George Dennis
In 1849, George W. Dennis came to California as a slave to his white father’s company of gamblers who desired to profit from gold miners. After three months, George Dennis, who had a mind for business was able to buy his freedom from his father with the money he had earned as a porter at the El Dorado Hotel located at Washington and Kearney Street. Dennis saved his earnings, and from the sweepings from the gambling table, he bought his freedom for $1000 and started a business. George Dennis later owned several properties in San Francisco, as well as, the largest horse livery business in the city. In 1858, Dennis helped finance the Archie Lee defense team. In 1855, Dennis married Margaret Brown, the sister of Charlotte Brown, and raised eleven children who eventually raised their children in San Francisco. The Dennis family members were outstanding leaders in San Francisco. The Dennis children became teachers, lawyers, and businessmen/women in San Francisco. The desire for business and to achieve in leadership lasted throughout many generations of the Dennis family (Beasley120-121). (“California Historical Society, de Young Collection, FN-19961/CHA20111.513.tif ”)