Lester S. Jennings

Lester S. Jennings

• Lester S. Jennings was born on 14 July 1815 in Norwich, New London County, Connecticut.
• He married Hannah Elizabeth Staples on 31 December 1846 in Fort Bend County, Texas.
• Lester S. Jennings and Hannah Elizabeth Staples appeared in the US federal census of 1 June 1850 in Texas enumerated next to the household of William Staples (age 66), born in England, likely Hannah's family. Other members of the household included William Staple Jennings. Also in the household was son James B. M. (age 1).
• Lester S. Jennings became a widower at the between 1850 and 1860 death of his wife Hannah Elizabeth Staples.
• Lester S. Jennings appeared in the US federal census of 1 June 1860 in Dripping Spring PO, Hays County, Connecticut. Other members of the household included William Staple Jennings. Also in the household were sons James (age 10) and Alexander (7), and [likely mother-in-law] E. Massy (59).
• He was a stock trader, according to the 1860 census.
• Lester S. Jennings appeared in the US federal census of 1 June 1870 in Johnson's Institute PO, Hays County, Texas. Other members of the household included William Staple Jennings and Elizabeth Matilda Massey. Also in the household were sons James (age 21), Alexander (18) and Thomas (15).
• He was a farmer, according to the 1870 census.
• Lester S. Jennings appeared in the US federal census of 1 June 1880 in Erath County, Texas. Other members of the household included William Staple Jennings and Martha Elizabeth Jennings. Also in the household and identified as Lester's children were H. C. (age 24), who likely was William's second wife, L. (7), Rose (3) and Nelly (1), and son L. L. (5), who likely were William's children. Note that William's daughter Mattie (9) also is identified among them as a daughter of Lester.
• He was a farmer, married, according to the 1880 census.
• Lester S. Jennings died on 21 January 1887 at age 71.
• He was interred at Mount Sharp Cemetery, Hays County, Texas.
• The following appeared on 15 April 1937 in the Kerrville Mountain Sun: The graying ranks of the Confederate Veterans were again thinned last Friday when William Staple Jennings, 88, was mustered out to answer the roll call in the Great Beyond. Death overtook the beloved father and grandfather in his home on Park Street after an illness of more than two years. Death was attributed to his extreme age.
       Funeral services were held Saturday in the Smith Funeral Home with Rev. C. M. Saplding, pastor of the First Baptist Church, in charge. He was assisted by Rev. A. T. Nixon of Medina and Rev. H. M. Smith of San Antonio, intimate friends of the Jennings family. Pallbearers were John Leavell, Frank Fisher, W. B. Childs, R. V. Nichols, A. B. Burton and J. R. Nichols. Burial was held in Glenn Rest Cemetery.
       Mr. Jennings was born in Richmond, November 13, 1847, and when a small child he moved with his parents to Hays County. Early in the year of 1864 he answered the call for volunteers for the Confederacy, and with his father enlisted in Hays County to serve for the Lost Cause. After the end of the war he returned to Hays County where he was married to Miss Elizabeth Massey. He moved with his bride to Erath County, near Stephenville, where he farmed for several years. After the death of his wife he moved to Kerr County and lived on the Vining Ranch for a few years, later moving to Kerrville where he has resided for about 45 years.
       He was a farmer and ranchman during the early part of his life, but in his declining years he has made his home with his daughters, Mrs. f. M. Turner and Miss Daisy Jennings. His yard and garden were his pride and joy and many a friend and neighbor has been remembered with the choicest products of his garden. His kind and lovable disposition has endeared him to all with whom he came in contact. He was a devout member of the Baptist Church, having been a member for nearly 75 years.
        The survivors are four children, Mrs. Turner and Miss Daisy Jennings of this city; Mrs. Otto Kittel of Houston, and W. H. Jennings of Vicksburg, La., all of whom were present for the funeral. He is also survived by 10 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.
       Other out-of-town friends and relatives who attended the funeral were Mr. and Mrs. Jack Patterson, Mr. and Mrs. John Lacey and children, John, Jr., and Dora; Mrs. Ella Hughes, Mr. and Mrs. Atlee Turner and daughter, Muriel, all of San Antonio.

• Last Edited: 15 Mar 2017