Religious Society of Friends Records
James Riley Jennings 1967
MEETINGS OF THE RELIGIOUS SOCIETY OF FRIENDS
The following early records of FRIENDS MONTHLY MEETINGS are of great family interest, not only because of the customs of the times, but, also, because of activities of family members as Quakers. A number of early family members were frequently appointed to committees to bring errant Friends before Monthly Meetings for discipline.
The accusations and stern discipline appear to have the flavor of the Catholic Inquisitions of the 13th to 19th century and to that of the Puritans of early New England. Other religions are reported to have acted with equal severity at early times.
Many Quakers of today are shocked at the inflexible austerity of the early record and have reason to question the validity of some accusations. One is led to wonder.
JACOB JENINGS -ANN HOPKINS
DEPARTMENT OF RECORDS OF PHILADELPHIA YEARLY MEETING OF THE RELIGIOUS SOCIETY OF FRIENDS
302 ARCH STREET PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA 19106
CUSTODIAN Howard H. Brinton SECRETARY Alice P. Allen
JACOB JENINGS -ANN HOPKINS
At a Monthly Meeting held the 9th of 6th month, 1783:
Jacob Jenings son of Isaac Jenings deceased, and Ann Hopkins, widow of Ebenezer Hopkins deceased, appeared and declared their intention of Marriage with each other, her Parents being present consented. John Glover and Jont. Knight are appointed to make the needful inquiry respecting his clearness, and whether her affairs are settled respecting the rights of her Children, and report to next meeting.
JACOB JENINGS -ANN HOPKINS
At a Monthly Meeting held the 9th of 6th month, 1783:
Jacob Jenings son of Isaac Jenings deceased, and Ann Hopkins, widow of Ebenezer Hopkins deceased, appeared and declared their intention of Marriage with each other, her Parents being present consented. John Glover and Jont. Knight are appointed to make the needful inquiry respecting his clearness, and whether her affairs are settled respecting the rights of her Children, and report to next meeting.
JACOB JENINGS -ANN HOPKINS
DEPARTMENT OF RECORDS OF PHILADELPHIA YEARLY MEETING OF THE RELIGIOUS SOCIETY OF FRIENDS
302 ARCH STREET PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA 19106
CUSTODIAN Howard H. Brinton SECRETARY Alice P. Allen
JACOB JENINGS -ANN HOPKINS
At a Monthly Meeting held the 14th of 7th month 1783.
Jacob Jenings and Ann Hopkins appeared & declared the Continuation of their intention of marriage with each other, he produced his Mother’s Consent in writing, and the enquirers reporting nothing to obstruct, and that her affairs are settled, they are at Liberty to solemnize their said marriage & John Glover & Jonat.
JACOB JENINGS -ANN HOPKINS
DEPARTMENT OF RECORDS OF PHILADELPHIA YEARLY MEETING OF THE RELIGIOUS SOCIETY OF FRIENDS
302 ARCH STREET PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA 19106
CUSTODIAN Howard H. Brinton SECRETARY Alice P. Allen
JACOB JENINGS -ANN HOPKINS
At a Monthly Meeting held the 11th of 8th month 1783.
The Friends appointed reported the Marriage of Jacob Jenings and Ann Hopkins was orderly accomplished, the company small, and produced the Marriage Certificate to be recorded.
Copied from the Minutes of Haddonfield
Monthly Meeting, 1781-1804. Pages 43, 44, 46.
MARRIAGE OF JACOB JENINGS AND ANN HOPKINS
DEPARTMENT OF RECORDS OF PHILADELPHIA YEARLY MEETING OF THE RELIGIOUS SOCIETY OF FRIENDS
302 ARCH STREET PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA 19106
CUSTODIAN Howard H. Brinton SECRETARY Alice P. Allen
MARRIAGE OF JACOB JENINGS AND ANN HOPKINS
Whereas Jacob Jenings of the Town & County of Gloucester in the Western Division of New Jersey, Yeoman, Son of Isaac Jenings, dec’d, and Ann Hopkins of the Township of Newton in the County aforesaid, Widow of Ebenezer Hopkins, and Daughter of Josiah Albertson……… Dated: 7-24-1783
The certificate was signed by:
Jacob Jenings
Ann Jenings
-
Ann Albertson
-
Ann Hopkins
-
Ann Webster
-
Benja Hopkins
-
Benja Swett
-
Beulah Clement
-
Beulah Stokes
-
Deborah Griscom
-
Ebenezer Hopkins
-
Eliza Hugg
-
Eliza Webster
-
Elizabeth Hopkins, Jun’r
-
Esabel Knight
-
Hannah Albertson
-
Hannah Clement
-
Hannah Elfreth
-
Isaac Ballinger
-
Isaac Hopkins
-
Isaac Horner, Jun’r.
