Deborah (Young) Jenners 1773 - 1842

Deborah Young was born 15 April 1773 near Bladensburg, Prince George’s Co., Maryland.  Her parents were William Young and Ruth Ann Jackson.  I have found no middle name for her; it is possible that her middle name was Holbrook, but this is a conjecture on my part.

One of the stories handed down with other family documents states that Deborah was a niece of Notley Young, owner of much of the land that became Washington, D.C.  I need to do more research on the Young line to determine if this is true.

On 17 May 1796, she and Abiel Jenners obtained a marriage license in Upper Marlborough, Prince George’s Co., Maryland.   They were married that same day, possibly in Washington City (now Washington, D.C.)  An unsourced family record states, "One daughter, Deborah, married Abiel Jenners and they were my grandparents...."   At present, the best marriage date seems to be 17 May 1796, though there are a number of conflicting sources.  The "Washington Gazette" for 11-15 June 1796 says, "Married... May 17, Mr. Abial Jenners, to Miss Deborah Young."

Abiel Jenners was born in Concord, Massachusetts on 5 January 1774, the son of David Jenners and his wife, Sarah Buttrick.  I will do a separate post on Abiel.

Their first child was born 25 April 1797 in Washington City.  This was a son they named either Henry Martin or Martin Holbrook or some combination of those names.  The correct name has not been determined.  See my blog about Martin for more information.

Their next child was another son, William Morduit Jenners, born 9 November 1798 in Washington City. 

A daughter, Sarah, was born 3 June 1800.  Sarah died on 27 June 1801; she was just one year old.  Her burial has not been found.

About January 1802, Abiel and Deborah moved with their young sons to “Concord Farm” near Broad Run (creek?) in Loudoun Co., Virginia.

Their next son, David Jenners, was born 23 July 1802, near Broad Run, Loudoun Co., Virginia.

Another daughter, again named Sarah, was born 16 March 1804, near Broad Run, Loudoun Co., Virginia.  This Sarah had a middle initial of “Y.”  I suspect this stood for her mother’s maiden name, “Young,” but I have not found any document to prove this.

In 1805 Abiel bought land near Paolian Springs, Loudoun Co.  This is probably “Hamilton Farm” located north of Paolian Springs. 

On 19 February 1807, Deborah gave birth to twins, a boy and a girl.  The boy died and was never named.  The girl lived and was named MaryDulin Jenners.  This was at Hamilton Farm.

On 26 June 1809, Deborah gave birth to twin sons; one twin died and was never named.  The other twin lived and was named Saurin Jenners.  I have not found any source for this unusual name.

On 15 January 1811, son Alba Jenners was born at Hamilton Farm in Loudoun Co.  And on 18 April 1813, Deborah gave birth to her last child, Ann Jenners, called “Nancy” by the family.  Deborah was 40 years old.

In 1822, the family moved to a house built by Abiel on “William Wright’s farm” in Loudoun. 

On 13 April 1824, daughter, Sarah, married Dr. Jonathan N. Bradfield, at her father’s home in Loudoun Co.  The marriage notice read, "Married by Rev. Mr. Burch: Dr. Jonathon N. Bradfield to Miss Sarah Jenners, daughter of Abiel Jenners, Esq. all of this county."  Jonathan was a Quaker and was disowned by the meeting for marrying “out of unity.”

On 26 September 1824, Deborah’s husband, Abiel, died.  Deborah was 51 years old with nine living children (eight unmarried); the youngest, Nancy, was only 11 years old.

On 10 June 1825, Deborah and the executor of Abiel’s estate, John Braden, sold the Wright Farm (103 acres) to Samuel Harris and his wife, Ann, for $10,000.  Deborah seems to have moved to Waterford, Loudoun Co., Virginia after Abiel’s death.  Her son, Martin, wrote several letters addressed to her in Waterford in March, April, July and October 1826. 

Over the course of the next few years, Deborah received a number of small payments from John Braden, executor of Abiel’s estate.  These payments ranged from $5 to $901.43. 

In the fall of 1828, Deborah and most of her children left Loudoun Co. and traveled as far as Dayton, Ohio.  They spent the winter in Dayton.  In the spring of 1829, they left Dayton and traveled to Lafayette, Indiana.  By July 1829, the family was living in Lafayette.   

Deborah is found there as the head of the household on the 1830 Census.  Also listed were these individuals: 1 male age 10-15 [born 1815-1820; Alba?], 1 male age 15-20 [born 1810-1815; Saurin?], 1 male age 30-40 [born 1790-1800 Martin, William or David], 1 male age 50-60 black [born 1770-1780; this may be the “Old Moses” mentioned in Nancy’s letters], 1 female age 15-20 [born 1810-1815; Ann], 1 female age 70-80? [born 1750-1760; Deborah?] & a "free colored female aged 25-36 years" [born 1794-1805; I have not discovered who this might be, however there was a woman, Hannah, listed on Abiel’s estate inventory in 1824].

Letters from Deborah’s daughter, Nancy, are our main source of information on the family during these early days.  It is clear, however, that Deborah was often ill with such things as “the chills.”  Nancy writes of Lafayette being a fairly sickly place.

It seems that Deborah mostly lived with her children at this time.  She was sometimes with her son, David, in Lafayette, and other times visiting her daughter, Mary, and Mary’s husband, Burr Braden, in Clinton Co., Indiana.  In September 1831, for example, she went to stay with Mary and Burr and was planning on being there all winter.

On 28 September 1831, John Braden, Executor of the will of Abiel Jenners, was taken to court by Abiel's widow, Deborah Jenners, and her five youngest children (Sarah Jenners Bradfield, Mary D. Jenners Braden, Nancy Jenners, Alba Jenners and Saurin Jenners) and their spouses (Jonathan Bradfield and Burr Braden) in an attempt to get John to give her the $1500-$2000 left in Abiel's estate after his debts had been paid.  Deborah wanted the money to "invest" in Indiana where it would be more convenient for her to draw her interest.  John did not want to release the money unless he had a bond that ensured she would refund it to him should more debts surface from Abiel's estate.  Abiel's will specified that Deborah be given an allowance for life and then the surplus of his estate was to be divided between his five youngest children after her death.  There is not enough information in the papers copied to determine the outcome of case, but I suspect that Deborah lost. 

On 28 January 1832, Abiel’s sister, Mary (Jenners) Winn, wrote the following letter to her sister-in-law, Deborah:  

"Concord  January 28, 1832

My Dear Sister,     Your daughter's affectionate letter was handed to me about 3 weeks since, which was written to my daughter Adeline, who is now in the cold & silent grave.  My afflictions have been so great the past summer that I hardly feel myself able to address you, still I hope that you will excuse all errors & mistakes.  Last April Adeline was married to Franklin Farmer of Lowell.  My son Joseph was taken very ill with a severe fever in June, we despaired of his life for several weeks, but soon he began to recover his health, & I felt very thankful that he was spared to his parents a little longer.  In the course of his sickness Adeline & Abigail came over from Lowell & spent a week with him.  Abigail left our house of a Monday morning, and in a fortnight from that day which was the 7th August, she was brought from Lowell a lifeless corpse, & the 11 of August my dear Adeline was brought home a corpse.  I was with both of them when they died.  Adeline was sick 3 weeks, but Abigail lived little over a week.  Oh! my dear sister, permit me to call you by that endearing name, can you imagine my feelings?  I trust that you could have sympathized with me, you having been repeatedly called to like afflictions.  It does not seem possible to me that my dear Daughters can be numbered with the dead, they were cut off in the [unreadable] of their days, from the full enjoyment of health & prosperity, but a few short days, laid them in the cold & silent grave.  My mother is gone to the world of spirits, she expired the 20 of November.  She had lived to a good old age & her senses were very much impaired, but if she had been spared a little longer she might have been a comfort to her children.  Death moves near us in the deaths of our friends & relatives, & warns us to be also ready; And my sister should we consider ourselves immortal, when we see so many of our friends fall victims to this fell destroyer.  How often are my dear daughters, presented to my imagination, as the appeared when in health, now no more, even now I cannot realize that they are gone forever; How awfully solemn is death, what a change then takes place, when the spirit takes its departure, & the body sleeps a lifeless corpse:  how mysterious, how common, & how little thought of; I am astonished at my own want of thought & reflection on that day which will decide the fate of the immortal soul, it will then be fixed in a state of endless happiness, or appear before an angry judge & be banished from his presence forever.  Oh! I hope my daughters were prepared to meet death, & are happier than to be in this world of trouble.  Adeline appeared perfectly willing to die & rose up in bed a few hours before she expired and [said?] a prayer.  Abigail died without any sense of her situation. Although I have never had the pleasure of seeing you, still I feel myself considerably acquainted with you, you being united to my brother, whom I tenderly loved.  It would have given me a great deal of pleasure, if my brother & you had made us a visit before his death, & if it should ever be in your power, or your children to visit us, you may depend upon a very welcome reception.  It is not very probably we shall ever meet in this world, but we hope to meet in heaven.  We must take the bible [sic] for our guide, & lay aside those prejudices which [unreadable] in our world & seek for the one thing needful, "this pearl of great price," which is promised to those who diligently seek for it.  My husband & family join in love with me to you & your family.  Accept my friend my warmest wishes for your health and happiness; a letter from you will be received with emotions of grateful & sincere affection from you affectionate far distant sister.

for Mrs. Deborah Jenners                                                     Mary Winn"

(On a side note, this is a particularly valuable letter to my research, since it gives the death date of Mary & Abiel’s mother, Sarah Buttrick Jenners Blood, as November 20, 1831.  It also gives me information on Mary Winn’s family to help further my Jenners research in the Concord area.)

Deborah Jenners was summoned to court in Loudoun Co., Virginia on 13 February 1832 in a suit over a debt (along with John Braden and Henry M. Jenners).  She apparently did not pay a $40 debt before the family left Virginia.  She did not, of course, appear in court in Loudoun since she had long since moved to Indiana.  And according to the accounting filed in court, John Braden, executor of Abiel Jenners' estate, paid out cash per Deborah's orders totaling over $700.

