They had
four children.
- Patrick [1799-1873] who married Anne Coleman and moved to Dundalk, County Louth.
- Anne Jennings who married James Verdon son of Michael Verdon, Newry.
- Bridget [1807-1810] who married Daniel McCartan and emigrated to Wisconsin, USA.
- Charles, 2 Mill Street, Newry, Spirit Dealer.
In 1793
Daniel, like his brother Andrew, is found in the Convert Rolls.
Throughout the
eighteenth century, restrictions enacted by the Penal Laws were relaxed for
those Catholics who took the Oath of Allegiance to the King and renounced their
religion for that of the established Church of Ireland. In the majority of cases
this was not a sincere renunciation of the Catholic religion, as it was the
only legal means whereby a Catholic could obtain basic civil rights.
In 1774 an Act was passed to permit
the King’s subjects, of any religion, to take an oath at the local assizes
(courts) “to testify to their loyalty and allegiance to him, to promote peace
and industry in the kingdom.” [1]
In 1799 an
advertisement appeared in the Belfast Newsletter regarding a flour miller.
WANTS EMPLOYMENT. A
Flour-miller and Mill-wright who perfectly understands his business in all its
various branches and whose Discharges amply testify for his Character and
Abilities. Any ... who may want a person of the above description, are
requested to direct a Line to Mr. Daniel Jennings, Millstreet, Newry 18th
December 1799.[2]
Daniel was still living in Mill Street in 1803, and appeared in the
Newry Town Agricultural Census.
Daniel Jennings, Mill Street, Newry.
[3]
He was a spirit merchant by 1809.
PRIVATE DISTILLING
We the Spirit Merchants and Dealers in Whiskey,
in the town of Newry, viewing with the utmost concern, the ruinous state of the
spirit trade, occasioned by the great extent to which private Distilling is
carried on in this country, do hereby offer a Reward of
TWENTY POUNDS STERLING
for such information as will lead to the
Detection and Seizure of each Still; and we also pledge ourselves to the
keeping secret the Informers’ Names.
The above Reward to be paid instantly on the
Detection being made; and we agree to the sums annexed to our names, remaining
as a Fund for the payment of such informations as may be given, which is to be
paid rateably.
Any of the Subscribers will receive Informations,
and be ready to pay the Reward, as above.
….Daniel Jennings
£20. [1]
He is also recorded in 1812.
Daniel Jennings. Abode:
Newry. Freehold: Mill St.,
Newry. Aug 19, 1812.[4]
By 1820 he was recorded as keeper of a tavern:
Name: Daniel
Jennings
Dates: 1801-1825
Location: Town: Newry; County/Colonial: Ireland
Occupation(s): tavern, public house keeper
Gender: Male
Address(es): Mill
street; Town: Newry; County/Colonial: Ireland
Source Date: 1820.[5]
By 1824 he had become a grocer:
Grocers and Tea Dealers:
Jennings,
Daniel, Mill-street.
[6]
Daniel appears to have been active in the Catholic Association
in Newry, at one meeting acting as Chairman.
In July 1828 three
letters were sent by Robert Atkinson, Newry,[ County Armagh] to William Gregory, [Under Secretary],
believing that there is a plot among Catholics in his area to murder him;
making allegations against a number of individuals and public houses in the
town including John Russell and [sic] attorney, who is associating with the
‘Council of Liberators’ or ‘Mr
O’Connell’s Gang of Assassins’ and who was implicated in the 1798 Rebellion;
also mentioning Daniel Jennings, John Trainor, Mr. Barrett, the Collector of
Excise, James Tayler; making a number of deranged claims and for example
stating that he publically declared in Newry that the newly constructed
Catholic church would be converted into a Protestant church.[7]
This was followed by a Letter from Smithson Corry,
magistrate, Newry, County
Down, on the 10th
September, 1828, advising government not to pay any attention to any letters
from Robert Atkinson of Newry who is insane. Also annotation from [Francis
Leveson Gower, Chief Secretary] noting that no notice has been taken of
multiple letters from Atkinson. [8]
Daniel died in 1830. His funeral expenses are recorded. 1830 June 1st. Daniel Jennings Mill St., (£5.00).[9]
Bridget died two years later in 1832.
They are buried together in St
Marys Newry Graveyard Plot No. 69 Section Old B, with their son Patrick and his
wife Anne. The grave has a slate headstone and a stone edging.
This monument was
erected by Daniel Jennings of Newry 1816, who departed this life 21st June 1830
aged 65, also his beloved wife Bridget who departed this life 27th October 1832
aged 64, may the Lord have mercy on their souls, also pray for the soul of his
son Patrick Jennings of Dundalk who died 18th November 1873 aged 74 and his
wife Anne Jennings who died 18th May 1897 aged 87.[10]
Patrick, Anne, Bridget and Charles are all mentioned as his
children in Daniel Jennings will which was probated in1831.
[1][1] www.nationalarchives.ie
[2] Belfast Newsletter 20 Dec
1799.
[4] Newry,
Co. Down 1813-21. PRONI: T/761/20.
[5] Listed in The
Commercial Directory, of Scotland,
Ireland, and the four most Northern Counties
of England,
for 1820-21 & 22.
[6] Pigot 1824
[7] NAI
CSO/RP/OR/1828/735
[8] NAI CSO/RP/1828/1384
[9] Newry Church
Records. Funerals. NLI Pos 5502. Newry 05502/05 nli.ie
[10] www.findagrave.com
