Henry and Margaret Jennings Excerpts
Simpson, Gloucester Co. Historicial Society New Jersey
Henry and Margaret had but one child and was still born March, 8, 1668. They were married at the Parish of St. Bartholomie, London.
James Riley Jennings, Phoenix, Arizona,1967 (JRJ 1967)
It seems quite generally agreed that Henry Jennings was the foundation stock of the Haddonfield Jennings. He was the son of William and Mary Jennings and was born in Clemond-deane, Surrey, England, July 21, 1642. Henry and wife Margaret Bussie Jennings, came to America on the ship Kent, landing in Salem, N.J., 23rd, 6 mo. 1677. They left from their home in Kingston, on Thames, London, bringing with them their servant “Martha Berkett, in one report, and in another the name was Martha Bassett. Such a difference seems not unusual in the reports or records of the “Friends Monthly Meetings”. Handwriting, spelling and phraseology in original records of monthly meetings indicates frequent changes in the scribe or reporting secretary. Within a two-year period in the Salem the name Henry Jennings is spelled in the following manner: Henerie Jememes, Henerie Jemenes, Henry Jenyngs, Henry Jenings, and finally Henry Jennings.
There is also a conflict in the name of the Master of the Kent, the ship bringing them to the New World. Our grandfather, Henry Jennings, born in Waynesville, Ohio, Aug. 6th 1812, writing to the Sect. of the Jennings Association, April 17th, 1850, states: “We trace back from our father James Jennings, by a succession of wills and records, to Henry Jennings, our parent stock, came from England to the United States. And we find him on the Emigrants Register, the time of landing, the vessel he came on, and the name of the master of the vessel, & c.
He came on the ship Kent, Meeslow, master; landed 16 June, 1677.” All other records and documents so far seen, refer to Gregory, Master A question arises. Was the first or last name used in the records? Could the name have been Gregory Meeslow, or Marlow
Note: Notes: Gregory Marlow was master of the Kent
James Riley Jennings, Phoenix, Arizona,1967 (JRJ 1967)
One of the most comprehensive reports on the Jennings family was published by the above author in Vol. 11 entitled: The History of the Jennings Family in England and America. The volume contains approximately 600 pages and is found in many libraries across the land. Reference to this book be abbreviated in this report with the designation WHJ 1899.
In this volume we find that Henry his wife Margaret owned land in many parts of New Jersey. Some was purchased in Gloucester County and considerable near Cohansey (now Greenwich). In 1681 Henry purchased 200 acres from John In 1682, 200 acres were purchased from two Indians. In 1695 Jennings of River (sold) some acreage of the latter to John Bacon of Cesarea River. In 1687 Salem records. at Trenton indicate that Henry bought (350) acres from Roger Milton
Source: William Henry Jennings, Columbus, Ohio, 1899 (WHJ 1899)
1703, Basses Book Trenton, P. 111 and 470 Lib. G. 3
Henry Jennings, tailor of Salem, bought land In Gloucester July 6th and August 6th of John Hugg & wife
Liber A, Folio 33, Trenton
Henry Jennings sold 69 acres to John Dennis and to Wm Warthman in 1704. Henry’s brother Isaac was father of Margaret Jennings. In his will Henry refers to his niece as “cozen”.
Henry’s was “proved, approved and allowed” at Burlington’ NJ” and we quote Surrogate Theodore Revell: Know yee that at Burlington, ye twenty third day of April Anno Dom, 1706, the last and testament of Henry Jennings was proved, approved and allowed ‘
William Henry Jennings, 1899
Isaac Jennings, son of Henry and Margaret Jennings, was buried in Haddonfield in 1758. “In 1715 Isaac bought land of John Hugg, executor of Margaret’s estate, at the head of Timber Creek. He also owned land south of Haddonfield near Philadelphia and Atlantic Railroad. His son Jacob, in 1784, bought the farm at Barrington recently sold by Burr Haines, near his father’s tract”.
Isaac and his wife Judith were members of the Friends Meeting in in Haddonfield
New Jersey Archives 1st Series 21, Calendar N.J. Record 1664-1703
On Sept. 4 1677, a warrant was sent to Samuel Hedge, Surveyor General, for a survey of ten acres in the Township of New Salem for Henry Jenyngs, tailor, the return to be made to Fenwick Adams. On July 20th 1685, Henry Jennings leased to Roger Milton a yoke of oxen to Roger Milton for two years
1681, 20th day, 6th mo., a memorandum notes that Henry Jennings received a quasi Indian Deed for about 300 acres. The two Indians were a Schochanam and Etthunt making the sale. The land was next to Jacob Youngs on Little Creek. In the 1681-2 period Henry also purchased 200 acres of 1500 acres survey from a 2000 piece of land. On Oct. 28th 1696, a deeded was issueed from Henry to Able Nicholson for 100 acres. Numerous other items of barter were noted but time did not permit their recording.
