Monday, 10 March 2025

Theme Reveal: Journeys of My Family

Migration has shaped my family’s history, with ancestors traveling across oceans and continents in search of new beginnings. This April, as part of the Blogging from A to Z Challenge (#AtoZChallenge), I’ll be sharing their stories—one letter at a time.

Blogging from A to Z April Challenge

From long voyages by sea to overland treks, each post will focus on the journeys themselves—the routes they took, the challenges they faced, and the experiences along the way.

I last participated in this challenge in 2017, and after a long break, I’m excited to return! Join me as I trace the travels of my ancestors, from A to Z.

Saturday, 1 February 2025

Tracing George Jennings Military Career (Version 2)

This article explores the military career of George Jennings as documented in the Registers of Bombay Army European Soldiers, 1793–1839.

According to the registers, upon enlistment, George was assigned as an Acting Draftsman under the Artillery Brigade Major’s List. The register does not provide details on his activities between his arrival in India in 1823 and his promotion to Sergeant Depot Instructor in 1832.

However, ecclesiastical records indicate that George served as a Gunner in the Honourable Company’s Artillery and had risen to the rank of Sergeant of Artillery by 1831. The register records his promotions and transfers chronologically, noting that he was appointed Sergeant Depot Instructor on 31 October 1832, then Sub-Conductor in the Ordnance Department at the Ahmednuggur Arsenal in 1833. It further documents his transfer to the Ordnance Assistant’s Department on 6 August 1833, his discharge on 8 April 1836, and his later reinstatement on the Town Major’s List as a Sub-Conductor on 18 May 1841.

Career Timeline

1. Enlistment and Early Career (1822–1827):

1822: George enlisted as an Acting Draftsman under the Artillery Brigade Major’s List, indicating a technical or administrative role within the Ordnance Department.
1822–1827: His activities during this period are not explicitly documented. However, by 1827, he appears in ecclesiastical records as a Gunner in the Honourable Company’s Artillery. This suggests he may have been reassigned from his drafting role to an active artillery position or was serving in a parallel capacity, possibly seconded to the Artillery Brigade while maintaining his formal attachment to the Ordnance Department.

2. Service as a Gunner (1827–1831):

16 July 1827: George is recorded as a Gunner in the Honourable Company’s Regiment of Artillery in his marriage record, confirming his role in the artillery at this time.
1828–1831: Baptism records of his children Sarah (1828) and George Jr. (1829) list him as a Gunner and H.C. Artillery (Honourable Company’s Artillery). By 1831, he had risen to the rank of Sergeant of Artillery, as noted in the baptism record of his daughter Mary Ann.

3. Return to the Ordnance Department (1832–1836):

31 October 1832: Promoted to Sergeant Depot Instructor, likely involving training and instruction within the Ordnance Department.
1833: Appointed as Sub-Conductor in the Ordnance Department at the Ahmednuggur Arsenal and later transferred to the Ordnance Assistant’s Department on 6 August 1833.
8 April 1836: Discharged, likely from his specific role or assignment within the Ordnance Department.

4. Later Service (1841-1844):

18 May 1841: Transferred to the Town Major’s List as a Sub-Conductor, indicating continued service in a support role, possibly within the Ordnance Department or another military branch. The Town Major’s List included personnel assigned to administrative and logistical duties in a garrison or military station.
15 September 1844: George Jennings died while serving as a Sub-Conductor of the Ordnance Department in Scinde (modern-day Sindh, Pakistan). His death is recorded in the List of Casualties for 1844, though the exact circumstances are not documented.

A Closer Look at George Jennings’ Career

At first glance, George Jennings’ career might seem inconsistent, given his variety of roles: Gunner, Sergeant of Artillery, and Sub-Conductor, spanning both the Artillery and the Ordnance Department. However, when examined through the framework of the Unattached List System, his career progression becomes clearer. This system allowed personnel with specialised skills to be deployed across different military branches as needed while maintaining an overarching affiliation with the Ordnance Department.

George Jennings’ Status: Non-Commissioned Specialist

George Jennings entered the East India Company as a non-commissioned or technical specialist, rather than as an officer or cadet. His initial role as an Acting Draftsman under the Artillery Brigade Major’s List in 1822 was a technical position, requiring expertise in drafting and record-keeping. This type of role was typically filled by non-commissioned personnel or enlisted men with specific skills, rather than by officers or cadets.