In June 1832, Deborah was staying "out there" at Burr and Mary Braden's home.  She was in good health.  In April 1833, Deborah and her daughter, Mary, and grandson, Hector, traveled from the Braden’s farm in Clinton Co. to Lafayette to visit family for a few days.  In November 1833, Deborah was again with the Bradens in Clinton Co. and on 1 August 1834, Nancy wrote, "Our dear Mother's health is very feeble.  I greatly fear she will not long be with us.  This is to me a dreadful thought for a Mother is certainly dearer to a Daughter than any other Person on earth."  But on 30 August 1834, Addison Braden (Burr’s brother) wrote, "Mrs. Jenners is here [at Burr & Mary's] and quite well....  Mrs. Jenners wishes me to write you to tell Uncle John Braden that if Robert might come out here this fall to send her money by him."

In August of 1836 or 1837, Deborah wrote a letter to her daughter, Mary, in Jefferson, Indiana.  She is not well and she seems to be living with her daughter, Nancy, and Nancy's husband, Peter Jennings.  Deborah's grandson, Hector, (Mary's son) is staying with them. The letter follows: 

"August 3 (1836? or 1837?)

Dr child   I am better every other day  this is my best day or I could not write one line  I dont think I am any better  very week [sic]  the rest are all well except peter  he complains very much  I believe there is many people sick   Hector is very contented and of great use to us   says 3 and 4 lessons daily   said he would rather be here than home   I dont let him go any where but Peters and Davids  Have you got your things from Mrs mac Crede  tell Mrs wat[t?] I wrote her a long letter by Maria and it came back in her clothes   I dont remember how much money she gave me  When you see her ask and let me know   the pain has returned now and I have to stop   Peter has an account against the house rent for the plastering which will be an ofset [sic] against the account Bur [sic] made out   I paid my store account with the money Bur [sic] gave me and he never presented that Mor--s [?] child on the same  the vinegar all wasted  write soon and let me know how you all come on and if caty [sic] is with you   save those cranes quils [sic]  tell Thomas if he will save me a wing I will pay him for it   Sarah has not seen doctor Demming   he is out in the country half his time   I want to see you all and will come if I am ever able   wish you all well      remain your loving mothe[r]   D. Jenners

I want you to take care of my red buccet [sic] and put water in it   it would be of great use  A[nn] bids me tell you she is coming when her quilt is out and it is not put in yet." 

In October 1841, Deborah was apparently staying at Mary & Burr Braden's near Jefferson, Clinton Co., Indiana.  "David says whenever Ma wants to come he will go after her.... David will go for Ma so soon as she is ready to come in." per Sarah Bradfield; Sarah sent a comb to her mother. 

On 14 May 1842, Deborah (Young) Jenners died in Lafayette, Tippecanoe Co., Indiana.  She was 69 years old.  I suspect she was staying with her daughter, Nancy, and Nancy’s husband, Peter Jennings, at the time of her death.  This is because Peter turned in receipts to Deborah’s estate for her medical care and for her coffin.  Deborah was buried in Greenbush Cemetery in Lafayette.    

Sorting through Peter Jennings' Three Wives

I have been busy with other things these past few days and have not had time to do an extended post. 

I have been looking at the family of Peter S. Jennings and trying to sort out his three wives.  First wife, Ann "Nancy" Jenners is pretty clear.  Second wife, Jane P. Brooke presents some puzzles.  And third wife, Sarah Comstock needs more data, too.

I'm wondering if Jane's "P" stands for "Potter?"  On the 1850 census there were three Potters living with Peter and Jane: Mary, Pauline (? very hard to make out her name) and Nathaniel.  I'm still trying to figure out who they are - Jane's siblings?  Jane's children by an earlier marriage?  Is Brooke her married name or maiden name?

Sarah apparently went home to her parents after Peter died and was there with two of his children by Jane on the 1860 census.  But she came back to Indiana because she is buried in the family plot in Spring Vale Cemetery in Lafayette. 

Still a lot to sort out about this extended family group.  I will post about them all once I either sort it out or give up.

My posts may be a bit sparse and sporadic for a few weeks. 

Keeping Up With the Joneses: Ben, Kitty, Harry and Donald

Donald Bennet Jones

More pictures of the extended Evan Jones family from the attic of John R. Jones in Hankinson, ND.   On the back of this picture is written: "Donald Bennet Jones, Born Nov. 3, 1906.  Taken May 16, 1907.  A Merry Xmas."  Donald Bennet Jones was the youngest son of Jonadab "Nad" Jones and his wife, Effie B. Hawes.  I suspect the woman in the picture is Effie, Donald's mother.  The picture was taken in Wahpeton, ND.  Donald apparently died in California and is buried next to his mother.  I have not found any spouses.

Harry Jones

Marycarol Jones (daughter of John R. Jones) identified this as her cousin, Harry Jones of Neenah, Wisconsin.  I suspect he is Harry Evan Jones, son of William L. and Julia (Jacobson) Jones, who was born in May 1898 in Neenah.  He certainly looks like a Jones.

Ben Jones and Kitty Jones

Ben and Kitty Jones were siblings of John R. Jones and the youngest two children of Evan Jones and his wife, Harriet Roberts.  Ben was born July 1879, married Ella Schultz, died  1949.  Kitty (Kathryn)  was born 1883, married James Novak, and died in 1969. 

Mysteries from the Hankinson Attic: Ross Fowler & Baby Harold Mattias

Baby Harold Matthias

 I am busy with other things for the next few days, but wanted to at least do a short post or two, so I am putting up more pictures from the John R. Jones attic in Hankinson, ND. 

All I know about this baby is what is on the back of the picture: "Baby Harold, Matthias.  Merry Christmas."  I have no one in my database of the Jones or Stilwell families that matches this baby.  No dates.  Photo was taken in Neenah, Wisconsin. 

Ross Fowler and Son

This picture was identified by Marycarol Jones (daughter of John R. Jones) as Ross Fowler and son.  I found a George Ross Fowler with a son of the same name who was a druggist in Hankinson, ND about 1918 or so.  He was born in 1884.  By 1945, he was living in California.  Ross died in California in 1954.

Keeping Up With the Joneses - Mary Ellen "Nell" (Jones) Young

Mary Ellen "Nell" (Jones) Young

Mary Ellen Jones, known as "Nell" to the family, was born 12 May 1869 in Neenah, Wisconsin.  Her parents were Evan William and Harriet (Roberts) Jones.  She was a sister of John R. Jones, in whose attic this picture was discovered.  She married Archibald Young on 1 November 1901.  By the 1910 census, they were divorced and she was living with her brother, David J. Jones and his wife, in Foreman, N.D.  She died 12 December 1933.  I have not found any children for her.

Mysteries from A Hankinson Attic - A Group of Young Ladies

There is no identification on this picture that came from the attic of the John R. Jones home in Hankinson, North Dakota.  It appears to be a teacher, perhaps?, with a group of female students?  Notice the animal head in the lower left corner (part of a rug, I think).  The young lady in the back by the window looks rather spunky with her hair loose and hands on her hips.

The only clue about this photo is that it was taken by Griffin Artistic Photographs, 117 Public Sq., Wilkes Barre, PA.

The only Wilkes Barre connection I know of is that Daniel R. Jones' wife, Ethel Koerner, was from Wilkes Barre and Ethel and Dan were married there in 1910.  Perhaps one of these young ladies is Ethel?

UPDATE:   Ethel Koerner has been identified as the girl second from the left in the front row.  Here is a crop:

Family of Ann D (Jenners) Jennings - Update

After I posted that LONG bio of Ann and Peter yesterday, I started doing a bit of research to try and fill in their family members.  I have not answered all the questions, but I have a start.

For one thing, I found a copy of Peter's will in Lafayette in 1858.  In it he lists the following children:  Mary Virginia Jennings (still single in 1858); William Meredith, who had been adopted by Peter's friend, John L. Meredith; Henry F. Jennings; Francis B. Jennings; George Jennings; Arthur W. Jennings; and Alice Jennings.

Mary Virginia Jennings:  

She seems to have gone mostly by her middle name, Virginia.  I have not found an exact birth date for her, but her mother did not mention her in her newsy letter of April 1835, so I suspect Mary Virginia was born after that date.  The 1860 census gives her age as 24, which gives a birth date of about 1836.  Calculating her birth date from the age given on her tombstone, gives a birth date of about October 14, 1835.  I suspect she was born in October 1835, but have not yet found proof.

In August 1850, Mary Virginia was mentioned as one of the heirs of her grandmother, Deborah Jenners.  

In January 1855, she was named in guardianship documents filed by her father, Peter.  

She was named in her father’s will in January 1858 and was still single.  He left her the household items that had belonged to her late mother, Ann.

Her father died 30 January 1858.  

On 13 January 1859, she married Robert B. Carnahan in Lafayette, Tippecanoe Co., Indiana.  Robert was born January 11, 1835.

She and her husband, Robert, are found on the 1860 census of Lafayette, Tippecanoe Co., Indiana.  They are both listed as 24 years old.  

Mary Virginia (Jennings) Carnahan died in Lafayette on 23 February 1861. 

 She was buried in Greenbush Cemetery.  Her husband, Robert Carnahan, only survived her by 17 days; he died in Lafayette on 12 March 1861, of consumption.   Given the prevalence of tuberculosis (consumption) in the Jennings family, I suspect that is also what killed Mary Virginia.  I have found no children.  Here is their tombstone (photo taken November 2015):

Henry F. Jennings.

Henry F. Jennings - I have not found his exact birth date.  On the 1850 census he is listed as 11 years old (so born ca 1839); on the 1860 census he is listed as 25 years old (so born ca 1835).  Other records suggest October 1839.

Henry is on the 1850 census in Lafayette with his father, Peter, and step-mother, Jane.

On the 1860 census, he is shown as a 25 year-old clerk living in a boarding house in Lafayette.

Henry enlisted in the Indiana 16^th Light Artillery Battery on 1 March 1862.  He was mustered out of the military on 26 September 1862.

He married Julia F. Roll in Marion Co., Indiana on 22 December 1863.

Julia was born 15 February 1846 in Indiana.  Her parents were Isaac and Catherine Roll.

Henry and Julia’s daughter, Virginia Jennings, was born in March 1877.

In 1880, he and Julia and their daughter, Virginia, were living with Julia’s parents in Indianapolis, Indiana.  In 1900, the family was living in Oconomowoc, Waukesha, Wisconsin. 

