IN A REMINISCENT MOOD
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Geo. W. Dennis Observed His 85th Birthday June 15

Thinking the matter over and knowing that he had passed 85 years several important events that took place in the past, especially in the earlier days of his life. The more he thought about it the more was he impressed with physical and mental capabilities given him by his Creator.
The writer was at work at the rear door of the office putting up a screen door. Mr. Dennis came along, we sat down and talked these things over while he was in this retrospective mood.
Mr. Dennis was born in Allegheny county, New York now known as Wyoming county. February 23, 1853 he was married to Miss Ruth Drake at Oswego, Illinois. In 1872 they moved to Fontanelle and in 1892 to Greenfield. Mrs. Dennis died March 17, 1911, since which time Mr. Dennis has been in sorrow because of this separation.
Not many communities can boast of a citizen who served as a soldier in both the Mexican war and the Civil war of 1861 and still living and able to get around. Mr. Dennis' war experience seems to be the most important epoch in the history of his life. And why should it not be so? He enlisted at Sycamore, Illinois June 19, 1847 66 years ago; went to Alton to rendezvous until the regiment was filled. He then went to Vera Cruz, Mexico in the ship Massachusetts. The war ended about eleven months after his enlistment in Co E 2nd Reg't Illinois Vol.
August 6, 1862 he enlisted in the civil war and was discharged May 1863 at Gallipolis, Ohio on account of disabilities incurred, but was not wounded during his time of service.
Young people live in the future, anticipating the joys of life. Old people live over the past, reviewing in memory the events that have been.

"The Greenfield Transcript"
Greenfield, Iowa
Thursday, July 3, 1913
Number 27, Whole No. 1977
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"Greenfield Transcript"
Greenfield, Adair Co., Iowa
August 1913

George W. Dennis first saw the light of day on June 15th, 1828 in Allegany County, N.Y. and died at his house in Greenfield, Iowa, August 15, 1913, making his age 85 years and 2 months. When but a boy of 16 he enlisted in the Mexican volunteers and became a member of Co. E. 2nd Regiment Ill., Volunteers, he having enlisted from his home in Sycamore, De Kalb County, Illinois, and remained until the close of the war.
He was united in marriage to Ruth Drake Feb. 23, 1853. When volunteers were called for in the war of the rebellion he again enlisted from the same town he formerly enlisted from and became a member of Co. A 105 Ill. Infantry. He remained in the army until discharged on account of disability in 1863.
Shortly after his marriage, he and his wife joined the Methodist church and he has remained a member of that church ever since that time. He was always faithful to his church and at one time was a class leader, and has been esteemed as a quiet respected citizen and regarded as honorable and perfectly reliable. Although he and his wife had no family they felt called upon to raise several children, and have always tried to do their duty by them.
Mr. Dennis has been a citizen of Iowa for 44 years, having come to Deep River, Poweshick county in 1869. From here he moved to Labette county, Kansas, where he lived for one year and in October 1872 moved to Fontanelle and lived in Prussia township until October 1893 when he moved to Greenfield where he has lived until the time of his death.
He was always proud of his army record and a true friend to his old comrades.
Fear not, I am with thee, O be not dismayed
For I am they God, and will still give thee aid.
I'll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause to stand:
Upheld by my gracious omnipotent hand.

Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon at the Methodist church. The sermon was delivered by Rev. J. S. Young, prayer by Rev. Cable, with the ceremony at the grave conducted by Rev. A. A. Smidt. Myers, Post G.A.R. attended in a body, with old comrades as pallbearers. The body was laid to rest in the Greenfield cemetery beside that of the wife who died about two years ago.