READ DENNIS and VIRGINIA R. SHREAKGAST:
1261. (i.) KIRBY WELLINGTON DENNIS6, was born 13 April 1880 in New Jersey (LDS AFN:1HKB-9RH) and died after 1930. According to the LDS Ancestral Files, he was born in Sussex County, New Jersey. However, when Kirby was two months old, his parents were living at 62 Wills Street in Paterson, Passaic County, New Jersey (1880 United States Federal Census, Enumeration District 159, City of Paterson, Passaic County, New Jersey, page 203 C, 1 June 1880). It is possible that his mother was at her parent's home when she gave birth to Kirby. Kirby's father died when he was 11 years and his mother remarried in 1896. In 1900, Kirby lived with his mother and step-father, Atwood Garis at 708 Springfield Avenue in Summit, Unon County, New Jersey. His brother and sister Albert and Ethel Dennis lived in the household, as did their step-brother Norman Garis, and their half-brother Cecil Garis. Kirby was 20 years old and was employed as a plumber (1900 United States Federal Census, Enumeration District 139, Ward 2, Summit City, Union County, New Jersey, sheet 10A, 11 June 1900). He married circa 1905, Elizabeth M. "Lizzie" (Last Name Unknown). She was born circa 1882 in New Jersey. In 1910, the couple rented a home next to that of Kirby's mother and step father (Virginia and Atwood Garis) on South Street in Summit, Union County, New Jersey. Kirby was employed as a saleman in the plumbing indusrty. He and Lizzie had one child, their son Warren (1910 United States Federal Census, Enumeration District 113, Ward 2, Summit City, Union County, New Jersey, sheet 15A, 25 April 1910). By 1920, the couple had another son named Vernon. The family had also bought a house in Summit at 12 South Street. Kirby was employed as plumber in a plumbing shop. Both of his sons were in school (1920 United States Federal Census, Enumeration District 160, Ward 2, District 2, Summit City, Union County, New Jersey, sheet 18B, 13 January 1920). Kirby and Elizabeth were still at number 12 South Street in 1930. The census gave the value of their home as $9,000. The family also owned a radio. Kirby owned his own plumbing shop and employed other plumbers. His son Warren worked as a plumber's helper and was probably employed by his father (1930 United States Federal Census, Enumeration District 20-159, Ward 2, Summit City, Union County, New Jersey, sheet 6B, 8 April 1930). Children of Kirby and Elizabeth Dennis:
3343. (i.) WARREN C. DENNIS7, was born 21 September 1909 in New Jersey, probably in Summit in Union County and died January 1996, posssibly in Sussex County, New Jersey (Social Security Death Index). Warren first appears on the 1910 census as a 7 month old infant. He lived with his parents on South Street in Summit, New Jersey next to his grandmother Garis (1910 United States Federal Census, Enumeration District 113, Ward 2, Summit City, Union County, New Jersey, sheet 15A, 25 April 1910). The family still lived on South street in 1920. Warren was 10 and was in school (1920 United States Federal Census, Enumeration District 160, Ward 2, District 2, Summit City, Union County, New Jersey, sheet 18B, 13 January 1920). Warren was still living at home in 1930. The census gives the family's address as 12 South Street in Summit. Warren was employed as a plumber's helper in a plumbing shop. The shop may have belonged to his father Kirby Dennis, who was a plumber and employed people in a plumbing shop (1930 United States Federal Census, Enumeration District 20-159, Ward 2, Summit City, Union County, New Jersey, sheet 6B, 8 April 1930). Warren's social security number was issued in New Jersey before 1951. His last residence was in Andover, Sussex County, New Jersey (Social Security Death Index).
3344. (ii.) VERNON V. DENNIS7, was born 18 November 1914 in New Jersey, probably in the city of Summit in Union County and died 14 October 1969 (Social Security Death Index). Vernon lived with his family on South street in Summit in 1920. He was 5 and was in school (1920 United States Federal Census, Enumeration District 160, Ward 2, District 2, Summit City, Union County, New Jersey, sheet 18B, 13 January 1920). Vernon was still living at home in 1930. The census gives the family's address as 12 South Street in Summit. Vernon was 15 and was still in school (1930 United States Federal Census, Enumeration District 20-159, Ward 2, Summit City, Union County, New Jersey, sheet 6B, 8 April 1930). Vernon's social security number was issued in New Jersey before 1951 (Social Security Death Index).