Genealogical Society of Pennsylvania Vol. I, Records of Salem N.J. Monthly Meetings, 1676-1740,
The first, monthly meeting in Salem N.J. Of Friends was in 1676. (note dot over the I in 1676). Henry first appeared in a Quaker meeting the third day of the fourth month 1678.
“It was appointed by the meeting that Edward Bradway & henerle Jememes should speak to James Neavell and know his reason whie hee doth absent from the meeting and return his answer to the next monthly meeting”.
It will be noted that the spelling varies a great deal from meeting to meeting. It appears that a different person was appointed or volunteered to be clerk of the monthly meeting. Hence the variety in spelling and phraseology. One researcher comments that he has found the name Jennings to be spelled eleven different ways. The name has been known to be spelled six different ways in one deed.
3rd day of 5th Mo. 1678 he is referred to as Jemenes. On the 3rd day of the 7th Mo. 1678, he is referred to on committee assignment as Henry Jenings. On this day Henry and Nathan Smart “were ordered by meeting to go to Robert Zaines to know whether he is willing to leave the difference that is between Thomas Smith & Hee to ye metting”.
There are many notations of members giving money to help defray expenses and other matters and Henry often topped the list of givers with ten or fifteen shillings.
On the 2nd day of ye 6th Mo. 1680, “Richard Robinson & Henry Jenings are ordered by ye mens meeting to make Inquiry of John Deen and his wife to know kan Justify to marrye their dagther to unbeliever.11
By 1683 in minutes of monthly meeting the name is spelled Henry Jennings.
At this date it also appears that a permanent clerk has been appointed to keep the records.”shall record the families of Friends and that he shall have three pence each head for recording the same.”
1683 is the last date of record that Henry served at the Salem meetings. To be called on assignment a member must be capable and responsible. Henry was called frequently.
New England Historical And Genealogical Society., Boston Fenwick’s Colony
History and Genealogy, Shrouds, 1876.
Henry Jennings was a prominent member of Salem N.J. Monthly Meetings, soon after its organization. He was the son of William and Mary Jennings., born 21st day 7th Mo. 1642, County of Surrey, England. The ship Kent landed them in Salem N.J. 23rd, 6th Mo. 1677.
In 1882, John Adams, son-in-law of John Fenwick sold Henry Jennings 200 acres of land. Adams was a weaver by trade. Not having any children Henry devised most of his estate to his uncle, Isaac Jennings of London and to Margaret, daughter of Isaac, his cousin.
James Riley Jennings 1967
For the benefit of posterity it may be of interest to note that this penchant for dealing in land and other barter appears to have passed on and inherited by some of the fourth and fifth great grand sons of Henry.
Smiths History of New Jersey, Second Edition UNJ 44P, page 93
refers to Henry Jennings and others laying out and dividing land in Burlington., N.J.
James Riley Jennings 1967
It is interesting to note that., even though Margaret had no children of her own, Henry was sufficiently affluent to provide her with a maid.
History of Burlington Co. N.J. – Everett & Peck 1863
Samuel Jennings emigrated from Coles Hill, Buckinghamshire, England and located in Burlington in 1680. “Friends” of Pennsylvania and West New Jersey, met in his home for many years. He was a recommended minister before leaving England. Soon after his arrival he was appointed Proprietary Governor of New Jersey and served until 1683 when he was appointed Governor by the Assembly of New Jersey, and subsequently reappointed, serving until 1692, when he moved to Philadelphia. He was greatly admired by William Penn who consulted him on serious problems of the day.
An historian wrote: “Samuel Jennings was worthy of memory and endowed with both spiritual and temporal wisdom”. He did more than any of his contemporaries in organizing civil government in West New Jersey. He had three daughters and no son.
William Henry Jennings 1899
West New Jersey Families. Vol. 2, P 336-41
“To this family belong some who have been factors in forming both civic and ecclesiastic policies in America, and whose names have found an honored and permanent place in the history they themselves eagerly made”.
Samuel and Henry, if they are related, are no closer than cousins. The “compiler” has found no relationship other than that they both came from England and settled in West New Jersey at about the same time; both were devout Quakers in both England and America, were men of honor, integrity and ability. (One historian finds them to be cousins”.) Ed.