-
Isaac Jennings
-
Jacob Jennings
-
John Est. Hopkins
-
Judith Jennings
-
Mary Glove
-
Mary Swett
-
Patience Ballinger
-
Peter Thompson
-
Rebekah Brown
-
Rebekah Price
-
Reuben Burrough
-
Samuel Brown
-
Samuel Hopkins
-
Samuel Jenings
-
Samuel Webster
-
Sarah Griscom
-
Sarah Hopkins
-
Sarah Hopkins, Jun’r
-
Sarah Webster
-
Thomas Redman
-
Thomas Webster
-
William Griscom
-
William Knight
*John Est: Hopkins was John Estaugh Hopkins, father of William E Hopkins who married Ann Morgan
Copied from: Marriage Certificates -Haddonfield-1886. Page 113.
Jacob Jennings requested a certificate for his son Jacob
DEPARTMENT OF RECORDS OF PHILADELPHIA YEARLY MEETING OF THE RELIGIOUS SOCIETY OF FRIENDS
302 ARCH STREET PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA 19106
CUSTODIAN Howard H. Brinton SECRETARY Alice P. Allen
At a Monthly Meeting held the 13th of 6th month 1785.
Jacob Jennings requested a certificate for his son Jacob
Jacob Jennings requested a certificate for his son Jacob whom he hath placed an apprentice to a friend within the Compass of Mount Holly Monthly Meeting. Peter Thompson is appointed to the service.
At a Monthly Meeting held the 11th of 7th mo. 1785.
The friend appointed produced a certificate for Jacob Jennings to Mount Holly which was read approved and signed by the clerk.
Ibid. p 96.
At a Monthly Meeting held the 10th day of the 7th month 1786
Jacob Jenings a Youth return’d to this meeting a Certificate given him to Mount Holly, in the 7th month last, with that Meeting’s indorsement thereon dated the 8th of 6th mo. last, which was read and received.
Ibid. p112.
Jacob Jennings was an active and useful member of Haddonfield Monthly Meeting. He served on the committee for educating the negroes; the one in charge of the plans for a new schoolhouse; one conducting an inquiry about the use of intoxicating liquors. In addition, he was frequently appointed to act in cases of individual discipline and to represent his meeting at other meetings.
Judith Jenings to Evesham
DEPARTMENT OF RECORDS OF PHILADELPHIA YEARLY MEETING OF THE RELIGIOUS SOCIETY OF FRIENDS
302 ARCH STREET PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA 19106
CUSTODIAN Howard H. Brinton SECRETARY Alice P. Allen
Judith Jenings to Evesham
At a Monthly Meeting held the 8th of 10th month 1787.
The women requested a Certificate may be prepared for Judith Jenings to Evesham. Daniel Roberts is appointed to the service.
At a Monthly Meeting held the l2th day of the 11th month 1787
The friend appointed produced a certificate for Judith Jenings, which was read and with some amendment approved and sign’d by the Clerk, in order to be sent to the women for their signing.
From: Minutes of Haddonfield Monthly Meeting
1781-1804. ppl33, 134.
JOHN JENNINGS
DEPARTMENT OF RECORDS OF PHILADELPHIA YEARLY MEETING OF THE RELIGIOUS SOCIETY OF FRIENDS
302 ARCH STREET PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA 19106
CUSTODIAN Howard H. Brinton SECRETARY Alice P. Allen
JOHN JENNINGS
At a Monthly Meeting held at Haddonfield the 9th of 3rd Month 1789.