Henry died on 13 May 1911 at the Civil War Veteran’s Home in Stanislas, California.  He was about 72 years old.  He was buried in LosAngeles National Cemetery, Los Angeles, California.

Julia died 30 November 1918 in Cook Co., Illinois;  she was 72 years old.  She is buried in LaBelle Cemetery, Oconomowoc, Waukesah County, Wisconsin.

Their daughter, Virginia, married Albion L. Headburg before 1908 and had a daughter, Virginia, who married a John Yount and died in California in 1979.  She apparently had children.
So far, this is the only line in Ann and Peter's family that I have found a possibility of children who might still be living.

James Jennings.

James Jennings was born about September 1840.  He died 2 October 1844 of “putrid sore throat” when he was about 3 ½ years old.  He was buried first in Greenbush Cemetery, then moved in June 1880 to the Jennings plot in Springvale Cemetery.

William Meredith Jennings AKA William Jennings Meredith

William Meredith Jennings was born 14 October 1843.  He was only 5 months old when his mother, Ann, died.  In his father, Peter’s will (written January 1858), William is mentioned as having been adopted by Peter’s friend, John L. Meredith. I have not found exactly when John adopted William, however he is not with the Peter Jennings family on the 1850 census.  I found him on the 1860 census in Lafayette with his adoptive parents.  He changed his name to William J. Meredith.

William married Louise A. Coles (1844-1905).  They had a son, John Coles Meredith, born 28 September 1873.  John Coles married a lady named Minnie Stypp.  He was the owner of a music store in Dayton, Ohio.  I have not found any children for John and Minnie.

William Meredith died 4 November 1923 in Miami Co., Ohio.  He and Louise are buried in Riverside Cemetery, Troy, Miami Co., Ohio.

Francis B. Jennings

Francis B. Jennings or Frank was born about 1849.  He was the son of Peter and his second wife, Jane Brooke.  May have married Mary Wooley 14 January 1869, but I have not been able to find anything about her.  Was on the 1860 census in Connecticut with his step-mother, Sarah (Peter’s third wife).  Was on the 1870 census in Lafayette, Indiana, with Sarah again.  Died 19 May 1925 in Dayton, Ohio and is buried in Springvale Cemetery.   I have not yet found any confirmation as to Mary Wooley or any children.

George Jennings.  

George Jennings was another son of Peter and his second wife, Jane.  His middle initial was probably either "L" or "S."  He married Anna D. Evans on 17 April 1879.  She died giving birth to twins who also died in April 1881.  Anna and the children are buried in the family plot in Springvale Cemetery.  I have not found what happened to George as yet.  He does not seem to be buried in Springvale with the rest of the family.  I'll need to continue my research into George.

Arthur W. Jennings

Arthur W. Jennings was another son of Peter and his second wife, Jane.  He was born 17 May 1855 in Lafayette.  He apparently never married.  He died of consumption 3 May 1880 in Lafayette and is buried in the family plot in Springvale Cemetery.  No children.

Alice Louise Jennings.

Alice Louise Jennings was the only child born to Peter and his third wife, Sarah Comstock.  She was born about March 1857 and died 10 May 1858, aged 1 year and 2 months.  She is buried in Springvale Cemetery.

I will continue to research these children to try and fill in the blanks and will update this when new information is found.

Ann Jenners and Peter S. Jennings - Updated

As I've worked on family history over the years, I've noticed that I am interested in and intrigued by some individuals more than others.  Sometimes, it is just the frustration of not being able to find out what happened to them, like with Martin Jenners.   Other times, their story just seems more compelling to me.  One of the people I find most interesting is Ann Jenners.  Her voice lives on for me in the many letters we have access to that she wrote to her friend, Elizabeth Wright (Braden) Hixon.  I wish I could find a picture of Ann, but I suspect she never had one taken.  I hope I do her story justice.

Ann D. Jenners was born 18 April 1813 at Hamilton Farm in Loudoun Co., Virginia.  She was the youngest child of Abiel Jenners and his wife, Deborah Young.  The family usually called her “Nancy.”  I have never seen her middle name; I suspect it is either “Deborah” for her mother or “DeNeale” for her aunt, Ann (Young) DeNeale, wife of James DeNeale.  Since her sister, Mary Dulin Jenners, was named for another aunt, Mary (Young) Dulin, wife of John Dulin, I think Nancy’s middle name is probably, DeNeale.  But this is a guess.

By 1822, Nancy and her parents and siblings were living near Waterford, Virginia, on a farm formerly owned by William Wright.  In September 1824, Nancy’s father, Abiel, died; Nancy was 11 years old.  

In the fall of 1828 when Nancy was 15, her mother and siblings left Loudoun Co., Virginia and traveled to Dayton, Ohio where they spent the winter.  In the spring of 1829, they traveled to Lafayette, Tippecanoe Co., Indiana, and settled there.

Nancy’s story is built largely from a collection of old letters that she wrote to her friend, Elizabeth Wright Braden, who lived in Loudoun Co., Virginia.  It is interesting that the family in Indiana had Nancy’s old letters to Elizabeth but not Elizabeth’s letters to Nancy.  It seems likely that at some point the letters written by Elizabeth were given to one of her descendants (possibly her daughter, Bettie Hixon) and Nancy’s letters were given to a family member in Indiana (probably her sister, Mary Braden).  See my post about these letters (as well as this update) for more information.

On 14 August 1829, Nancy wrote the following letter to her friend in Waterford, Elizabeth W. Braden.  Nancy was just 16 years old.

"favoured by  Mr. B.                              Miss Elizabeth W. Braden     Waterford Loudon Co.     Virginia

LaFayette Indiana August 14, 1829

My dear Elizabeth

Think not you are forgotten on account of my not writing to you long ere this but absence and time have not in the least obliterated you from my memory and you will pardon me I know when I tell you I have the work to do for all the family such as cooking milking ironing scouring and sometimes washing.  I often think of the hours I spent in Waterford visiting and now I never go out in the week unless on business and have never spent an afternoon from home since I have been here.  We have all had some sickness since we have been here but checked it in time.  it is very sickly in town now, there has been 7 deaths [unreadable] since we come here which gives the place a bad name to strangers.  Do persuade your mother come [sic] here and live and we will all be happy.  my only companion in town is sick at present and I expect she will leave me shortly to be married. she is a very pretty girl by the name of Charlotte Capp.  We stayed at Dayton last winter and I found too [sic] girls there whom I love tenderly and intend writing to them shortly  they are both Baptists and the [best?] preacher I ever heard in my life was a little Baptist in Dayton named David Burnet not 20 years of age and very handsome.  there were a number Baptized last winter  the ice had to be broken for them.  dear Elizabeth let me console you on the death of your sisters for I feel assured they are gone happy   I should be glad you would send me some small token of remembrance of theirs particularly Sarah.  I have no news worth relating at present only that brother David’s shop caught fire last knight [sic] but he did not sustain much injury.  there are a number of weddings here   one sometime ago there was a paddy stuck up for them on the adjoining house and as they were going to the home Bunying [?] there was one stuck up on the side of the road.  oh you may depend this is a taring [sic] place  there are all sorts here.  We see a great many Indians here some with nothing but a short calico shirt on & some dressed elegantly with feathers on their caps and handsome white cloaks on trimmed with fur.  they have all gone now to they [sic] payment near Fort Wayne where they will receive money for their land.  We have a very flourishing Sunday School here with not [less than?] [11? 92?] scholars and the town is not much larger than Waterford.  I am one of the teachers.  Mr. Braden expects to start in 1 or 2 weeks for Loudon [sic] and you or some of the family must be sure and come out with him.  I must now conclude by asking you to give my love to your Dear mother whose kindness I will never forget and all your family  tell Addison here is a very fine place for young men of all professions and trades  oh how comes he and Ann on  when you see her tell her I am going to write to her shortly and some more of my friends in Leesburg.  give my love to her and tell her to present my respects to all the Leesburg Boys and love to all the girls or young ladies    tell S. Phillips I have not forgotten my promise to her but shall shortly fulfil [sic] it  give my best to all Mr. Harrisses [sic] but I must not mention names for they will fill up all my letter  Give my love to all my friends and acquaintenances [sic] in Loudon [sic], not forgetting aunt La[torn]'s family  tell them I [?] was at Cincinnatti [sic] last winter and the first man he met was G.W. H. and W hardly knew him he had grown so much  the others were all well.  oh E do come out with your Brother for nothing on earth would give me so much pleasure  if Mr. Braden goes in the year 30 or 31 I shall come with him.  I have nothing more to say at present but peruse my bad written letter and receive it from one of the sincere friends you have on earth is the request of your most affectionate friend. 

                                                                                                Ann D. Jenners [crossed out]  A D J

P.S. [unreadable?] Moses is quite well but very loansome [sic] as there are no girls here.  Give my love to [ellen?] and aunt hannah and all the black people.”

In this letter, Nancy mentions Elizabeth’s sisters that had recently died (Sarah Braden and Mary Eleanor Dulaney); Nancy’s brother, David, who was working as a blacksmith; Mr. Braden is Burr Braden, Nancy’s brother-in-law and Elizabeth’s brother; Addison, who is another brother of Elizabeth and Burr.  There are several others that I have not yet identified, but I did do a quick search for the preacher, David Burnet.  And Nancy’s friend, Charlotte Capp, is probably the Charlotte S. Capp (1812-1885) who married Samuel Taylor in Lafayette, Indiana on 10 February 1831; she is buried in Greenbush Cemetery in Lafayette.

