Coming nearer to the truth of the matter is the tradition backed by a few records, that indicate Sarah Jennings {page 2} born 1634 married her cousin Henry (Correction: Henry Jennings married Ann Godwin born 1646). She died of the plague in June 28th, 1665, leaving two children Isaac and Sarah. Henry's second wife was Margaret Busse, whom he married in London in 1666. Henry and Margaret left Eng. and came to Salem, N.J., on the good ship "Kent" in 1677. While living in London he worked as a tailor, and he did the same kind of work in Philadelphia, Pa., after coming to America. He was a member of the Society of Friends. He owned (some little of) land in Salem, N.J., Philadelphia, Pa., and near Haddonfield (Barrington), N.J. His will proved in 1706 left property to Isaac Jennings of London, where he was educated) and some little remembrance to Isaac's little daughter Margaret whom Henry called by the nickname of “my cousin.”) Henry’s wife Margaret's will proved in 1710, mentions Sarah and Isaac Jennings as children of her husband. 2nd wife had no children.
It seems quite generally agreed that Henry Jennings was the foundation stock of the Haddonfield Jennings. He was the son of William and Mary Jennings and was born in Clemond-deane, Surrey, England, July 21, 1642. Henry and wife Margaret Bussie Jennings, came to America on the ship Kent, landing in Salem, N.J., 23rd, 6 mo. 1677. They left from their home in Kingston, on Thames, London, bringing with them their servant “Martha Berkett, in one report, and in another the name was Martha Bassett. Such a difference seems not unusual in the reports or records of the “Friends Monthly Meetings”. Handwriting, spelling and phraseology in original records of monthly meetings indicates frequent changes in the scribe or reporting secretary. Within a two-year period in the Salem the name Henry Jennings is spelled in the following manner: Henerie Jememes, Henerie Jemenes, Henry Jenyngs, Henry Jenings, and finally Henry Jennings.
There is also a conflict in the name of the Master of the Kent, the ship bringing them to the New World. Our grandfather, Henry Jennings, born in Waynesville, Ohio, Aug. 6th 1812, writing to the Sect. of the Jennings Association, April 17th, 1850, states: “We trace back from our father James Jennings, by a succession of wills and records, to Henry Jennings, our parent stock, came from England to the United States. And we find him on the Emigrants Register, the time of landing, the vessel he came on, and the name of the master of the vessel, & c.
He came on the ship Kent, Meeslow, master; landed 16 June, 1677.” All other records and documents so far seen, refer to Gregory, Master A question arises. Was the first or last name used in the records? Could the name have been Gregory Meeslow, or Marlow
Note: Notes: Gregory Marlow was master of the Kent
Henry and Margaret had but one child and was still born March, 8, 1668. They were married at the Parish of St. Bartholomie, London.
In 1682, John Adams, son-in-law of John Fenwick, sold Henry Jennings 200 acres of land. Henry likewise purchased a considerable tract of land in Cohansey precinct., it being near the town of Cohansey, (Now Greenwich). Henry and his wife removed from Salem and located in the City of Philadelphia, about the year 1700, and at that place ended their days. He was a tailor by trade and followed it in that city. He died in1706., and made his will the year previous. Not having any children he devised most of his estate to his uncle, Isaac Jennings, of London and to the daughter of Isaac, Margaret Jennings, his cousin.
John Fenwick came to America from England in 1675, on the ship Griffith, landing in a spot he named Salem, soon to become known as West New Jersey. He immediately began forming what later was called FENWICK'S COLONY. This was the first ship from England to land in the area. It was followed in less than two years by the ship Kent, among whose passengers was Henry Jennings, of London. The passengers on both ships were, for the most part Friends or Quakers. Negotiations were soon under way for the purchase of large tracts of land. By circumstance, William Penn, among others, was appointed trustee to handle large land holdings. A constitution or government was soon agreed upon by the colonists and was entitled:
"THE CONCESSIONS AND AGREEMENTS OF THE PROPRIETORS, FREEHOLDERS AND INHABITANTS OF THE PROVINCE OF WEST NEW JERSEY".
There were one hundred and forty-five signers of the document, among whom were William Penn and Henry Jennings.
Large tracts of land were also purchased from the Indians. Among the considerations were the following:
"30 match coats, 20 guns, 30 kettles, and one great one, 30 pair of hose,20 fathom of duffelds, 30 petticoats, 30 narrow hoes, 30 bars of lead, 15 small barrels of powder,70 knives, 30 Indian axes,70 combs, 60 pair tobacco tongs, 60 scissors,60 tinshaw looking glasses, 120 awl blades, 120 fishbooks, 2 grasps of red paint, 120 needles, 60 tobacco boxes, 120 pipes, 200 bells,100 Jews-harps, and 6 anchors of rum".
