Biographical Sketch of

John Jennings

Transcribed by Joan Benner



Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin, 
published 1890 by Acme Publishing Co., Chicago, Pages 578 - 579 


John Jennings, a leading farmer of the town of Marion, Waushara County, residing on section 16, was born 
in Yorkshire, England, on the 15th of April, 1828, and is a son of John and Mary (Morehouse) Jennings, who 
were also natives of the same county. Their family consisted of the following children: William, a resident 
of Ontario, Canada; George, who went to Australia, but has not been heard of for many years, and it is 
therefore uncertain whether he is living or dead; Ann died in England in childhood; John is the next younger; 
and Mary is the wife of John Grenough, of Lampton County, Canada. In June, 1850, accompanied by their children, 
the parents emigrated to Canada, where they spent their last days. Members of the Church of England, they 
lived earnest Christian lives and made friends wherever they went.

The subject of this sketch passed the days of his boyhood and youth in his native land and from his fifteenth 
year has made his own way in the world. At that time he was apprenticed to the trade of blacksmith for a term 
of six years, receiving his board but not his clothing. When he had attained his majority he determined to try 
his fortune in the New World, believing that better opportunities were afforded young men in America than in 
the older countries across the water. He first settled in St. Lawrence County, New York, where he worked at 
his chosen trade, but after a few years started for the West. 

In 1848, in Canada, he was united in marriage with Miss Mary Barnhart, a daughter of Peter and Margaret (Wagner) 
Barnhart, who belonged to one of the early families of the Mohalk Valley and were natives of the Empire State. 
Mr. Barnhart served as a British soldier in the War of 1812. With his family he settled in Waushara County in 
1849, where his death occurred July 12, 1876. His wife still survives him and is now eighty-eight years of age. 
In early life they were members of the Methodist Church, but as they settled in a community where there was no 
church of that denomination they joined the United Brethren Church, with which they held membership for many 
years. Their family numbered ten children, nine of whom lived to adult age, namely: Charles, Thomas, Catherine, 
Mary, Sarah, Jane, Philip, Peter and John. Magdalene is deceased. 

Leaving his home in the East in 1856, Mr. Jennings became a resident of Waushara County, where he has since made 
his home, covering a period of a third of a century. Immediately after his arrival he purchased forty acres of 
land on section 16, in the town of Marion, and by subsequent purchase has extended the boundaries of his farm 
until it now comprises 288 acres of valuable land. He has not only placed the entire amount under a high state 
of cultivation, but has made many excellent improvements and now has one of the best farms in the community. He 
raises a good grade of stock, his fields are well-tilled and the entire surroundings indicate the thrift and 
enterprise of the owner.

The home of Mr. and Mrs. Jennings was gladdened by the presence of five children, two sons and three daughters: 
Agnes, who is now the wife of Henry Porter, of Shawano County, Wis.; Annie is the wife of Ezra Sperbeck, of 
Waushara County; Mary is the wife of George H. Fuller, of Shawano County; John Jr. makes his home in Waushara 
County; and Frank is still living at home. Two children of the family are now deceased: George H., who died at 
the age of twenty-nine years; and Mary E., who died when five years of age.

Mr. Jennings continued his farming operations until February, 1865, when he enlisted in Company C, of the 52nd 
Wisconsin Regiment. He joined his command at Madison, whence the regiment was sent to Benton Barracks, St. Louis, 
and later to Pilot Knob. Returning to St. Louis it was then ordered to Warrensburg, where it did guard duty. It 
was mustered out of service July 28, 1865, and Mr. Jennings then returned to his home. He is a member of Ed. Saxe 
Post, No. 135, G. A. R., and in politics is a stanch Republican, doing all in his power to advance the cause of 
that party. He has held various local offices, was Side Supervisor, for two years served as Chairman of the Town 
Board and for four years was Town Treasurer. He and his wife have a pleasant home provided with all the comforts 
of life as a result of their perseverance, industry and enterprise. Their circle of friends is extensive and 
includes the best people of Waushara County.  

See photo of George and Mary (nee Jennings) Fuller Source: Kevin Dier-Zimmel, Grandson of Ruth Van Norman and 
Ella Porter my great-grandmother Ella Porter Van Norman, Ella Porters mother is the late Agnes Jennings Porter. 






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