Nancy wrote to Elizabeth Braden again on 21 January 1830.  The letter follows:

"Miss Elizabeth W. Braden   Waterford, Loudon [sic] County, Virginia

La Fayette January 21, 1830

My dear and highly esteemed friend

I know not in what manner to employ this cold and snowy day more pleasantly than addressing you my dear Elizabeth, and although one side of me is nearly freesing [sic] still I am thinking of Loudon [sic] and my Dear friends there.  oh what for a Christmas and New Years did you spend.  I had quite a lively Christmas and New Years.  We had a large party at Colonel Johnsons, which is the third large party Ive [sic] been at here.  We have had an extremely wet winter until about four weeks ago  it has been dry and very cold.  the river has been high for some time, and we have had steam boats which I went all over and was very much gratified with them.  Mr. Braden intends moveing [sic] in the country in the spring.  Mary is almost worn out with her little babe, which is still very poorly and does not think weighs more than six pounds, it does not sleep any bearelly [sic] at night  oh E. you ought to come out here and see this fine country and the pretty beaus for there are a plenty of them for you and every one that will come.  there are a great many weddings here  I have been to but 2, I enjoyed myself very much  I am much better pleased with the place than when I wrote you last.  I was very much obliged to you for the handkerchief you sent me and also the patterns which have been greatly laughted [sic] at.  do excuse this bad writing for I am really ashamed of it.  We have a very large singing school here and preaching almost every Sabbath  give my love to all my friends in Loudon [sic].  I heard A Glen dernon [?sic] was at school in Washington.  when you see her give my love to her and tell her she must write to me.  when you see M.E. Cordelle tell her the same.  tell A. Edwards I did not think she could have subjected me to so great a disappointment as she did by not answering my letter, which I cannot forgive her for.  Miss Sarah M. Phillips I was highly gratified with her letter and present  tell E.J. Harris the same and they must both write to me.  give my love to everybody  all the young beaus give my respects to the Leesburg gentlemen and ladies as I presume you are acquainted with some of them.  I must now conclude as time nor opportunity will not admit of my longer addressing you, by wishing you and all friends a happy new Year and peace and plenty in this toilesome [sic] world and may we change it for a better when life shall end.

now forgive all mistakes and receive it from one of the most sincere friends you have on earth which is

                                                                                                                                                Ann D. Jenners

Shew [sic] it to no person for the sake of your A.D.J.

To E. W. Braden"

The “Mr. Braden” in the above letter is the husband of Nancy’s sister, Mary, and their “little babe” was their daughter, Elizabeth Virginia who died in May 1830 at about 1 year old. 

On 24 April 1831, Nancy wrote to her friend, Elizabeth, again.  The letter mentions the recent death of Elizabeth's mother and indicates that Elizabeth is living with the Phillips family (probably the Thomas Phillips who bought the Waterford Mill after Elizabeth's father, Robert, died) and that she is in Waterford, Virginia.  Ann writes:

"addressed to:      Miss Elizabeth W. Braden   Waterford Loudon Cty    Virginia

return address:      Lafayette, Ind. 

LaFayette  April 24, 1831

My Dear Elizabeth

I received your letter a short time ago and was very much pleased to hear from you, but was extremely sorry to hear of your dear mother’s death, oh Elizabeth you have lost an inestimable friend, one who can never be replaced, but I hope and believe she is happy; my health has not been atal [sic] good since I had the fever last fall.  I have had the chills occasionally every since.  when I received your two last letters I was very sick in bed, both times but the thought of receiving a letter from Virginia cheered my spirits so much that I got better immediately -  Ma has had an attack of the Chills lately but is getting better.  Burr, Mary and little Hector Saurin are all very healthy, her boy grows fairly, can sit alone.  Sally is very sick and also Eugenia.  Jenners is very healthy.  Martin is engaged in the fur trade.  William has gone to Logansport to attend court.  David has been married about 4 months to a very amiable girl, they live very happy.  Saurin is living here with us and is working at the Cabinet making business   Alba has been working for Burr for some time.  there has not been fewer than 20 weddings in town last winter and this spring.  I could have been married several times if I had of been willing but I would have nothing to do with it.  do you remember Mr Hamilton that boarded at your house and worked for Noble, he comes here and annoys me almost to death I dislike him very much.  he bears very little love for you.

We have four days presbetry [?] here at this time  I have not been to church yet  it has been with difficulty Ma could keep me from going, on account of the Chills.  we have preaching here every Sabbath.  this is the sicklyest [sic] place I have ever seen in the world & there have been a great many deaths here this winter both young and old.

When you receive this do not wait so long to answer it but write immediately for anything atal [sic] that happens in Loudon [sic]will be amusing to me, write me about each and every member of your family, and not only them but all my acquaintances   give my love to all my friends I love all my acquaintances there so well [?] 

From the tenor of your letter I suppose you are living at Mr. Phillipses.  do give my love to all the family.  tell Thomas  Alba is still looking for him.  Saurin and David will likely to come in next fall and oh E if Burr will come in will you come out with him and spend a few months with us.  tell Dear Sarah if I had as much time to write as she has I would write very often.  tell Ann Edwards if she has forgotten I wrote to her a year or two ago.  my best love to Mr [?Har]rises family.  Ellin [sic] in particular tell her to be sure and write.  my best love to Aunt Lydias family.  ask Miss Pleasant if she received my letter  tell her to answer it.

it is Sabbath evening and very late and my paper has give out therefore my best love to you and and [sic] every body else  I still remain your affectionate and much esteemed friend   perhaps the next time I write my name may be changed     Nancy D Jenners"

The above newsy letter mentions most of Nancy’s family in Lafayette, her siblings and in-laws, and nieces and nephews: Burr and Mary, and Hector Saurin Braden; her sister, Sally Bradfield and Sally’s children, Eugenia and Jenners; her brothers, Martin, William, David, Saurin, and Alba; and her mother, Deborah Jenners.

In September 1831, Nancy and her mother, Deborah, were at Burr and Mary Braden’s home in Clinton Co., Indiana and were planning to spend the winter there.

On 6 June 1832, Nancy wrote the following letter to Elizabeth Braden:

"La Fayette  June 6, 1832

My esteemed friend

As I received a long looked for letter from you a short time ago, I will answer it and not be so neglectful as you have been about answering mine, but I certainly excuse you for if we cannot forgive those we love, I do not know what we will do with those we dislike.

Oh Elizabeth if you knew how much pleasure it gives me to receive a letter from you or any of my friends in Virginia, you would write more frequent, for here I am without one intimate associate, in the place, or one with whom I can enjoy myself, our dear little Eugenia was a great source of amusement and pleasure to us all, but she too is gone, she has drooped and died.  Like one of the most beautiful of May roses, she died the 18 of May within 3 days of being 5 years old.  She was a beautiful child and one of the most sensible children I ever knew.  Sally is in great distress about it and the Dr. also, he is it is thought in a very low state of the consumption, sister is also in very bad health, Mary and Burr are both very well.  I think their family will be increased before long from appearances.  Hector is very well and can talk considerable.  I have been out there this spring and staid six weeks.  Mary wrote me that Hector has been calling Aunt Nan ever since  Ma is out there, she is in tolerable good health.  William and David have both been to fight the Sioux Indians which have broken out against us.  I have been frightened almost to death about it.  David has returned for his wife soon promises an increase of family.  William has gone on to Chicago, and my little friend is with him both of whom I am anxiously looking for back.  I expect they will be home this week.  I expected he would have been to see you this last winter, when he went on to Philadelphia for goods, but in consequence of bad weather and high water he declined going to Washington.  I am in great hopes that you will not go to Florida but in that case even if you do you must be sure and come by here.  It will be nothing more than a pleasant journey.  Alba is working at the cabinet making Curios[?] and is quite a beaux, he has grown to be remarkably tall.  Little Jenners is very well and is very sick and quite a smart boy.  Mr John Hamilton is not married nor I don't believe ever will be unless I marry him and I think that is rather doubtful???  There are a great many weddings here.  A man thinks nothing of marrying his sister in law in 3 months after the death of his wife.  It has been done in two instances within 3 months, and in one case a man married in 6 weeks from the day his wifes death.  There have been several deaths in the neighborhood lately but few in town  I believe I have given you all the news of our city and again I say come and see us.  If I had time money and company not many weeks would I be from Virginia.  Give my love to Saurin when you see him.  I should like very much to have you for a sister in law but I suppose you think yourself too good for Saurin but excuse me for [unreadable] do not think any such thing.  You must present my best wishes to all the young married folks, give my best love to Sall[?] Phillips tell her I had hoped she thought enough of me to have answered my letter by this time. Give my love to E.J. Harris  tell her I intend writing to her  Give my love to A.E. Edwards, & E M Potter,  RL Walker, M.O. Hough, Aunt Amy, Mrs Phillips , and Addison   R[?] Harris and every body else I know  You must answer this letter immediately and tell me all the news of your country.  I forgot to tell you for I do not know whether I ever told you before or not that Old Moses died the 15 of May 1831  You must excuse this bad writing and accept it from one who will never cease[?] to love you  give my love to all the Leesburg folks.  I remain your affectionate --                  Ann D. Jenners”

In August of 1832, Nancy’s sister, Mary Braden, gave birth to a son that died.  Nancy went to Clinton Co. to stay with Mary at their farm and helped nurse Mary back to health.  Then in September 1832, Nancy went back to Lafayette to help her sister, Sally, who had also given birth in August to a baby that died.