One of the overseers from the preparative meeting reported that John Jennings has been dealt with for being guilty of Fornication and accomplishing his Marriage with the same person, contrary to good order. Benjamin Swett and Daniel Roberts are appointed to visit and labour with him, in order to lay before him the evil of such conduct, and the necessity there is of endeavouring to witness a state of true repentance, and to report their sense of the situation of his mind to next meeting.
At a Monthly Meeting held the 13th of 4th Month· 1789.
The Committee appointed to visit and labour with John Jenings, reported they have had an Opportunity with him; and that he did not appear in a suitable disposition to condemn his misconduct, but the Meeting being informed that the women have not come to a result, respecting his wife; the case is referred to next Meeting.
JOHN JENNINGS, continued.
11th of 5th month, 1789.
The Case of John Jenings coming under Consideration, and the Meeting being inform’d that the women have come to the result’to Testify against his wife, John Gill and Thomas Redman are appointed to prepare a Testimony against them and produce to next Meeting.
8th of 6th month 1789.
The friends appointed produc’d a Testimony against John Jenings and Sarah his Wife, which was read approv’d and Signed by the Clerk, and Joshua Evens and Nathan Lippincott are appointed to deliver them a Copy inform them of their priviledge of Appeal, and report to next meeting.
13th of 7th month, 1789.
The friends appointed reported they have delivered to John Jenings & Wife, a Copy of the Testimony against them, and inform’d them of their priviledge of Appeal, and that they said they should not appeal, therefore J. T. Glover is appointed to read the Testimony at the Close of a public First day Meeting at Haddonfield, and return it to next Meeting.
10th day of the 8th month 1789.
The friend appointed reported he had read the Testimony against John Jenings & Wife, & now return’d it.
James Jennings
DEPARTMENT OF RECORDS OF PHILADELPHIA YEARLY MEETING OF THE RELIGIOUS SOCIETY OF FRIENDS
302 ARCH STREET PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA 19106
CUSTODIAN Howard H. Brinton SECRETARY Alice P. Allen
JAMES JENINGS
At a Monthly Meeting held the 11th of 6th Month 1792 A Certificate was also produc’d for James Jenings a Youth, to the same Meeting (Chesterfield), which was read approved and signed by the Clerk.
At a Monthly Meeting held the 14th of 9th mo. 1795. James Jennings produced a Certificate from the Monthly meeting of friends at Chesterfield dated the 4th of 8th month, which was read and received.
At a Monthly Meeting held the 13th of 6th month 1803. Report in writing was produc’d from the preparative Meeting at Haddonfield, that James Jennings has been dealt with for being guilty of Fornication with his brother’s Widow, and for marrying her, Benjamin Swett & David Arney are appointed to visit him and endeavour as they may be enabled to lay the evil of his Conduct before him and report to next Meeting.
At a Monthly Meeting held the 11th of 7th month 1803.
The friends appointed reported they have had an opportunity with James Jennings agreeable to appointment; it is therefore agreed to Testify against his reproachful conduct, and Thomas Githens and Thomas Redman are appointed to prepare a Testimony against him and produce to next meeting.
James Jennings, continued
Monthly Meeting held at Haddonfield the 8th of 8th Month 1803.
The friends appointed produc’d a Testimony against James Jenings which was read, and with some amendment approv’d, and
sign’d by the Clerk, and Samuel Clement & Thomas Githens are appointed to deliver him a copy, inform him of his priviledgef appeal, and report to next meeting.
At a Monthly Meeting held the 12th Of 9th mo/ 1803
One of the friends appointed , reported they have delivered James Jennings a copy of the Testimony against him, and informed him of his priviledge of appeal, and that he replied he should not appeal
Copied from The Minutes of Haddonfield
Monthly Meeting 1?81-1804.
pp 454, 456, 458, 459.
SAMUEL AND ELIZABETH JENINGS
DEPARTMENT OF RECORDS OF PHILADELPHIA YEARLY MEETING OF THE RELIGIOUS SOCIETY OF FRIENDS
302 ARCH STREET PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA 19106
CUSTODIAN Howard H. Brinton SECRETARY Alice P. Allen
At a Monthly Meeting held the 13th of 6th month 1796.