Unlike cadets, who were trained to become commissioned officers, George’s career followed the path of a skilled specialist. His subsequent assignments, such as Gunner, Sergeant of Artillery, and Sub-Conductor, were also non-commissioned roles, further confirming his status as a technical expert rather than an officer. While cadets often came from privileged backgrounds and received formal military training, George’s skills in drafting and logistics suggest a more practical or trade-based education, which aligned with the needs of the Ordnance Department.

Given the technical nature of his role as an Acting Draftsman, it is likely that George had some formal education or training before enlisting. Drafting required proficiency in mathematics, geometry, and technical drawing, skills that were often acquired through apprenticeships, trade schools, or other forms of education. This background would have made him a valuable asset to the Ordnance Department, which relied on skilled personnel to manage the design, maintenance, and logistics of military equipment and infrastructure.

The unattached list system, which managed personnel like George, was often used for non-commissioned specialists who provided essential technical and logistical support. This system allowed George to move between roles in the Ordnance Department and the Artillery while maintaining a consistent thread of service within the broader military structure.

George Jennings and the Ordnance Department

To understand George’s varied roles, it is essential to examine the function of the Ordnance Department within the East India Company’s military structure. The Ordnance Department was responsible for supplying, maintaining, and managing weapons, ammunition, and equipment. It also oversaw the Unattached List, a flexible system enabling skilled personnel to move between different military assignments while remaining affiliated with the Ordnance Department.

Early Career: The Major’s List

George’s military career began in 1822 when he was assigned as an Acting Draftsman under the Artillery Brigade Major’s List. This role highlights his technical expertise and suggests that he was embedded within the Ordnance Department from the start. The Major’s List functioned as a pool of skilled personnel who could be seconded to different units based on their expertise.

Temporary Assignments: Gunner and Sergeant of Artillery

Between 1827 and 1831, George transitioned into more active military duties as a Gunner and later as a Sergeant of Artillery in the Honourable Company’s Artillery. These assignments likely represented temporary secondments to the Artillery Brigade, where he gained field experience while remaining formally attached to the Ordnance Department. This practice was common, as the Ordnance Department worked closely with the Artillery to ensure effective deployment and maintenance of weapons.

Return to Ordnance Roles: Depot Instructor and Sub-Conductor

By 1832, George resumed explicitly ordnance-related roles. He was promoted to Sergeant Depot Instructor, followed by an appointment as Sub-Conductor in the Ordnance Department at Ahmednuggur Arsenal in 1833, and later transferred to the Ordnance Assistant’s Department. His final posting in 1841 as a Sub-Conductor on the Town Major’s List further supports the continuity of his service in administrative and logistical roles.

Where Was George Stationed?

While the Register documents George Jennings’ promotions and official appointments, it does not always provide details on temporary assignments or deployments. Baptismal records suggest that he was based in Matoonga until 1833, but this does not necessarily reflect the full scope of his movements. His appointment as Sub-Conductor in the Ordnance Department at the Ahmednuggur Arsenal in 1833 suggests a probable relocation to that station. However, given the nature of ordnance work and his various roles, it is possible that he travelled or was seconded to different locations as needed. This mobility was facilitated by his placement on the Unattached List, which allowed him to be deployed flexibly based on the military’s requirements.

Potential Sources for Further Research Potential

To uncover more details about George Jennings' movements and assignments, the following records could be useful. These sources, identified in the FIBIS Research Guide No. 1: “Researching Ancestors in the East India Company Armies” by Peter A Bailey & Ian A Baxter (2006), I have included the relevant page numbers from the book for future reference. Locating these records for George Jennings may help provide further information about his life and service. The records identified so far are:

Registers of Recruits to the East India Company’s Armies (IOR/L/MIL/9)

Explained on Page 35: These registers contain details of recruits, including their enlistment dates and assignments.
Gap in Records: Unfortunately, there appears to be a gap in the records between 1819–February 1822 and October 1825–January 1829 (both on LDS film 1786428), which coincides with the period when George’s record would likely be found.

Depot Description List/Depot List

Explained on Page 36: These lists are ordered by the ship's name and date of sailing for India.
Relevant Record: IOR/L/MIL/9/30 for dates January 1820–December 1830.
- Service: Artillery, Depot: Chatham, LDS Film: 1786483
Comment: It is possible that George was sent to the Chatham Depot in Kent, a key military installation for artillery personnel, to receive this training or await deployment to India. The Chatham Depot was a common staging area for soldiers, particularly those in technical or artillery roles, and would have been an important step in George’s early military career.