On 20 January 1833, Nancy wrote to Elizabeth.  This letter is very difficult to read, so please forgive all the question marks an notes about unreadable words.  Ann wrote,

"to:  Miss Elizabeth W Braden     Waterford, Loudoun     Virginia

postmarked: Jan 24, IN

LaFayette, January 20, 1833

Sabbath Morning

Much esteemed but far distant friend -

As you did not answer my last letter I will write you believing that you did not receive it for I cannot believe that you would subject me to such painful feelings as to think my letters not worth answering.  I should have written to you some time since had it not been for the afflictions in our family.  I believe I told you of the death of Little Eugenia who died the 7th [?] of last May.  She was within two days of being five years old.  We were all very [2 unreadable words] with her; Dr. Bradfield went into [unreadable] last February and gradually [unreadable] until the 22 of last September when he died.  Sally, Mary and David's wife all had sons in August.  Sally's only lived one day, Mary's one week, and Maria's is still living; it is a fine hearty child.  I staid [sic] and nursed Mary until she got well and came here the 8 of September and Sally has been sick almost ever since and [unreadable] the time one had to sit up with her.  I was almost crazy to go with Mr. Braden.  I am very anxious to [unreadable] He has given to her a fine son who loves his pappa and Grandma better than any body else.  I came from there they were all well last week.  William has just returned from Indianappolis [sic].  He has been there all winter.  We have not heard from Saurin for a long time, the last we heard of him he was in Cincinnati and was going to the South.  Ma is almost crazy about him.  Mr Dulaney was with him.  While William was in Indianappolis [sic] he saw Hannibal Stevens.  He does not live far from there.  [unreadable] we heard from [unreadable] Dulaney last [?] time ago he was living in York on the river.  He sent us word he was coming up to see us.  We were all truly sorry to hear of the deaths of Fenton and Flavius.  Oh Elizabeth is it possible we shall never see each other again repulsive [?] thought.  I will banish it far from my mind but I cannot for it again comes to my mind that we have parted to meet no more this side of the grave, alas while [unreadable] what a crowd of melancholy reflections pray on my mind.  You see how I am making mistakes and the only excuse I am capable of making is that I have been unusually depressed and afraid of a presentiment of something that is going to happen to one of my friends or my self - what it is I know not but it is something.  The town is very lively at this time.  There have been a great many weddings in town also parties, and Sleigh riding.   [unreadable] a lady here had her arm broke last Monday [unreadable] riding the sleigh upset.  They all escaped unhurt except her.  Alba has been working at the Cabinet Making business for some time.  There was Presbyterian sacrament in town to day but I have stayed at home for the purpose of writing to you.  I hardly ever miss a Sabbath going to meeting, therefore if you do not answer this I shall think I am entirely forgotten by you.  Give my best love to SMP  tell her she must answer my letter  I wrote to her and you by Saurin.  My love to Aunt Lydia's girls, RJW, ME Shawen   E. T. Harris and Francis Ann  EE, the Miss Relsts [?] ME Cordella, A Hendersons, and my respects to J A Braden, T. Phillips, R Harris, A Henderson  J Wilson and Rodney Braden.  My best love to Delila Caroline And Elinor.  I had almost forgotten S.E.M. Potter when you see her give my love to her and tell her I have been looking for a year for that long letter of hers but fear I shall never see it, present my compliments to R. and E Rust, your brother Noble, your uncle John, Mr Phillips, Mr Harris, Mrs Phillips, Aunt Amy and all inquiring friends.  Well now Elizabeth I have written you a long long letter and you must be sure and answer it immediately and tell me all about my old School mates both in Waterford and in Leesburg   farewell  forget me not but remember me as you affectionate friend                      Ann Jenners"

Hannibal Stevens was the son of John Brewis Stevens and his wife, Sarah.  John Brewis was Elizabeth (Stevens) Braden’s brother.  So Hannibal was Elizabeth W. Braden’s first cousin on her mother’s side.  Fenton was William Fenton Braden, Elizabeth’s brother, who died in Florida on 1 June 1832.  Flavius was the son of Dr. Joseph Braden (brother of Elizabeth’s father, Robert Braden) and so, another first cousin of Elizabeth’s; he died 13 October 1832 of cholera on a boat traveling on the Ohio River.  The “Mr. Dulaney” mentioned in the letter was Zachariah Dulaney, husband of Elizabeth’s deceased sister, Mary Eleanor. 

The next letter from Nancy to Elizabeth was written on 15 April 1833, just a few days before Nancy’s 20^th birthday.

"La Fayette  April 15, [unreadable] D. 1833

My Dear and far distant friend

You cannot conceive how delighted I was to receive a letter from you some time since and I should have answered it long ere this but I think I have a sufficient apology to offer as there has been no papers here for sale for some time past.  ([unreadable]) gave me three sheets the other day, therefore I intend sending one to you, one to Sarah and the other to Dayton to Susan E Gorney.  we are all well at this time.  I have been living with Sally since the Dr's death.  We live very happy and have no family but Jenners and our selves.  We were out at Mr Braden's a few days ago  they were all well  little Hector is as smart a child as I ever saw  he loves his Pappa better than he does his mother   Saurine came home nearly 3 months ago  he looks better than I ever saw him in my life  has gone to work at his trade and is very industrious.  I was truly pleased to see him for I feared he had fallen a victim to the Cholera.  he was here a few days ago and I told him I was going to write to you  he requested me to give his best love to you  Sally is at this time 55 miles from here visiting, consequently I and Jenners are left alone;  she is very fleshy weighs 128 lbs and I 125 therefore you see I have grown considerably since I came to the Wabash.  Mary's health is very delicate.  I have sometimes a pain in my breast  I have endeavored to fill up this letter with some nonsense some stories and some ugly writing, but show it to no person but Sarah and excuse all the mistakes of this scrawl from the hand of your affectionate  Ann

There have been a great many weddings here this winter.  you will very naturally inquire then why I am not married.  I will tell you candidly that it has not been for the want of opportunity, but I have been waiting for you to come out and see me married and wait on me and you cannot imagine what a joy thrilled through me when I came to that part of your letter in which you expressed a wish to come to the west.  well now Elizabeth it is a hard country for families to live in, but one thing I can say it is the most pleasant place I ever lived at in my life. we have quite a large society here both male and female  oh my Dear E do come out here among the Hoosieroons as we are called.  there is another fear here of the Indians or of the Negroes and I will agree [?]  reflect that you must come to the west come and live with us and if you will not live with us then come and visit us.   One of our young Merchants who went to Philadelphia last Winter a year ago started with the intention of coming by Washington but was prevented.  but if he had of done so he would have gone to Alexandria to have seen you.  he is a Kentuckey [sic] and very handsome and tolerable well off and if you are as handsome as Saurin says you are I think you would have been  very apt to come out with him.  I have just finished making over a new dress.  It fits me very neat.  E I should be very glad if you would work me some lace and send me as you have more leisure than I have.  forgive me for making such a request.   The young Kentuckyan was here last knight [sic] after I finished this letter and promised me seriously that next winter he will come and see you and if you are agreed he will marry you and bring you out, therefore do not leave Waterford  I have no more room but again immediately write you.  tell Sarah I have not yet [unreadable] not here and [unreadable]  When you write, you must let me know if you ever hear from Uncle J Dulin's family;  Burr was delighted to hear your uncle was coming out     he [the Kentuckyan?] noticed [?] this letter and from my description of you his hand trembled so he could scarcely write his name: William Floyd Reynolds

We frequently ride in the country on horse back and in carriages.  Dr Bradfield had a gig and two fine horses and I often drove out 8 or 10 miles.  yesterday there was a large number of us went in the Stage to the Country to attend Presbyterian Sacramental Meeting.  the house was so crowded we did not get in.  William is still in a state of single blessedness and there is no prospect of his being otherwise. Alba has learned the Cabinet Making business.  I have a very handsome beau just come in from Dayton and you must not be surprised now if you hear of ----- but say nothing about it when you write as I let Burr see all your letters   he is very young therefore I will have to wait until he is of age but yet he is older than I am.  Dear Elizabeth you have the advantage in writing to me for I have nothing to write about that concerns you here, but when you write to me I know all those whom you write about therefore a letter from you is more interesting to me than one from me to you is.  then if you are as long answering this letter as you were the other one I shall not pardon you.  now mind and write often. 

Give my love to all my acquaintances  as I have not room to [unreadable] them and keep a large share of it yourself as it is growing late and paper is scarce I must conclude by saying farewell my dear forget me not but remember your affectionate                                                                                                        A.D. Jenners

My pen is bad  my ink is pale

My love to you shall never fail

if you marry you must invite me to your wedding

If I had the ready I would travel back to Virginia to see all of my acquaintances

[several unreadable words] and if you are agreed he will marry you and bring you out [unreadable] Waterford  I have no more room but again immediately wrote you   tell Sarah I have not yet answered that long letter from her but intend writing to her.  Alba, love to Thomas

Now mind and come out here and make Addison come with you give my love to him    ADJ”

I suspect the William Floyd Reynolds (“The Kentuckian”) is the William F. Reynolds, early settler of Lafayette, who died in July 1880 and is buried in Springvale Cemetery in Lafayette.  He was a store owner and later affiliated with the railroads.  He was very well-to-do when he died.

On 17 November 1833, Ann again wrote to Elizabeth:  That letter follows: 

"Miss Elizabeth W. Braden   Waterford   Loudoun County   VA

postmarked: Winchester, VA  Jan 1

[written on outside of envelope] I introduce to your acquaintance D. Singleton of Winchester, Virginia    ADJ

Sabbath Evening

Oak Lands, November 17, 1833

My Dear Elizabeth

As I have an opportunity of writing to you my dear friend I will improve [?] it with pleasure   I was truly delighted to receive your letter two or three weeks since and will not delay answering as long as you did mine.   I was much pleased to see Add and was much displeased with him for not bringing you with him   he is in much better health now than when he first [several unreadable words] of us has already killed two fine Deers, takes much pleasure in hunting  him and I are going to La Fayette this week where he has not yet been,  I received three letters from there to day, one from Miss Jackson, one from Sis Sally, & one from Reynolds   You were very much mistaken in what you inferred from my letter with regards to Mr. R. for be assured nothing of the kind has ever passed between us & I can assure you never will, but he fully intends visiting you in Dec or January, but Addison tells me the stage does not stop in Waterford all knight [sic] therefore I fear he will not have the pleasure of staying with you any length of time.  believe me when I tell you he is much pleased with you, but let things be as they may  I still hope to see you in our Hoosier State.  I think you will be much pleased with it.    

suffer me to introduce to your acquaintance the same Dr Singleton of whom I last wrote you   he has over and often invited me to accompany him to Va this winter  nothing would afford me more pleasure if it was a person whom I loved but as that is not the case I have declined going.  he is a very noble generous-hearted young man  I wish you to treat him politely for my sake as I respect him very much   introduce him to the girls of your Village.  I intended writing to S E M Potter  R Walker & Mrs Abbot by him but he has determined to start sooner than he expected,  I wrote a long letter to S M Phillips by John Bradfield and have not as yet received an answer therefore I shall not write to her.  give my double & twisted love to them all with the rest of my acquaintances  All of our family are well at this time   Mary's children grow finely  Hector has had the chills  Ma is better  my health has been very good for some time past  Burr is very well and looks like the other Hoosiers.  Saurin & Dr Mac[unreadable] have just left here,  Dr S & Mr White are still here.  Mr White talks of going to Va this winter  if so perhaps I will accompany him.  he is an old sober sided Bachelor and not very handsome at that,  Burr Addison and myself took dinner with Dr S. & Mr White last Sabbath  they keep a bachelors hall  This Country has been more sickly this fall than usual although there have been but few deaths.  Sally looks well and is more lively than you ever saw her.  Jenners has grown very much is quite a pretty boy.  Davids wife is again in the good old way.  Burr and Add did [not] know each other for some time but I should have known him any where in the World,  he says R Harris sent his love to me, give my best love to him and tell him I expected to have seen him long ere this in Indiana.  My respects to F W P H  my best love to Aunt Amy  Mrs Phillips & Sarah  tell her to write to me soon,  my love to A E Edwards and all friends.  Addison has been telling me of some [unreadable] sweet heart he has in Va, but will not tell her name  you must let me know so that I can plague him, as he teases me intolerably [?].  I believe I have given you a hasty summary of the news of our country (which is indeed very little) neither is it well done but these folks have been talking so much [unreadable] what I have been writing, I practice writing so little that I am aware I make many mistakes but I feel confident you will [unreadable] the writing and spelling as well as all other deficiencies.  the family all join with me in sending their love to you and all our friends in Loudoun,  Write soon very soon and I will be punctual in answering your letter, accept this from your friend  Ann"

The “FWPH” that Nancy mentions is Fleming Wilson Patterson Hixon, Elizabeth’s future husband.