They did not have sufficient Indian goods to complete the purchase and were obliged to agree with the Indians not to settle on the land until the remain-was paid.
(A Job Jennings was a passenger on the ship Griffith. The compiler has no other information about him.)
Henry Jennings was a prominent member of the Salem Monthly meeting of Friends soon after its organization in 1666. He was the son of Williams and Mary Jennings, born the 21st of the 7th month., 1642, in the County of Surrey, England. Henry and his wife Margaret embarked for America in the ship Kent, Captain, Gregory, and landed at New Salem N.J. 3rof the 6th month., 1677.
There are many people in West New Jersey who are said to to be descended from Henry Jennings. This seems to me to be probable, and I shall therefore present such references to him as have appeared in official and historical records. (How could he have descendants if he had no children? See above.) (Ed.).The following I am told by a former Secretary of the "Jennens Association", was certified to by Richard M. Acton, Custodian of Records of Salem Monthly Meeting, 8th Mo. 14, 1878.
Henry Jennings., son of William and Mary, was born 7th Mo.21, 1642, in the Parish of Clemonddeane, in the County of Surrey, England, married 1 No. 18, 1666, in London, Margaret, daughter of Paul Bussie, of York City, Old England. They left England for West New Jersey on the ship Kent 2 No.5, 1677, with their servant Martha, daughter of John Basse, arriving in Salem 6 Mo. 23,1677.
Judge Clement,in"First Settlers in NewtonTownship"P.287,further states that Margaret Bussie was of the Parish of St. Bartholomew London.
Henry Jennings was a Friend, and so far as we can learn, a strict member of the Society. I have collected a few memoranda of the man while he was in Salem, N.J., prior to his removal to the City of Philadelphia.
He and his wife Margaret, frequently appear as witnesses to marriages in Salem Meetings. ''were appointed to take a view of Edward Bradway's house for a meetinghouse."
1681 -Mar. 12th. Lib. 2. Vol. 1, Basse's Book, John and Elizabeth Adams sold 200 acres to Henry and Margaret Jennings (his wife).
1682 -Two Indians sold 200 acres to Henry Jennings, Salem.
1695 -Jan. 16 -Henry Jennings of MunMouth River of the County of Salem, Taylor sold 90 acres of the above tract for 321 (pound) silver money to John Bacon of Cesaria River. (Deed in possession of Miss Mary W. Bacon, 1898.)
1687 -Liber 3. fol. --Salem Records at Trenton -Henry bought -acres of Roger Milton.
1703 -Basses Book, Trenton, pp 111 and 470 of Lib. G.3.--HenryJennings, tailor of Salem, bought land in Gloucester (town) Gloucester Co., N.J. 6th July and 6th Aug. of John Hugg and wife. John Hugg Sr. died in 1706. He had lived at the junction of Great Timber and Little Timber Creeks, very near the Delaware River. It is believed that the site of Old Fort Nassau -the first point of settlement of Europeans (1623) on the shore of the Delaware River, was on this land. John Hugg Jr. married Priscilla Collins and it was to her that Henry Jennings' widow Margaret left property and appointed John Hugg her executor.
Liber A. fol. 33 -Trenton.
Henry Jennings sold 69 acres to John Denis. He also sold land to Wm. Waithman, 1704. John Bacon who had bought of Wm. Waithman sold .34½ acres to Jeremiah Bacon.
One of the most comprehensive reports on the Jennings family was published by the above author in Vol. 11 entitled: The History of the Jennings Family in England and America. The volume contains approximately 600 pages and is found in many libraries across the land. Reference to this book be abbreviated in this report with the designation WHJ 1899.
In this volume we find that Henry his wife Margaret owned land in many parts of New Jersey. Some was purchased in Gloucester County and considerable near Cohansey (now Greenwich). In 1681 Henry purchased 200 acres from John In 1682, 200 acres were purchased from two Indians. In 1695 Jennings of River (sold) some acreage of the latter to John Bacon of Cesarea River. In 1687 Salem records. at Trenton indicate that Henry bought (350) acres from Roger Milton
Source: William Henry Jennings, Columbus, Ohio, 1899 (WHJ 1899)
Henry Jennings, tailor of Salem, bought land In Gloucester July 6th and August 6th of John Hugg & wife
Henry Jennings sold 69 acres to John Dennis and to Wm Warthman in 1704. Henry’s brother Isaac was father of Margaret Jennings. In his will Henry refers to his niece as "cozen".