Report was also made that Samuel Jenings has been dealt with for Unchastity before Marriage, and going out in his marriage. Thomas Githens and John Gill the Younger, are appointed to visit him and to endeavour to lay the evil of such conduct before him and report their sense of the Situation of his mind to next Meeting.
At a Monthly Meeting held the 11th of 7th mo. 1796
The friends appointed to visit Samuel Jennings now reported that they had complied with the appointment and also had an opportunity with his wife who has been previously visited by women friends and their situation to them to render a Testimony of disownment proper in their case, which is adopted by this meeting: Thomas Githens and John Gill are appointed to prepare a Testification against their evil conduct, and produce it to next meeting for approbation.
At a Monthly Meeting held the 8th of 8th month 1796.
The friends appointed produc’d a Testimony against Samuel Jenings and Elizabeth his Wife; which was read, approved and signed by the Clerk, & Thomas Githens & John Gill the Younger, are appointed to deliver them a Copy, inform them of their priviledge of Appeal and report to next Meeting.
At a Monthly Meeting held the 12th of 9th month 1?96.
The friends appointed reported, they have delivered Samuel Jenings and Wife a Copy of the Testimony against them, and inform’d them of their priviledge of Appeal, and that the
Answer was they should not appeal. Therefore John T. Glover is appointed to read the Testimony at the Close of a public first day Meeting at Haddonfield, and return it to next Meeting.
ISAAC JENNINGS
DEPARTMENT OF RECORDS OF PHILADELPHIA YEARLY MEETING OF THE RELIGIOUS SOCIETY OF FRIENDS
302 ARCH STREET PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA 19106
CUSTODIAN Howard H. Brinton SECRETARY Alice P. Allen
ISAAC JENNINGS
At a Monthly Meeting held the 10th of 8th month 1801
Isaac Jenings by Nathan Lippincott requested a Certificate to the Monthly Meeting of friends at Upper Evesham. Samuel Stokes&. Jacob Glover are appointed to make enquiry, prepare one and produce it to next meeting.
12th of 10th month 1801.
The Obstruction to the Granting a Certificate for Isaac Jenings, not being removed, the friends are continued.
9th of the 11th month 1801.
The Obstruction to the Granting a Certificate to Isaac Jenings not being remov’d, he now attended with an acknowledgment in writing, which not appearing to be sufficiently expressive of his misconduct, John T. Glover and Elisha Hooten are appointed to return it to him for an amendment, and to report their sense of his Situation of Mind to next meeting
At a Monthly Meeting held the 14th of 12th month 1801.
Isaac Jenings attended this Meeting with an acknowledgment in writing condemning his having been sometimes intoxicated with strong drink, which being several times read, it appeared to be the sense of the Meeting to receive it, being as follows.
“To friends of the Monthly Meeting of Haddonfield.
“ As a member of your meeting I have been treated with for having been intoxicated with strong Drink, which has sometimes inadvertently been the case. I am sorry for the error, do condemn the same, and hope my future orderly behavior will reconcile me to Friends.”
“Isaac Jenings” “12th mo 14th 1801”
The friends heretofore appointed to prepare a Certificate for Isaac Jenings are continued.
Copied from: Minutes of Haddonfield Monthly Meeting, 1781-1804. pp 421,422, 423, 425.
FRIENDS 302 ARCH ST. LIBRARY, Philadelphia
FRIENDS RECORDS
10-12th-1745. Aaron Lippencott, son of Samuel Lippencott, and Elizabeth Jennings, daughter of Isaac Jennings, declared their intention of taking each other in marriage. They jointly appeared before womens group and then mens group to ask if there was any objection. A committee was appointed to search and see if either was engaged to anyone else. None was found; there were no objections, and the marriage was approved by the meeting. A committee was appointed to attend the wedding. In February the committee reported favorably on the marriage at the Monthly Meeting.
MINUTES OF HADDONFIELD (N.J) MONTHLY MEETINGS 1731-1761.
Isaac Jennings was appointed to many committees. This was not done except in case of very responsible members. 1740. Isaac Jennings “at ye request Friends consent that be should set in our meetings of business, and that Ephraim Tomlinson is to acquaint them therewith.”
