_Jenings or Jennings Family_ (Vol. iv., p. 424.).--Mr. Jennings or
Jennens (William), of Acton Place, Suffolk, who died at the close of the
last century, was a son of Robert Jennens, who served as aide-de-camp to
the great Duke of Marlborough. _His_ grandfather Humphrey was settled in
Warwickshire, became an eminent iron manufacturer in Birmingham, and
afterwards purchased extensively in Leicestershire. The father of
Humphrey was settled for some time at Hales Owen in Shropshire; but I
have reason to believe his family came from Yorkshire, as suggested by
A. B. C. of Brighton. The will of Humphrey was dated Feb. 25th, 1651;
and, as it was proved, may throw some light on his kindred. Various
works touching on the pedigrees of Yorkshire may also give the querist
information, especially Whitaker's _Ducatus Leodiensis_ and his _Leodis
and Elmete_, Surtees' publications, Part I. for 1836; Cleveland's
_Cleveland_; Davis's _York Records_; Hunter's _South Yorkshire_;
Nichols's _Collectanea Topographica et Geneologica_, vols. iv. and viii.
&c. &c. Doubtless, too, there are local histories of Craven and Ripon
which might aid his object; but if it would justify expense, he should
examine the diocesan and parochial registries of York in regard to those
localities. Mr. Jennens died at a very advanced age, having been the
godson of William III., and afterwards page of George I. He amassed an
immense property in lands and stock, much of which is, I believe,
unappropriated and yet unclaimed.