Henry’s was "proved, approved and allowed" at Burlington' NJ" and we quote Surrogate Theodore Revell: Know yee that at Burlington, ye twenty third day of April Anno Dom, 1706, the last and testament of Henry Jennings was proved, approved and allowed '
On Sept. 4 1677, a warrant was sent to Samuel Hedge, Surveyor General, for a survey of ten acres in the Township of New Salem for Henry Jenyngs, tailor, the return to be made to Fenwick Adams. On July 20th 1685, Henry Jennings leased to Roger Milton a yoke of oxen to Roger Milton for two years
1681, 20th day, 6th mo., a memorandum notes that Henry Jennings received a quasi Indian Deed for about 300 acres. The two Indians were a Schochanam and Etthunt making the sale. The land was next to Jacob Youngs on Little Creek. In the 1681-2 period Henry also purchased 200 acres of 1500 acres survey from a 2000 piece of land. On Oct. 28th 1696, a deeded was issueed from Henry to Able Nicholson for 100 acres. Numerous other items of barter were noted but time did not permit their recording.
The first, monthly meeting in Salem N.J. Of Friends was in 1676. (note dot over the I in 1676). Henry first appeared in a Quaker meeting the third day of the fourth month 1678.
"It was appointed by the meeting that Edward Bradway & henerle Jememes should speak to James Neavell and know his reason whie hee doth absent from the meeting and return his answer to the next monthly meeting”.
It will be noted that the spelling varies a great deal from meeting to meeting. It appears that a different person was appointed or volunteered to be clerk of the monthly meeting. Hence the variety in spelling and phraseology. One researcher comments that he has found the name Jennings to be spelled eleven different ways. The name has been known to be spelled six different ways in one deed.
3rd day of 5th Mo. 1678 he is referred to as Jemenes. On the 3rd day of the 7th Mo. 1678, he is referred to on committee assignment as Henry Jenings. On this day Henry and Nathan Smart "were ordered by meeting to go to Robert Zaines to know whether he is willing to leave the difference that is between Thomas Smith & Hee to ye metting".
There are many notations of members giving money to help defray expenses and other matters and Henry often topped the list of givers with ten or fifteen shillings.
On the 2nd day of ye 6th Mo. 1680, "Richard Robinson & Henry Jenings are ordered by ye mens meeting to make Inquiry of John Deen and his wife to know kan Justify to marrye their dagther to unbeliever.11
By 1683 in minutes of monthly meeting the name is spelled Henry Jennings.
At this date it also appears that a permanent clerk has been appointed to keep the records."shall record the families of Friends and that he shall have three pence each head for recording the same."
1683 is the last date of record that Henry served at the Salem meetings. To be called on assignment a member must be capable and responsible. Henry was called frequently.
In the name of God Amen. I, Henry Jennings, of the city of Philadelphia the Province of Taylor, being of a sound mind and disposing memory and judgment, doe make & ordaine this my Last Will and Testament. PrinciplyI Commit my Soul to God who gave it and my body to the earth to be decently buried at the discretion of my Executrix hereafter named & my worldly estate I Dispose of as followeth Imprs. I will that all my just debts be paid by my Executrix. Next, I will Devise & bequeath to Isaac Jennings, to his heirs & Assigns forever the hundred and fifty Acres of Land that I bought of Thomas Graves. Item, I give Devise & bequeath the house and Lott where I now live to my cozen Margaret Jennings, daughter of Isaac Jennings of London, to her heirs & assigns forever, after the Decease of my wife.
Also, I give Devise & bequeath to my loving wife, Margaret Jennings, to her heirs & assigns forever all the Rest & Residue of my estate, both real & personall, both here and elsewhere not herein before bequeathed: & whome I doe hereby Nominate Constitute & ordaine to be my Sole Executrix of this my Last Will & Testament, Revoking and Expressly-annulling all former Last Wills & Testaments by me heretofore made, Declareing this alone to be my Last Will & Testament. IN WITNESS whereto & whereof I have put my hand & seale this 27 day of June 1705. Henry Jennings (his seal) Signed sealed published and declared in the presence of us William Hudson Theo. B. Beadford Thomas Paschall
Burlington ye 23d. April 1706 Personally appeared before me Thomas Revell Esq. Surrogate, Margaret Jennings Executrix of the within will & took her attestation to bring in a true Inventory & performe the will according to law Jurat Coramme. Thos. Revell Surr.