The parentage of Samuel is not known by the author, though he was born in Coleshill, Buckinghamshire, England, and coming to America in 1680. He was a man of learning, influence and prominence. In 1677 he was minister of “Friends”, in London Monthly Meetings. He made two return trips to England, one to settle a “schism” among the “Friends” and the other to appeal to Queen Anne to remove Lord Cornbury as Governor. Both were successful.
In 1689 he removed to Philadelphia and the next year was appointed ”RECEIVER GENERAL OF PENNSYLVANIA11• During 1690-3 he was JUSTICE OF QUORUM AND JUDGE OF COUNTY COURT”.
Burlington Co. Historical Society Vol. 2
Samuel Jennings (Governor) and a friend were quietly enjoying their pipes in his office when their attention was directed to William Penn approaching. Knowing his aversion to tobacco they immediately put their pipes away. As Penn entered and became aware of the aroma, he pleasantly remarked that he was glad that they had sufficient sense of propriety to be ashamed of the practice. Quick-witted Samuel retorted that they were not ashamed but wanted to avoid hurting a weak brother.
William Henry Jennings, 1899
Henry Jennings, Clemmonddean Surrey, England
His name is especially to be noted because he was a key in the “ISAAC JENNINGS ASSOCIATION” directed toward establishing proof of descent from ”William of Acton II and the “great estate”. The author states that his search, though incomplete, fails to find any dependable proof that Henry and Isaac are related though he proceeds with the assumption that they are related. While he treats them as father and son he also presents adverse testimony. Dr. W.S.Long of Haddonfield, on April and Augst of 1899, find nothing to connect them that would stand up in court.
During 1724-27, Isaac was “Justice of the county of Gloucester”. N.J.
The 1740, 5th Mo. 14th, Haddonfield Meetings Record quote: “At ye request Isaac Jennings, FR’DS consent that he may set in our meetings of Business and that Ephraim Tomlinson is to acquaint him herewith”·
In his will Henry leaves the farm he bought from Thomas Graves, to Isaac Jennings, and the house in which he lived to “my cousin Margaret Jennings, dau. of Isaac Jennings of London.
On Dec. 2, 1679, the Friends Record notes that Henry, along with thirty others, was appointed to view the home of Edward Bradway to see if it was suitable for a “Meeting House. “
Morgan and Marguerite Bates Research
Since World War Two, Morgan and Marguerite Bates, searched the original Parish Records of St. Clement Daines England. From the Baptismal records are noted four sons of William and Mary Jennings. They were:
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Henry Jennings, Bap. Sept. 29, 1642.
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Robert Jennings, Bap. 30 Oct. 1642.
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John Jennings, Bap. 5 Oct. 1645.
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Isaac Jennings, Bap. 14 Aug. 1647.
The records of births, deaths and marriages of numerous other Jennings are also of record but the relationship is not indicated. At the time of this search the church had been bombed out but the records had been rescued and moved to other quarters for safe keeping.
The Bates search covers many other parishes with dates as late as 1825. The records of St. Nicholas Parish, Desford, London, collected at County Hall, West Minister, are of special interest because of the occupations among the Jennings. The time was in the late seventeen and early eighteen hundreds. There was a ship captains, Copper Plate maker, a Rigger, a Sawyer and many Sailmakers.
Note: Morgan was the son of LaSalle Bates and Nellie May Jennings
Excerpts, HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY JOHN BARBER 1844
John Fenwick came to America from England in 1675, on the ship Griffith, landing in a spot he named Salem, soon to become known as West New Jersey. He immediately began forming what later was called FENWICK’S COLONY. This was the first ship from England to land in the area. It was followed in less than two years by the ship Kent, among whose passengers was Henry Jennings, of London. The passengers on both ships were, for the most part Friends or Quakers. Negotiations were soon under way for the purchase of large tracts of land. By circumstance, William Penn, among others, was appointed trustee to handle large land holdings. A constitution or government was soon agreed upon by the colonists and was entitled:
“THE CONCESSIONS AND AGREEMENTS OF THE PROPRIETORS, FREEHOLDERS AND INHABITANTS OF THE PROVINCE OF WEST NEW JERSEY”.
There were one hundred and forty-five signers of the document, among whom were William Penn and Henry Jennings.
Large tracts of land were also purchased from the Indians. Among the considerations were the following:
“30 match coats, 20 guns, 30 kettles, and one great one, 30 pair of hose,20 fathom of duffelds, 30 petticoats, 30 narrow hoes, 30 bars of lead, 15 small barrels of powder,70 knives, 30 Indian axes,70 combs, 60 pair tobacco tongs, 60 scissors,60 tinshaw looking glasses, 120 awl blades, 120 fishbooks, 2 grasps of red paint, 120 needles, 60 tobacco boxes, 120 pipes, 200 bells,100 Jews-harps, and 6 anchors of rum”.
