The following information was assembled from numerous sources and cannot be used directly as proof of Qualifying Service or Lineage.
It is considered a research aid and is intended to assist in locating sources that can be used as proof.
Modern VA type headstone with embedded bronze SAR emblem and Lawn Level stone
DAR bronze marker nearby
Directions to Cemetery / Gravesite:
Author: Anonymous
The following biography of William Jennings was published at findagrave.com. I am not the author.
The text of the Alabama Historical Cemetery Marker located at the cemetery:
"The oldest known grave is that of Orpah Moore (1772-1823), consort to Rev. (Doctor) Lemuel Moore. This is the final resting place of American Revolutionary War Patriot William Jennings (1761-1840) and the professed burial site of the Last Creek Indian Chief of the Kewahatchie Tribe, Boz Shepard and his family (c. 1836-37). On January 24, 1964, a devastating tornado destroyed most of the oldest grave markers and killed ten citizens, including five members of the same Kelly family. Thousands of Shelby County's earliest settlers and area residents are buried here."
Recently, efforts have been underway by various historical preservation groups to restore the cemetery. This is a large cemetery with several sections, the newest being established in 1985. Newer markers and sites are well maintained. It is unclear exactly how many people may be buried here.
After the war, William Jennings lived in Georgia and Tennessee before he went to Alabama. He was documented in the book, “Some Tennessee Heroes of the Revolution,” by Zella Armstrong. The book was compiled from pension statements, and is available online from multiple sources. The book's entry for William is given below as follows:
"WILLIAM JENNINGS William Jenkins [sic] applied for revolutionary pension while living in Lincoln County, Tenn. He was born Feb. 26, 1761. He lived in Prince Edward County, Va., in April 1777, when he entered the service. He served under Capt. Henry Walker, Col. Mason, Lieut. Richard Holland and Ensign John Black. In the summer of 1781 he enlisted in Prince Edward Co., under Capt. Cunningham. He was at the surrender of ornwallis[sic]. In 1836 he asked for a transfer of his pension to Shelby County, Ala. He died July 17, 1840. His widow Polly Jennings said that she was married Jan. 18, 1787, her name before marriage being Polly Kidd. She was born Nov. 4, 1771. Their children were: Martin, born 1787; Nancy, born 1789; Elizabeth, born 1792; Allen, born 1796; William Kidd, born 1789; Sally, born 1801; Webb, born 1802; William Calvin, born 1803; Robert, born 1808; Lucrecy, born 1810; Sophy, born 1812; James W., born 1813."
Find A Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com : accessed 18 March 2020), memorial page for Pvt William “Billy” Jennings (26 Feb 1761–17 Jul 1840), Find A Grave Memorial no. 17763718, citing Harpersville Garden of Memories Cemetery, Harpersville, Shelby County, Alabama, USA ; Maintained by Jennings77 (contributor 49115390) .
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