1262. (ii.) ALBERT GOBLE DENNIS6, was born 23 December 1883 in New Jersey (LDS AFN:1HKB-9SP) and died after 1930. According to the LDS Ancestral Files, Albert was born in Sussex County, but his parents lived at 62 Wills Street in Paterson, Passaic County, New Jersey in 1880 (1880 United States Federal Census, Enumeration District 159, City of Paterson, Passaic County, New Jersey, page 203 C, 1 June 1880). It is possible that he was born in Passaic County. Albert's father died when he was seven and a half years old and his mother remarried in 1896. In 1900, Albert lived with his mother and step-father Atwood Garis at 708 Springfield Avenue in Summit, Unon County, New Jersey. His brother and sister Kirby and Ethel Dennis lived in the household, as did their step-brother Norman Garis, and their half-brother Cecil Garis. Albert was 16 years old and was employed as a printer (1900 United States Federal Census, Enumeration District 139, Ward 2, Summit City, Union County, New Jersey, sheet 10A, 11 June 1900). He was still living at home in 1910. By then the family had moved to South Street in Summit. Albert and his step-brother Norman were employed as printers who did job work (1910 United States Federal Census, Enumeration District 113, Ward 2, Summit City, Union County, New Jersey, sheet 15A, 25 April 1910). Albert married circa 1912, Alice (Last Name Unknown) (her surname may have been Morton, but I have no documentation for this). She was born circa 1885 in New Jersey. Her father was a native of Germany. The couple had two children between about 1913 and 1916: Millicent and Kenneth. By 1920, they lived in a rented house at 229 Morris Avenue. Millicent was in school. Albert was employed as a printer in a printing office (1920 United States Federal Census, Enumeration District 159, Ward 2, District 2, Summit City, Union County, New Jersey, sheet 19B, 16 January 1920). By 1930, the family had purchased a house at 6 Mountain Avenue in Summit. Their house was valued at $12,500. The family also owned a radio. Albert was employed as a publisher. He owned his own printing business (1930 United States Federal Census, Enumeration District 20-158, Ward 2, Summit City, Union County, New Jersey, sheet 14B, 14 April 1930). Children of Albert and Alice Dennis:
3345. (i.) MILLICENT DENNIS7, was born circa 1913 in New Jersey, probably in the city of Summit in Union County and died unknown. She lived at home with her parents in 1920 and 1930. She was in school during both census years (1920 United States Federal Census, Enumeration District 159, Ward 2, District 2, Summit City, Union County, New Jersey, sheet 19B, 16 January 1920; 1930 United States Federal Census, Enumeration District 20-158, Ward 2, Summit City, Union County, New Jersey, sheet 14B, 14 April 1930).
3346. (ii.) KENNETH R. DENNIS7, was born circa 1915 in New Jersey, probably in the city of Summit in Union County and died unknown. He lived at home with his parents in 1920 and 1930. He attended school during the 1930 census year (1920 United States Federal Census, Enumeration District 159, Ward 2, District 2, Summit City, Union County, New Jersey, sheet 19B, 16 January 1920; 1930 United States Federal Census, Enumeration District 20-158, Ward 2, Summit City, Union County, New Jersey, sheet 14B, 14 April 1930).
1263. (iii.) ETHEL VIOLA DENNIS6, was born 22 January 1889 in New Jersey (LDS AFN:1HKB-9TW) and died unknown after 1930. According to the LDS AFN, Ethel was born in Sussex County, but her parents lived at 62 Wills Street in Paterson, Passaic County, New Jersey in 1880 (1880 United States Federal Census, Enumeration District 159, City of Paterson, Passaic County, New Jersey, page 203 C, 1 June 1880). It is possible that she was not born in Sussex County. Ethel's father died when she was two and a half years old and her mother remarried in 1896. In 1900, Ethel lived with her mother and step-father Atwood Garis at 708 Springfield Avenue in Summit, Unon County, New Jersey. Her brothers Kirby and Albert Dennis lived in the household, as did their step-brother Norman Garis, and their half-brother Cecil Garis. Ethel was 11 years old and was in school (1900 United States Federal Census, Enumeration District 139, Ward 2, Summit City, Union County, New Jersey, sheet 10A, 11 June 1900). Ethel was still living at home in 1910. By then the family had moved to South Street in Summit. Ethel, her brother Albert and their step-brother Norman were all employed in the printing business. Albert and Norman did job work and Ethel was a compositior (1910 United States Federal Census, Enumeration District 113, Ward 2, Summit City, Union County, New Jersey, sheet 15A, 25 April 1910). Ethel married circa 1918, Charles C. Howell. Charles was born circa 1898 in New Jersey. He was a printer and worked for a newspaper. In 1920, Charles and Ethel lived with Ethel's widowed mother Virginia Garis and Ethel's half-brother Cecil Garis. The family lived in a rented house at 80 Ashwood Avenue in Summit (1920 United States Federal Census, Enumeration District 160, Ward 2, Summit City, Union County, New Jersey, sheet 8B, 6 January 1920). By 1930, Ethel and Charles had two daughters: Majorie and Betty. The family lived with Ethel's mother at 140 Morris Avenue in Summit. They owned the house, which was valued at $11,000. They also owned a radio. Charles was a newspaper publisher (1930 United States Federal Census, Enumeration District 20-159, Ward 2, Summit City, Union County, New Jersey, sheet 1A, 2 April 1930).
3347. (i.) MARJORIE E. HOWELL7, was born circa 1922 in New Jersey, probably in the city of Summit in Union County and died unknown. She lived at home with her parents in 1930 in their home at 140 Morris Avenue in Summit and attended school (1930 United States Federal Census, Enumeration District 20-159, Ward 2, Summit City, Union County, New Jersey, sheet 1A, 2 April 1930).
3348. (ii.) BETTY R. HOWELL7, was born circa 1928 in New Jersey, probably in the city of Summit in Union County and died unknown. She lived at home with her parents and sister in 1930 in their home at 140 Morris Avenue in Summit (1930 United States Federal Census, Enumeration District 20-159, Ward 2, Summit City, Union County, New Jersey, sheet 1A, 2 April 1930).
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