JAMES JENNINGS

James Jennings, who was a prosperous and substantial citizen residing on section 29, Rochester township, claimed Ohio as his native state, his birth occurring in Montgomery county on the 29th of October, 1829. He was only three years old, however, when he removed to Tippecanoe county, Indiana, with his parents, Levi and Abigail (Corey) Jennings. They had two children who died when small and our subject is the only one of the family who lived to years of maturity. After residing in Indiana for some years, Levi Jennings brought his wife and child to Cedar county, Iowa, in 1852, and here the parents of our subject continued to make their home until death. The family located on the farm now owned and occupied by our subject.

On starting out in life for himself Mr. Jennings became the owner of one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 29, Rochester township, but at his death, which occurred August 18, 1910, he owned two hundred and forty acres in the home place. This is a valuable and well improved property, having two sets of farm buildings upon it. He also owned another farm of two hundred and one-half acres in Rochester township; fifty acres of timber land on section 12 near Rock Village; and thirty-seven acres of timber on the Cedar river, section 31, Rochester township, making a total of five hundred and twenty-seven acres in that township. He was ever a hard-working, energetic farmer until about four years ago, when he was compelled to retire, owing to a stroke of paralysis. In business affairs he was always systematic, progressive and reliable and to these characteristics as well as to his industry may be attributed his success.

In 1850 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Jennings and Miss Almira Barnard, who was born in Washington county, Indiana, March 21, 1832, and continued a resident of that state up to the time of her marriage. She died here on the 18th of November, 1889. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Jennings are as follows: Melissa L., now the widow of George Adams, a resident of Rochester township; Sophrona, the wife of Gilpin Wilkinson of Iowa City, Iowa; Eunice A., the wife of Jeff Carney of Iowa township, this county; Helena, who is on the home farm; John Francis, a resident of Sugar Creek township; Minnie O., the wife of Charles Pieper of Iowa township; Arthur E., of Rochester township; and Elizabeth B., the wife of Vernon Walton of Sugar Creek township.

Mr. Jennings never let his business interests interfere with his religious duties and for over fifty years he served as a local preacher in the Christian church but retired from the ministry ten years ago. He also took a very active and commendable interest in public affairs, being identified with the greenback party in early life and later with the republican, but subsequently voted independent of party ties, supporting the men whom he believed best qualified to fill the office. For several terms he served as justice of the peace and his decisions were always pronounced without fear or favor. He was a prominent member of Rochester lodge, A. F. & A. M., and throughout all his life was identified with all progressive movements which he believed calculated to advance the interests of his fellowmen or promote the welfare of his adopted county and state.