BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

THE LEADING CITIZENS OF MADISON COUNTY

CONTENTS
Preface
Names Index
Portrait Index

WILLIAM C. JENNINGS, an industrious, intelligent, and esteemed citizen of the town of Brookfield, Madison County, was born of English and American parents in Smyrna, Chenango County, N.Y., May 29, 1855. His grandfather and father emigrated from England to New York State, and were among the pioneers of the town of Brookfield. The father lived at Smyrna a few years after his marriage, and was there engaged in running a saw-mill and cheese-box factory. Later he removed to Brookfield, and bought a farm, where he resided for about twenty years. He afterward rented a house in the village, near the store of Oliver B. York. He married Miss Mariette Stanbro, a sister of the well-known "Uncle" Peleg Stanbro, the kind-hearted, beneficent, always friendly man, whose biography appears elsewhere in this volume. They reared two children: William C., our subject; and Peleg. The mother died in the town of Brookfield, the father at the house in the village above mentioned. After being educated in the district schools of Smyrna, and working in the factory there, William Jennings came with his father to Brookfield, but continued for some time working in cheese or cheese-box factories located in different parts of the Chenango Valley. He was married at the age of twenty to Miss Frances Crumb, daughter of James and Eunice Crumb. They have one child, named Harley. Mrs. Jennings is a native of the town of Brookfield, and herself and husband are devoted members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Having had no daughters of their own, they have taken into their home a young lady, to whom they have given a mother's and father's loving care.
Mr. Jennings takes a commendable interest in local public affairs, and, while not a rabid politician or chronic office-seeker, gives his hearty support to the Republican party. He is a very well-read and intelligent man, acquainted with general literature, keeping himself informed of the events of the day, and with his books and newspapers spending many an hour of intellectual enjoyment. The family live in a convenient and pleasant dwelling on a well-improved farm, with excellent barns and other buildings. A self-helpful man, Mr. Jennings has thriven by his own energy and industry. Whatever education his parents were able to give him was but the foundation upon which he has built until he has now a cultivated and well-stored mind, and acquits himself well in all his relations as a man and a citizen.