1761 10th day Mo 12. Jacob Jennings, son of Isaac Jennings, deceased, and Mary Smith, dau. of Isaac Smith, declared their intention to marry.” The committee appointed to search their doings reported favorably, 12-14-1761. Two months later the committee appointed to attend the wedding reported “that the marriage had been orderly accomplisht.”
Haddonfield Meetings 1737-1886
P.221. Jacob Jennings
WHEREAS, Jacob Jennings of the township and county of Gloucester in the Province of New Jersey, Son of Isaac Jennings, late of the same place,
deceased, and Mary Smith, Daughter of Isaac Smith, late of the county of Gloucester, afore said, Deceased, Having declared their intentions of Marriage to each other Before several monthly meetings of people called Quakers held at Haddonfield in the County of Gloucester afore Said according to the good orders used amongst them and having Consent of Relatives Concerned there, Said Proposals of Marriage was allowed of By the Said meeting.
“Now these are to Certifie all Whom it may Concern that for the full accomplishing their Said Intentions this third day of the twelvth Month in the year of our Lord -one thousand seven hundred and Sixty one they the said Jacob Jenings and Mary Smith appeared at a Publick Meeting of the said people at Haddonfield afore said and the Said Jacob Jenings taking the Said Mary Smith By the hand did in a Solemn Manner openly declare that he took her the said Mary Smith to Be his Wife, promising through the Lords assistance to Be unto her a loving and faithful husband until death should separate them and then and there in the same assemble the Said Mary Smith did in like manner declare that she took
the Said Jacob Jenings to be her lawful husband, promising through the Lords assistance to be unto him a faithful and loving Wife until death
should separate them and Moreover they the Said Jacob Jenings and Mary Smith, she according to the custom of Marriage assuming the name of her husband, and, as a further confirmation thereof did then and there to these presents Set their bands, and we whose names are hereunder also Subscribe Being Present at the Solenmization of the Said Marriage and Subscription have as witnesses thereunto Set our hand the day and year above written.”
Their signatures we reaffixed as were also the thirty witnesses to the ceremony. These included:
Judith Jennings, Ephraim Tomlinson, Josiah Albertson, Jn. Esq. Hopkins,
Josiah Kay, Ann Albertson, Isaac, Patrick and Samuel C. Flanningham.
Job, Mark and Deborah Jennings
Job Jennings attended Friends Monthly Meeting 1807
Mark Jennings attended Friends Monthly Meeting 1807
Deborah Jennings attended Friends Monthly Meeting 1807
HISTORY OF NEWTON TOWNSHIP N.J. P. 323
Job Jennings died near Springfield, Ohio, 1853
Hinshaw. Friends Monthly Meeting
Job Jennings, Elder, died in 75th year, near Rehobeth, Ohio 6-11-1863. Springboro M.M.
Job Jennings received at Woodbury, N.J. M.M. 6-25-1817.
Jacob M. Jennings, Sicklersville, N.J., is cousin to Henry Jennings of Waynesville, Ohio, as noted by letter to Henry, May 1st, 1876.
Elizabeth Roberts, Jackson, Mo. (Feb. 1880) is half-sister to Ann Morgan Jennings, wife of Henry, of Waynesville.
Haddonfield M.M. records. Minutes 121, f. 1.42.
“At Haddonfield M.M. held the 23rd of second month 1809, A report was produced from Haddonfield Preparitive Meeting stating that Mark Jennings been dealt with for accomplishing his marriage by the assistance of a Magistrate and he now attended with an acknowledgment in writing condemning his said deviation, which was read, and Nathan Lippincott and Michael Stratton appointed to visit him and report their sense of the situation of his mind to the next Meeting”.
“At a Monthly Meeting of Friends held at Woodbury the 8th. of 6th. mo. 1815 —Women Friends reported that Mary Jennings wife of Mark Jennings hath requested to be joined in religious membership with Friends, am they join, have requested for their three minor children,: viz: Jacob, Mark & Kitty Ann Jennings. Joshua Lord and Biddle Reeves were appointed to unite with a committee of women Friends to visit them and report at the next Meeting.” They became members.