William Jennings

William Jennings

• William Jennings was born.
• He married Cynthia Kirkham, daughter of Adonijah Kirkham.
• William Jennings died circa 1864.
• Cynthia Kirkham became a widow at his death.
• The following appeared on 24 May 1955 in the Geneva Daily Times: When you are 95 . . . will you be working jig-saw puzzles? Mrs. H. Eugene Blood does.
       Mrs. Blood is one of those remarkable women who does so many things at 95 that you wouldn't expect a person of that age to do. Sunday was her birthday.
       A family party in her honor was held at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Arthur W. Clark, 219 High St., with whom she lives.
       Besides members of her family, friends from Geneva and Penn Yan came to call and express their best wishes. Coffee and cake were served.
       When you are 95 you have plenty of memories and many interesting stories of bygone days.
       Mrs. Blood remembers the day Abraham Lincoln was shot. She was only five then but she recalls the effect of the tragedy upon her family and the nation.
       In good health considering her age, Mrs. Blood's hobbies are working cross-word and jig-saw puzzles, reading and watching TV. Her eyesight is considerably improved with her latest pair of glasses.
       Whenever she gets an opportunity, Mrs. Blood likes to go riding. She enjoys trips around the city and countryside. Although she uses a cane, she gets around very well and is quite active.
       Mrs. Blood is the former Jennie S. Jennings, daughter of the late Rev. and Mrs. William Jennings. She was born in Naples, May 22, 1860. Her father was a Wesleyan Methodist minister. Her mother was Cynthia Kirkham.
       Her father died when Mrs. Blood was four years old. With her mother and younger brother, Charles, she moved to Benton Center where the family lived with their grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Adonijah Kirkham.
       She was married to H. Eugene Blood in 1883 in Benton Center. The ceremony was performed by her brother, the Rev. Arthur Jennings. The Blood's moved to Geneva in 1908 where her husband became a prominent local builder and contractor. The family home was at 339 Washington St. Mr. Blood died in 1924.
       Seven children were born to the Bloods; one of them died in early life.
       Members of the family include three daughters, Mrs. Arthur W. Clark, Mrs. Alan Olmstead, Mrs. Lewis J. Boughtin, and three sons, Alan E. Blood, Charles J. Blood and Arthur F. Blood.
       Mrs. Blood is a member of the First Methodist Church. When she lived in Benton, she was a member of the church choir there, and was active in church activities as long as her health would permit.

• Last Edited: 24 Aug 2011