As a post script to a letter to Elizabeth written by her brother, Addison, on 18 November 1833, Nancy wrote:

“Elizabeth

Enclosed I send you a pair of Moccasin  [unreadable] the soles of which I have worn out.  I should have sent them all together but had no opportunity.  you may wear them around the tops of your Booties & if not just keep them for my sake,  had I of [sic] been in LaFayette perhaps I would have found something worth sending  they were made by an Indian squaw  I have seen some which were indeed beautiful.  Add told me after I had written last evening that R.H. said he was coming to the west for me,  tell him to come along & I will be sure to go  adieu  write soon  from your friend  Ann Jenners"

On 1 April 1834, Ann wrote,

"La Fayette, April 1st, 1834

My Dear Elizabeth,

With pleasure I embrace the present opportunity of writing to you, my dear friend, though I must confess I am felt rather disappointed at not receiving an answer to either of my last letters, the first by Dr. Singleton, the other by Mr. Reynolds, at times I fear I am forgotten by my far distant E. with whom I was once so intimate, but then my better judgment prevails and tells me no! no! it is not so for time nor distance can never change the heart.  Well now for the news.

I was at Burr's a few days since.  Ma was very sick, the others were well excepting the baby which is not very healthy although it looks so.  I think Addison looks better than when he came out.  Our town is quite healthy, few deaths & fewer weddings.  I am not married neither am I engaged but know not how soon I may be either.  Reynolds has just arrived, I have not spoken to him yet.  I understood this evening he had seen you, are you pleasant with him? for I understand he is much pleased with you.  I have very little news to communicate which will be interesting therefore my letter will be short.  A. told me you were living at the Ferry with N. & Mary Ann.  I think you must be more pleasantly situated than when at Mr. Phillipses  I have no idea but that they were kind to you but with a brothers  house is like home.  present respects and good wishes to Mary Ann & Noble, also to Margaret & Olivia Rust.  Addison talks of going to [unreadable] for you this fall.  Oh! what a pleasure would it afford me if I could see you and talk of old times & Old Virginia.

You will receive this by the hand of Mr. William G. White [?] a neighbor of Mr. Bradens.  He is a very amiable young man and as much respected as any man in the county.  He has frequently invited me to accompany him but I am not prepared to go (with him at least).  This is Court Week and there is a great many strangers in town.  Some very distinguished gentlemen, Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and a number more.  A number of Steam Boats have arrived with merchandise for this and the neighboring towns.

You will excuse this hasty scrawl.  It is quite late & I've been such a [unreadable] all day.  I have just heard there is a letter for me in the office.  I hope it is from you.  If so I shall instantly forgive you for the past.  Write soon and give me all the news of your county.  Your letters will always be acceptable to your affectionate

                                                                                                                Ann D. Jenners

I have just time to acknowledge the reception of a letter from you by Mr. Reynolds, and was truly pleased to find that I am not entirely forgotten.  I have also been to the Post Office & received one from Mr. R [several unreadable words] it has been lying in the Office for some time.  I am sorry I did not get it sooner.  I will write again at some length shortly.  Answer this. Excuse all mistakes.  I have a new beaux, a young widower, very handsome, but not a word of this for the world!!!

                                                Your friend until death                          respects to your Mr. F.   A.D.J. [?]"

The next letter is dated 1 August 1834.

“La Fayette, August 1, 1834

My dear, Elizabeth why have you this long neglected me?  Have I in any way offended you?  or what is more likely, I am forgotten by my early friends, the play mates of my childhood,  if this is the case, let me tell you as for myself neither time or distance can ever obliterate you all from my heart, for I can say with the Past (and feel it true[?]) While [unreadable] is [unreadable] and lifes business play,

Friendships are formed that never decay.  (excuse me for this quotation I believe it is the first) the day I received your letter by Mr Reynolds I wrote quite a lengthy answer by Mr White, who went to Harpers Ferry for the purpose of seeing you, but oh! what a pity you were in Alexandria & had not the pleasure of seeing you.  he was very much disappointed.  he is going to Va this fall for a Wife so he will not Marry a Hoosier girl (as we are called). shame  Mr. Reynolds & myself were out at Burrs last Saturday week, Addison was not so well as usual but looks so much better than when he came out you would never[?] know him.  he is very lively, gets considerable practice  the people are generally pleased with him.  Mr R was much pleased with you, as well as Mary Ann   says if you think of coming to the west do come as Miss Braden.                                              turn over

he is one of the most amiable young men I have ever known  we have adopted each other as Brother & Sister, but here let me tell you we will never be married.  I would let you know something about my intentions with regards Matrimony but you have always kept so still on that subject I think best not to touch it.  our dear Mothers health is very feeble  I greatly fear she will not long be with us  this is to me a dreadful thought for a Mother is certainly dearer to a Daughter than any other Person on earth.  Sister Sarah is quite sick  I am waiting on her; her health is very delicate  she is quite a flashy widow.  My brothers are all well, & more industrious & economical men I never saw.  Oh I forgot William  he is not over industrious.  he is as slow[?] as an old sitting hen.  Burr is well but looks ten years older than when in Virginia  Mary is in bad health, her little boys grow finely  the youngest is one of the handsomest children I have ever seen.  David has a son & daughter, the girl, named Deborah Ann after Ma & I.  Our town has been quite healthy until within a few days.  there have been several cases, but no deaths this summer.  we have neither had deaths or weddings, but is thought there will be several weddings shortly.  come out you may be at some of them.  Our election is just over.  the Andr Jacksons have triumphed for once; the Jacksonians are down in the mouth about it to use a vulgar expression.  our town & country are improving rapidly.  there are almost as many fashionable ladies here as in Leesburg.  for instance, the Mr. Lantz [?] wives send to [unreadable] Philadelphia & New York for their drapes Bonnets capes &c.  they have them made there in the height of fashion.  I sent in this spring Bonnet earrings breast pin & dress, but this is not for the sake of bragging, but merely to let you know that we are not [unreadable] civilized here as the eastern people think us   I believe I have given you the news of our little village or at least that will in any way interest you.  I promised to leave room for Mr B to write a NB therefore I must conclude by wishing you health, happiness & prosperity.  you must be sure to answer this immediately on the receipt of it or I shall not write again.  give my love to Mary Ann, Noble & all inquiring friends as I cannot particularize them; excuse all mistakes and accept this from your affectionate

                                                                                                                Ann

                                                                                                                Jenners

Miss Elizabeth W Braden

                                Harpers Ferry Va

P.S.  Mr B declines writing says he was jesting or at least cannot take thirty to do so.  I feel sorry for it.  Ann D Jenners."

In a letter dated 30 August 1834, from Joseph Addison Braden to his sister, Elizabeth W. Braden, Addison wrote, "Nancy, I suspect, will soon be married to a Mr. Jennings of town, a worthy fellow."

On 30 December 1834, Ann D. Jenners married Peter S. Jennings at the home of her brother, David, in Lafayette.  She was 21 years old.

Peter S. Jennings was born in Dayton, Ohio about 1813.  His parents were Henry Jennings and Sarah Smith.  His parents moved to Lafayette and he joined them there about 1832. 

On 15 February 1835, Ann wrote from Dayton, Ohio:

"Dayton  February 15, 1835

My Dear Elizabeth

Supposing from your long & continued silence I am forgotten by you, who for some time called me friend, I will venture to write once more, and if this meets the same fate of my three last, I am determined, I shall never trouble you again for if it afforded you any pleasure you would certainly wish to gratify me in the same way.  I have not received a line from you since last Spring, by Mr. R.  I was pleased to hear of your marriage, accept my best wishes for your health, happiness & prosperity.  Present the same to Mr. F [unreadable].  I am truly sorry he did not conclude to come to the Wabash.  Will you not yet come and visit us perhaps.  Your will be comfortably situated shortly and [unreadable] then how happy should I be to see you.  I was very near visiting you this winter.  Nothing prevented [unreadable] a will on my part.  Can you believe that I would excuse visiting VA when an opportunity presented itself?  This is the fact I was married the 30 of December (to P. S. Jennings a native of Ohio).  We had a small wedding at my brother David's house.  I must not express my feelings as you have experienced the same, but suffice it to say they were painful [?] in the extreme.  That day two weeks we left for Ohio, I with a slight intention of visiting Va and the District but the weather was so cold and the roads so bad I could get no further than this place where three of Mr. J's sisters are living.  He has gone to Philadelphia for goods and wished me very much to go to Washington.  He has been absent three weeks, & I shall look for him shortly.  We expect to take the canal here and go to Cincinnati, then take Steam Boat to Louisville and thence to Lafayette where we expect to settle for Life. Our friends were all well when we left.  Came to Burrs to [unreadable] the day we left.  Mother's health is very Poor, more so than I have ever known it.  Mary's little boys grow finely [?].  Bob is a beauty.  This place has improved very much since I lived here.  I have been in some house splendidly furnished, heard several Pianos, & received visits from a number of the first Ladies [unreadable]  Your acquaintance, Mr. Reynolds, waited on Mr. Jennings when we were married.  He is well and wished me very much to go on to [unreadable].  I expect I shall repent not going.  Our country has been very healthy and is improving rapidly, the society becoming quite refined.  This Sabbath day, there is a dispension [?] or I should be out at meeting, as the Church bells have been ringing all over town.  There is a splendid Episcopal Church here, where they have a very fine organ, which with the Choir makes the best musick [sic] I have ever heard.  I believe I have given you all the news I know of at this time.  I know I have made many mistakes but the child here has made such a noise I could not write with any comfort to myself or interest to you.  I hope you will pardon all mistakes, for I never had a worse pen in my life.  Will you answer this?  If so direct to Lafayette for I expect to be there in a short time.  Give my love to all my old friends.  I have not time to particularize them.  May we never forget each other but may your happiness be such as that of your friends at this time  Ann D. Jennings"