They did not have sufficient Indian goods to complete the purchase and were obliged to agree with the Indians not to settle on the land until the remain-was paid.
(A Job Jennings was a passenger on the ship Griffith. The compiler has no other information about him.)
William Henry Jennings 1899
Henry Jennings was a prominent member of the Salem Monthly meeting of Friends soon after its organization in 1666. He was the son of Williams and Mary Jennings, born the 21st of the 7th month., 1642, in the County of Surrey, England. Henry and his wife Margaret embarked for America in the ship Kent, Captain, Gregory, and landed at New Salem N.J. 3rd of the 6th month., 1677.
Shrouds History of Fenwick Colony, P.119.
In 1682, John Adams, son-in-law of John Fenwick, sold Henry Jennings 200 acres of land. Henry likewise purchased a considerable tract of land in Cohansey precinct., it being near the town of Cohansey, (Now Greenwich). Henry and his wife removed from Salem and located in the City of Philadelphia, about the year 1700, and at that place ended their days. He was a tailor by trade and followed it in that city. He died in1706., and made his will the year previous. Not having any children he devised most of his estate to his uncle, Isaac Jennings, of London and to the daughter of Isaac, Margaret Jennings, his cousin.
William Henry Jennings, 1899
There are many people in West New Jersey who are said to to be descended from Henry Jennings. This seems to me to be probable, and I shall therefore present such references to him as have appeared in official and historical records. (How could he have descendants if he had no children? See above.) (Ed.).The following I am told by a former Secretary of the “Jennens Association”, was certified to by Richard M. Acton, Custodian of Records of Salem Monthly Meeting, 8th Mo. 14, 1878.
Henry Jennings., son of William and Mary, wasborn7thMo.21, 1642, in the Parish of Clemonddeane, in the County of Surrey, England, married 1 No. 18, 1666, in London, Margaret, daughter of Paul Bussie, of York City, Old England. They left England for West New Jersey on the ship Kent 2 No.5, 1677, with their servant Martha, daughter of John Basse, arriving in Salem 6 Mo. 23,1677.
Sketches of the First Emigrant Settlers in Newton Township, Old Gloucester County, West New Jersey John Clement
Judge Clement,in”First Settlers in NewtonTownship”P.287,further states that Margaret Bussie was of the Parish of St. Bartholomew London.
Henry Jennings was a Friend, and so far as we can learn, a strict member of the Society. I have collected a few memoranda of the man while he was in Salem, N.J., prior to his removal to the City of Philadelphia.
He and his wife Margaret, frequently appear as witnesses to marriages in Salem Meetings. ”were appointed to take a view of Edward Bradway’s house for a meetinghouse.”
1681 -Mar. 12th. Lib. 2. Vol. 1, Basse’s Book, John and Elizabeth Adams sold 200 acres to Henry and Margaret Jennings (his wife).
1682 -Two Indians sold 200 acres to Henry Jennings, Salem.
1695 -Jan. 16 -Henry Jennings of MunMouth River of the County of Salem, Taylor sold 90 acres of the above tract for 321 (pound) silver money to John Bacon of Cesaria River. (Deed in possession of Miss Mary W. Bacon, 1898.)
1687 -Liber 3. fol. –Salem Records at Trenton -Henry bought -acres of Roger Milton.
1703 -Basses Book, Trenton, pp 111 and 470 of Lib. G.3.–HenryJennings, tailor of Salem, bought land in Gloucester (town) Gloucester Co., N.J. 6th July and 6th Aug. of John Hugg and wife. John Hugg Sr. died in 1706. He had lived at the junction of Great Timber and Little Timber Creeks, very near the Delaware River. It is believed that the site of Old Fort Nassau -the first point of settlement of Europeans (1623) on the shore of the Delaware River, was on this land. John Hugg Jr. married Priscilla Collins and it was to her that Henry Jennings’ widow Margaret left property and appointed John Hugg her executor.
Liber A. fol. 33 -Trenton.
Henry Jennings sold 69 acres to John Denis. He also sold land to Wm. Waithman, 1704. John Bacon who had bought of Wm. Waithman sold .34½ acres to Jeremiah Bacon.
Ethel H Jennings Laurel Springs N.J.
The following by courtesy of Ethel H. Jennings, Laurel Springs, N.J. ,reference to Henry Jennings, source unknown: “2 match coats, 2 mutches of powder, 2 bars lead, 2 knives, 6 fish hooks, 6 needles, 20 spoons of red lead. Rec. Nov. 28, 1682.”