An Illustrated History of the State of Washington, by Rev. H.K. Hines, D.D., The Lewis Publishing Co., Chicago, IL., 1893, pages 406-407 JEFFERSON JENNINGS. -- Brought to this State at the early age of nine years by his parents, Mr. Jennings has grown with the country and takes a deep interest in all matters relating to the welfare of his adopted State. He was born in Wapello county, Iowa, September 17, 1856, son of Pascal and M.J. (White) Jennings, natives respectively of Ohio and Kentucky, who settled in Iowa, where they remained until the spring of 1865, when they crossed the plains with an ox team, their destination being Washington Territory. After a journey of six months they landed in Walla Walla county and settled on a farm near the town of that name, remaining several years. They then removed to Whitman county, where they yet reside. Of the ten children born to Mr. and Mrs. Jennings, Sr., our subject is the second, and six of the family are yet living. Jefferson Jennings received his education in the common schools of Walla Walla county, later finishing his course of instruction at the Whitman College, of Walla Walla. At the early age of nineteen he was married, in 1875, to Miss Sarah E. Corkrum, but after nine years of happy married life his wife died, in 1884, leaving him with three little ones: Ollie, Mary, and Rosa F. In 1887 he was again married, his second wife being Mrs. Clara Buchner, a native of Washington, and one child, Hansel H., is the fruit of this union. After his first marriage Mr. Jennings began life for himself on a farm, but in 1885 he sold that property, removed to Walla Walla and engaged in the grocery business on Main street, between First and Second streets, where he has succeeded in building up a fine trade by his close attention to business and pleasant and obliging manners. He carries a fine stock of groceries and does a business of from $32,000 to $40,000 per year. It is his endeavor to furnish his patrons with the best the market affords, at the lowest possible prices. In addition to his business he owns his comfortable residence, in Walla Walla, where he and his estimable wife dispense hospitality to their many friends. Socially, he is connected with the I.O.O.F., in which order he has held all the offices in the subordinate lodge, being now Chief Patriarch of Walla Walla Encampment. He is also a member of the Woodmen of the World, which is a benevolent order, in which he carries an insurance policy for the benefit of his family in case of his death. In political matters he is a strong Republican, holding to the faith of that party upon any and all occasions. He was before the County Convention for the nomination for Sheriff and received a warm support, but was defeated by a few votes. For so young a man Mr. Jennings has accumulated considerable property, and all things point to his becoming one of the moneyed men of Walla Walla. In all his business relations he pursues a line of strict integrity and has won, by his honest mode of action, the respect and esteem of all who have dealings with him. Submitted to the WA. Bios Project in October 2003 by Jeffrey L. Elmer * * * * Notice: These biographies were transcribed for the Washington Biographies Project. Unless otherwise stated, no further information is available on the individual featured in the biographies.