On 23 April 1835, Nancy wrote: (addressed to: Mrs. E. W. Hixon  Harpers Ferry  Virginia, postmarked: Lafayette, IN  May 4)   

"LaFayette  April 23  1835

My much beloved friend

You cannot imagine how delighted I was to receive your kind letter, one year having elapsed since the reception of your last, which was April 1834.  I was afraid I was entirely forgotten by my dearest friend in the Old Virginia [?] the thought of which would have been truly painful to me.  Mr. Jennings returned to Dayton from Philadelphia in March.  I will not try to describe my feelings during his absence & on his return.  If you have been separated from Mr. Hixon six weeks, and your [sic] living among strangers you know something of my many unhappy moments.  We left Dayton the 16th of March and arrived at Mr. Braden's the 22nd after a very tedious [?] journey.  I suffered considerable with the sick head ache   We then came to town & resided at brother David's 4 weeks before we commenced housekeeping.  One week I have been in my own house, and a happier one I never knew.  It is far preferable to boarding in either hotel [?] or private house for I have tried both.  I hope you may soon commence, for I know you will be pleased with it. [unreadable] family is small I do all my work (except washing), have a good house, as well as many of the [several unreadable words] comforts of life.  & besides I have one of the best husbands who is willing to assist me about everything particularly milking ([unreadable] he is but [?] a Yankee) as it is said they are good at pailing [? two unreadable words]   Your brothers are well, Add was in and spent a week this month, we expect him tomorrow, Burr has an occasional chill though is quite well, Mary is poorly.  The children grow quick.  Mary has learned Hector until he can spell in five letters.  Bob is a [unreadable].  Mother's [?] health is very poor.  She was at the point of death during my absence.  We expect her in shortly to expire this summer.  Mary is also coming in to spend a month so she can get a housekeeper.  I sent your letter to A. to read.  He often talks of going to Texas this summer.  If so Saurine will accompany him.  William is still living out the life of an Old Bachelor, often talks of marrying but takes it out in walking [?].  [unreadable] thinks strongly of going to Virginia if an opportunity offers.  Saurine & Alva are working at the millwright [?]  A's health is not good.  Our town is in a very prosperous condition, intends to have a mail [?] and rail road both as soon as they can be made.  [unreadable] wants to have one running for some time which makes the place quite lively. the spring has been backward, which looks odd I've made some garden but nothing grows in consequence of the Cold, we are so far north.  John Bradfield's wife died today, thus it seems our little colony from Va are dropping off one by one.  She was perfectly sensible to the last, was willing to die although she has left 4 [?] little children one only two months old, Annie & the old lady enjoys tolerable health, now what a charge is left on her hands.  Well now dear Elizabeth, how do you like the married life & would you be willing to be again Miss Braden?  Write soon and tell me all about this & how you like house keeping.  Mr. Reynolds sent us a set of China and a bottle of Champagne wine the day we married.  We have had various presents which we found very [unreadable]  Mr. J is doing quite well in his business.  he is a member of the Presbyterian Church & I believe enjoys religion in consequence of which he is ever cheerful.  he is very [unreadable] (being only a few days [unreadable])   he is not here but I know wishes to be remembered to you, and thanks you for expressing the wish that he should call and see you.  Perhaps some future day he will.  I believe I have told you all that can interest you.  in Conclusion present my best respects to your F.H.  tell him to be kind to [unreadable].  My respects to Mr. Rust's family, also SEMP & all inquiring friends   be not slow in answering this but remember me as ever your affectionate friend                                                                                                         Ann D. Jennings"

About 1836, Nancy and Peter’s first child was born, a daughter they named Mary Virginia.  Nancy was 23 years old.

On 20 August 1837, Nancy wrote the last letter we have of hers.  It reads: 

"Lafayette, August 20, 1837   Dear Elizabeth

                Feeling anxious to revive a correspondence which has ceased for the two last years, owing on my part to increased cares, I embrace the present opportunity of writing to the dear friend of my youth, with emotions difficult to describe, when I reflect upon the many pleasant hours we have spent together, during childhood both at home & school, I am compelled to acknowledge they were my Golden days.

                I cannot but hope we will meet again & have our former friendship renewed, dare I look forward to so much happiness or is it an illusion of the brain, I trust not.  I wish much to visit the grave of my beloved Father, and the scene of my early days, as well as my old friends, for I have found but few here I love so well.  If life & health be spared, Mr. Jennings & myself, you may expect a visit from us this time next season.

                I must now give you the history and health of our family as that is all with which I can reasonably expect to interest you, as you have no acquaintance here, & that is the reason your letters are so much more interesting to me than mine are to you because you can mention no name or place but what is familiar to me.  I know if I had the opportunity you have I would write frequently.

                Ma has been seriously ill but is now better, so much so Saurine took her out to Burr's last week by putting a bed in the Carriage.  She stood the ride quite well, she is very infirm.

                William is still living without a helpmate.  I believe thinks (if possible) less of marrying than ever.  His health is very good.  Sally is keeping house.  She enjoys much better health than formerly.  Jenners is quite a large boy.  David and family are well except his youngest child which has the Scrofula very bad.  They have three children.

                Mr. Braden & Mary are still farming.  They do not enjoy good health though Mary looks better than for several years.  Their children grow finely.  Hector has been staying with Ma & Sally some time.  He is very industrious, and Ma has learned him to read quite well.  Robert is a fine looking boy.  Their little Girl is very homely.  They have the prettiest babe in the country, call him William.  I have been there but twice since I've been housekeeping going on three years.  You will conclude I am very domestic.  Saurine has been out on the Mississippi speculating in land and town lots.  It is thought his prospect is fair for making money.  Alba is at the Millright business, but intends going west with Saurine.  Burr talks of going with them.

                I forgot to tell you that Mr. Reynolds is well and that his father and mother have moved here with their family.  She is a dear old lady.

                Last & least you will expect me to say something of myself and family.  Mr. Jennings is very well. Our little girl grows very fast  she talks quite plain  is a great deal of comfort for us, I believe she is older than yours by some months.  My (unreadable word) is very poor.  I do not think I weigh a hundred pounds, hard work has nearly killed me.  It is almost impossible to hire & when we do we have the most of the work to do ourselves.  We have built a very Comfortable house with five rooms, one hall & porch, so you may know I have considerable cleaning to do besides my cooking and sewing.  This is the cause of my not writing more frequently for when I work so hard through the week after church on Sabbath I generally go to sleep (unreadable word).

                I must tell you the prosperity of our town it is improving more rapidly this season than it ever has.  The canal is not yet completed but the Irish are at work.  We are soon to have a rail road which will increase the business.  There are a great many good buildings going up now.  We have a fine bank house just being completed.  Can you & your husband & little one come out with Hector this fall.  Oh how delighted would I be to see you and have at our house, for I have one of the very best husbands who would be truly glad to see you and yours.  I am very sorry my paper is so short.  

                I would write more if my paper would permit but I must bring to a close.  Now do write soon and tell me of all my friends not leaving out one and let us be more sociable in future.  My best love to all inquiring friends and take a double portion to yourself from your affectionate   

                                Ann D. Jennings."

In October 1838, Nancy’s friend, Elizabeth Wright (Braden) Hixon, died.  I suspect she learned of Elizabeth’s death, probably from her brother-in-law, Burr Braden (Elizabeth’s brother), but we have no documentation to prove that.

About 1839, Nancy and Peter had a son, Henry F. Jennings.  And in September 1840, another son, James, was born. 

On 14 May 1842, Nancy’s mother, Deborah, died in Lafayette.

In February 1844, a son, William Meredith Jennings, was born.

In early March 1844, their son, James, died of “putrid sore throat.”  He was 3 ½ years old.  He was buried March 2 in the Lafayette City Graveyard (now part of Greenbush Cemetery).

On 5 March 1844, Ann D. (Jenners) Jennings died.  She was 30 years old.  She had given birth in February and then had gotten sick with the same illness that killed their son, James.  She and her son, James, were buried in the Lafayette City Graveyard (now part of Greenbush Cemetery) (Sec. 2, Lot 27, Range 3).  At some time in 1880, the remains of Nancy and James were moved to Spring Vale Cemetery to the family plot that includes Peter, his other wives, and some of his children; I have not yet found any details to explain this move.  I suspect that whoever did it just wanted the whole family together.  This plot in Spring Vale is owned by Peter's third wife, Sarah, and is next to the plot containing Sarah's brother, William, and his family.

When Nancy died, she left a newborn son, William Meredith, and the two older children, Mary Virginia (8 years old), and Henry (5 years old).