Edward viscount Cornbury Captain General & Governor in Chief in & over the Province of New Jersey New York & all the Territories & tracts of Land Depending thereon in America & Vice Admirall of the same &c. To all to whome these presents shall come or may concern Greetings Know Yee that at Burlington ye twenty third day of April Anno Dorn 1706 the last will & Testament of Henry Jennings was proved approved and allowed of by me whilst having lived and having at the time of his Death Goods, Chattels & Credits in Divers places within the Province by means whereof the full Disposition of all & Singular the said Goods Chattels &n Credits of the said Deceased & His Last Will & Testament in any manner of ways Concerning was granted unto Margaret Jennings Widdow & Executrix of the said Last Will & Testament names Chiefly of well & truly administering the same & and of making a true & perfect Inventory of all & singular the said Goods, Chattels & Creditts & exhibiting ye same into the Secretarys office of the said Privince at or before the 23d day May next ensueing & of rendering a just and true Acct. Calculation and Reconing when thereunto shee shall be Lawfully Required.
In TESTIMONY whereof I Thomas Revell Esqr Surrogate have hereunto sett hand and seale this 23d day of April Anno RRa Anna Quinto. Annoq Dom. 1706. Tho. Revell Surr. ''recorded in Liber I of Wills page 147 &c."
P.364 Will of Margaret Jennings, Widow of Henry -Gloucester Files Trenton
Liber No. I, fol 301 Dated 14 Aug. 1708.
Of Philadelphia -To my friend Priscilla Hugg wife of John of the Co. of Gloucester in West N.J. yeoman all my land in town and County of Gloucester providing she pays my friend Thomas Griffith of Philadelphia L10 current money for the use of people called Quakers -also my lot of 10 acres in Cohansey (Salem Co.) West N.J. -also lot of 8 acres in Salem shall be sold for my debts -all the rest unto Isaac and Sarah reputed son and daughter of my deceased husband Henry Jennings to be equally divided between them -She appoints John Hugg Executor -makes her mark.
In the name of God Amen. I, Henry Jennings, of the city of Philadelphia the Province of Taylor, being of a sound mind and disposing memory and judgment, doe make & ordaine this my Last Will and Testament. PrinciplyI Commit my Soul to God who gave it and my body to the earth to be decently buried at the discretion of my Executrix hereafter named & my worldly estate I Dispose of as followeth Imprs. I will that all my just debts be paid by my Executrix. Next, I will Devise & bequeath to Isaac Jennings, to his heirs & Assigns forever the hundred and fifty Acres of Land that I bought of Thomas Graves. Item, I give Devise & bequeath the house and Lott where I now live to my cozen Margaret Jennings, daughter of Isaac Jennings of London, to her heirs & assigns forever, after the Decease of my wife.
Also, I give Devise & bequeath to my loving wife, Margaret Jennings, to her heirs & assigns forever all the Rest & Residue of my estate, both real & personall, both here and elsewhere not herein before bequeathed: & whome I doe hereby Nominate Constitute & ordaine to be my Sole Executrix of this my Last Will & Testament, Revoking and Expressly-annulling all former Last Wills & Testaments by me heretofore made, Declareing this alone to be my Last Will & Testament. IN WITNESS whereto & whereof I have put my hand & seale this 27 day of June 1705. Henry Jennings (his seal) Signed sealed published and declared in the presence of us William Hudson Theo. B. Beadford Thomas Paschall
Burlington ye 23d. April 1706 Personally appeared before me Thomas Revell Esq. Surrogate, Margaret Jennings Executrix of the within will & took her attestation to bring in a true Inventory & performe the will according to law Jurat Coramme. Thos. Revell Surr.
Edward viscount Cornbury Captain General & Governor in Chief in & over the Province of New Jersey New York & all the Territories & tracts of Land Depending thereon in America & Vice Admirall of the same &c. To all to whome these presents shall come or may concern Greetings Know Yee that at Burlington ye twenty third day of April Anno Dorn 1706 the last will & Testament of Henry Jennings was proved approved and allowed of by me whilst having lived and having at the time of his Death Goods, Chattels & Credits in Divers places within the Province by means whereof the full Disposition of all & Singular the said Goods Chattels &n Credits of the said Deceased & His Last Will & Testament in any manner of ways Concerning was granted unto Margaret Jennings Widdow & Executrix of the said Last Will & Testament names Chiefly of well & truly administering the same & and of making a true & perfect Inventory of all & singular the said Goods, Chattels & Creditts & exhibiting ye same into the Secretarys office of the said Privince at or before the 23d day May next ensueing & of rendering a just and true Acct. Calculation and Reconing when thereunto shee shall be Lawfully Required.
In TESTIMONY whereof I Thomas Revell Esqr Surrogate have hereunto sett hand and seale this 23d day of April Anno RRa Anna Quinto. Annoq Dom. 1706. Tho. Revell Surr. ''recorded in Liber I of Wills page 147 &c."
Henry Jennings and Anne Godwin and Margaret Busse
Isaac Jennings and Mary Bucknall
No records yet for John Jennings or Robert Jennings