On 6 March 1844, Nancy’s brother, Saurin, wrote to their sister, Mary, informing her of Nancy’s death.  The handwriting is very difficult to read.  The letter is addressed to Mrs. Mary Braden, Jefferson, Indiana  Clinton County and postmarked Lafayette, IN.  It reads: 

"Lafayette, Mar 6th, 1844

Well Mary

Nancy is dead.  Died 20 past 2 [unreadable] last night.  Poor woman, her anxiety to live was very[?] great.  She used every extreme, prepared many thanks [?].  Though much extended [?] her condition.  The suffering was awfull [sic].  Poor Woman.  Poor woman.  She wanted to live - live for them, her husband, her children, to [?bring] up that infant Boy.  That is all the joy I have about it.  Why did you go there.  I told you how violent the virus was in its progress.  You should have remained till next day.  You would have seen the [unreadable] the way you left, such was the [unreadable].  We thought yesterday in the morning, it being the new day she would revive[?] as she appeared better the night before.  I expected any breath would be her last.  But it was only a ray of sunshine that was obscured by clouds as the evening wore away.  She flattered herself yesterday she would live, was perfectly sensible until the Dr gave her opium which produced a stupor from which it was difficult to rouse her.  It seems that the hand of fate is hovering over the once happy but now bereaved family of P. Jennings.  Jenners has a sore throat.  His Dr says he has the fever.  Lorah is unwell.  Mrs Reynolds is got the same complaint in her neck, is dangerous, no other cases [?].  How and why it singled out the family of Jennings as its victims is the most astonishing thing to me.  [unreadable] is the one ray of comfort while the crowded [?] that live huddled together in the filthy parts of the town live unharmed [?].  It must and will ever remain shadowed in mystery to me.  You won't have been sent far.  But it was [unreadable] Brother and you to Cincinnati and you would not come in.  Again Mary I must repeat you should have remained.  In future let every thing give way to making all connections or pecuniary considerations.  That I have done a brothers part and duty to her and that boy, that love more than I [unreadable] any object, my heart bears witness to.  I will do the same o'er and o'er again.  When a Brother, Sister, niece or Nephew is sick I bear [?] it for our Mother.  May I am born healthy to enable me to assist.

                                                Your Brother

                                                                                Saurin Jenners"

An obituary was published in The Tippecanoe Journal on 14 March 1844, page 2, column 7.

Note that both this obituary and Nancy's tombstone say she died March 7, 1844.  Since Saurin's letter is dated March 6, I suspect March 7 is not the correct death date.  I checked the original burial records for the Lafayette Graveyard (Thanks, L.A.!) and discovered that she was buried March 7, so my death date of March 5 is probably the correct one.

After Nancy died, her widowed sister, Sally Bradfield, went to live with Peter Jennings to help him with his young children.  Sally died in October 1846. 

On 17 December 1846, Peter Jennings remarried to Jane P. Brooke in Lafayette. 

In 1849 Peter and Jane had a son, Francis B. Jennings. 

On 10 January 1855, Peter filed a guardian’s report in Tippecanoe Co. for his children, Mary Virginia, Henry, and William Meredith.

On 17 May 1855, Peter and Jane’s son, Arthur W. Jennings, was born.  But on 5 September 1855, Peter’s second wife, Jane, died of consumption, leaving a four month old baby Arthur.

Six months later, on 31 March 1856, Peter married again.  His third wife was Sarah C. Comstock. 

In March 1857, Sarah and Peter’s daughter, Alice S. Jennings was born.   

Peter also had another son, George L. Jennings, but I do not yet have a birth date for him.  I think he is a son of Jane, born between Francis and Arthur, but can't be certain.  I have not had much luck tracing George so far.

On 30 January 1858, Peter Jennings died of consumption in Lafayette.  He was 45 years old.

He was buried first in Greenbush Cemetery, but eventually was moved to Spring Vale Cemetery and is now in the family plot there.

Most of the Jenners and Braden family members mentioned in Nancy's letters have blog bio posts written about them.  I have not created links to all of them. Check for their bios in the menu along the right side of the page.

I have started researching the Jennings children.  Please see this post for those biographies.

So far, each line from Peter's children has ended without currently living descendants.  I have not discovered what happened to George, so that line might present possibilities.  It is possible that Janet Johnstone had descendants, though she does not seem to have married, so I suspect not. 

Known descendants of Peter S. Jennings:

Peter S. Jennings, b. circa 1813 at Dayton, OH, d. 30 Jan 1858 at Lafayette, Tippecanoe Co., IN, bur. at Greenbush Cemetery, Lafayette, Tippecanoe Co., IN

+Ann D. Jenners, b. 18 Apr 1813 at Hamilton Farm, Loudoun Co., VA, m. 30 Dec 1834 at the home of her brother, David Jenners,, Lafayette, Tippecanoe Co, IN, d. 5 Mar 1844 at Lafayette, Tippecanoe Co., IN, bur. 7 Mar 1844 at Lafayette City Graveyard (now Greenbush Cemetery), Sec 2, Lot 27, Range 3, Lafayette, Tippecanoe Co., IN

├── Mary Virginia Jennings, b. circa 14 Oct 1835 at Lafayette, Tippecanoe Co., IN, d. 23 Feb 1861 at Lafayette, Tippecanoe Co., IN, bur. 24 Feb 1861 at Greenbush Cemetery, Lafayette, Tippecanoe Co., IN

│   +Robert B Carnahan, b. 11 Jan 1835, m. 13 Jan 1859 at Lafayette, Tippecanoe Co., IN, d. 12 Mar 1861 at Lafayette, Tippecanoe Co., IN, bur. at Greenbush Cemetery, Lafayette, Tippecanoe Co., IN

├── Henry F. Jennings, b. circa Oct 1839 at Lafayette, Tippecanoe Co., IN, d. 13 May 1911 at Stanislas or San Diego, CA, bur. at Los Angeles National Cemetery, Los Angeles, Los Angeles Co., CA

│   +Julia F Roll, b. 15 Feb 1846 at IN, m. 22 Dec 1863 at Marion Co., IN, d. 30 Nov 1918 at Cook Co., IL, bur. at La Belle Cemetery, Oconomowoc, Waukesha Co., WI

│   └── Virginia K Jennings, b. 14 Mar 1879 at Chicago, IL, d. 15 Aug 1961 at Chicago, Cook Co., IL, bur. at Oak Woods Cemetery, Chicago, Cook Co., IL

│       +Albion Lambert Headburg, b. 15 Aug 1864 at Attica, Fountain Co., IN, m. 10 Sep 1902, d. 31 Jan 1934 at Chicago, Cook Co., IL, bur. at Oak Woods Cemetery, Chicago, Cook Co., IL

│       └── Virgine Headburg, b. 2 Sep 1907 at Chicago, Cook Co., IL, d. 12 Apr 1979, bur. at Forest Lawn Memorial Park (Glendale), Glendale, Los Angeles County, CA

│           +Robert B. Johnstone, b. circa 1907, m. circa 1929

│           └── Janet W Johnstone, b. 3 Feb 1930 at Cook Co., IL, d. 7 Aug 1990 at Los Angeles, CA

│           +Joe Halsey Yount, b. 17 Jun 1907 at Bridgeport, OK, m. 17 Mar 1940 at Altadena, Los Angeles County, CA, d. 23 Jun 1954 at Los Angeles County, CA, bur. at Forest Lawn Memorial Park (Glendale), Glendale, Los Angeles County, CA

├── James Jennings, b. circa 10 Sep 1840 at Lafayette, Tippecanoe Co., IN, d. circa 1 Mar 1844 at Lafayette, Tippecanoe Co., IN, bur. 2 Mar 1844 at Old Lafayette City Graveyard (now Greenbush Cemetery), Lafayette, Tippecanoe Co., IN

└── William J Meredith, b. 14 Oct 1843 at Lafayette, Tippecanoe Co., IN, d. 4 Nov 1923 at Stauton Twp., Miami Co., OH, bur. 6 Nov 1923 at Riverside Cemetery, Troy, Miami Co., OH

    +Louise Coles, b. 1844, m. 23 Jan 1873 at Miami Co., OH, d. 1905, bur. at Riverside Cemetery, Troy, Miami Co., OH

    └── John Coles Meredith, b. 28 Sep 1873 at Troy, Miami Co., OH, d. 15 Jan 1940 at Dayton, Montgomery Co., OH, bur. 17 Jan 1940 at Ferncliff Cemetery, Springfield, OH

        +Minnie E Snypp, b. 2 Oct 1872 at Springfield, OH, m. before Sep 1918, d. 24 Aug 1953 at Miami Valley Hospital, Dayton, Montgomery Co., OH, bur. 27 Aug 1953 at Ferncliff Cemetery, Springfield, OH

+Jane P. Brooke, b. circa 1812 at MD, d. 5 Sep 1855 at Lafayette, Tippecanoe Co., IN, bur. 8 Dec 1875 at Greenbush Cemetery to Springvale Cemetery, Lot 171, Sec 22, Lafayette, Tippecanoe Co., IN

├── Francis B. Jennings, b. circa 1849 at IN, d. 19 May 1925 at Dayton State Hospital, Dayton, Montgomery Co., OH, bur. 21 May 1925 at Spring Vale Cemetery, Lafayette, Tippecanoe Co., IN

│   +Mary C. Wooley, m. 14 Jan 1869 at Tippecanoe Co, IN

├── George L. Jennings

│   +Anna D. Evans, b. circa 1847 at Dayton, OH, m. 17 Apr 1879 at Tippecanoe Co, IN, d. 19 Apr 1881 at Lafayette, Tippecanoe Co., IN, bur. Apr 1881 at Springvale Cemetery, Lot 171, Sec 22, Lafayette, Tippecanoe Co., IN

│   ├── Anna D. Jennings, b. 16 Apr 1881 at Lafayette, Tippecanoe Co., IN, d. 17 Apr 1881 at Lafayette, Tippecanoe Co., IN, bur. Apr 1881 at Springvale Cemetery, Lot 171, Sec 22, Lafayette, Tippecanoe Co., IN

│   └── William Jennings, b. 16 Apr 1881 at Lafayette, Tippecanoe Co., IN, d. 16 Apr 1881 at Lafayette, Tippecanoe Co., IN, bur. circa 1881 at Jennings family plot, Springvale Cemetery, Lafayette, Tippecanoe Co., IN

└── Arthur W. Jennings, b. 17 May 1855 at Lafayette, Tippecanoe Co., IN, d. 3 May 1880 at Lafayette, Tippecanoe Co., IN, bur. circa May 1880 at Springvale Cemetery, Lot 171, Sec 22, Lafayette, Tippecanoe Co., IN

+Sarah C. Comstock, b. 10 May 1823 at Hartford, CT, d. 11 Jul 1876 at Lafayette, Tippecanoe Co., IN, bur. circa Jul 1876 at Springvale Cemetery, Lot 171, Sec. 22, Lafayette, Tippecanoe Co., IN

└── Alice Louise Jennings, b. circa Mar 1857 at Lafayette, IN, d. 10 May 1858 at Lafayette, Tippecanoe Co., IN, bur. at Greenbush Cemetery, Lafayette, Tippecanoe Co., IN