Embarkation Lists

Explained on Page 37
- First Series: IOR/L/MIL/9/99 for dates March 1816–June 1824 (LDS film 1866880).
- Second Series: IOR/L/MIL/9/77 for dates January 1824–October 1832 (LDS film 1835455).
- These lists could provide details about George’s journey to India and his assignments during his early service.

Muster Rolls (IOR/L/MIL/12/117-197)

Explained on Page 44: These rolls cover the period 1708–1865 (LDS film 196649–2029664) and can be used to track the stationing of personnel.
Refinement Needed: For George, the search should be refined to include the dates of his service (1823–1844). See notes on page 44 of the FIBIS guide for further details.

EIC Medal Rolls and Prize Rolls for Campaigns in India (1799–1826)

Page 68: IOR/L/MIL/5/69 Medal Roll for the Battle of Scinde (1843).
Purpose: To determine whether George was involved in the campaign or if he arrived in Scinde after the campaign concluded.

These records are invaluable for piecing together the lives of individuals like George Jennings. If you have access to any of them or know someone who does, please get in touch. Your contribution could help bring George’s story to life.

Useful Links for Background

WikiTree profile for George Jennings (1804 - 1844)

📌 Related Posts:

For more information on this topic, you may find the following posts helpful:

Blog Post Meta Data

🔷 Supersedes Previous Post (Posted Wednesday, 29 January 2025):
This post contains updated and corrected information that replaces an earlier blog post on the same topic entitled Tracing George Jennings Military Career. For the most accurate details, please refer to this version rather than the previous one.

The URL for this post is https://ancestralresearchjournal.blogspot.com/2025/02/the-military-service-of-george-jennings.html, originally published 1 February 2025

Author 2025, Sandra Williamson

Please comment on this post on the website by clicking the URL above and then the "Comments" link at the bottom of each post. Share it on Twitter/X, Facebook, or Pinterest using the icons below. Or contact me by email via the Contact Form on the Blog.

Sources:

George Jennings, Military Record, attestation: 25 November 1822, Middlesex. Registers of Bombay Army European Soldiers, 1793–1839, A–K, India Office Records, L/MIL/12/109. Accessed via FIBIS website https://www.fibis.org/, “Registers of Bombay Army European Soldiers” database (no images), (accessed 16 April 2020).

Marriage of George Jennings and Catherine Jacob, 16 July 1827, George Jennings, a Gunner in the Honourable Company’s Regiment of Artillery, married Catherine Jacob by banns. IOR Reference Z/N/3, Volume 8, Folio 193, entry 65, page 193, official copy of the Register of Marriages for the Chaplaincy of Matoonga in the Archdeaconry of Bombay, 31 December 1827–1 January 1828. British India Office Marriages, Parish Register Transcripts from the Presidency of Bombay, 1709–1948. Findmypast. Accessed 13 January 2023.

Baptism of Sarah Jennings, 10 August 1828, daughter of George Jennings (Gunner) and Catherine Jennings, residing in Matoonga. N-3-8, Folio 267, entry 90, Register for the Chaplaincy of Matoonga, 1 July–31 December 1828. British India Office Births & Baptisms. Findmypast. Accessed 13 January 2023.

Baptism of George Jennings, 2 August 1829, son of George Jennings (H.C. Artillery) and Catherine Jennings, residing in Matoonga. N-3-9, Folio 225, entry 100, Register for the Chaplaincy of Matoonga, 1 July–31 December 1829. British India Office Births & Baptisms. Findmypast. Accessed 13 January 2023.

Baptism of Mary Ann Jennings, 27 July 1831, daughter of George Jennings (Sergeant Artillery) and Catherine Jennings, residing in Ahmednuggur. N-3-10, Folio 186, entry 19, Register for the Chaplaincy of Ahmednuggur, 1 July 1832–1 July 1833. British India Office Births & Baptisms. Findmypast. Accessed 13 January 2023.

Baptism of James Jennings, 24 February 1833, son of George Jennings (Draftsman) and Catherine Jennings, residing in Ahmednuggur. N-3-11, Folio 4, entry 5, Register for the Chaplaincy of Ahmednuggur, 1 July 1832–1 July 1833. British India Office Births & Baptisms. Findmypast. Accessed 13 January 2023.

Baptism of Caroline Jennings, 2 August 1835, daughter of George Jennings (Sub-Conductor, Ordnance) and Catherine Jennings, residing in Ahmednuggur. N-3-12, Folio 3, entry 14, Register for the Chaplaincy of Ahmednuggur, 1 July–31 December 1835. British India Office Births & Baptisms. Findmypast. Accessed 13 January 2023.

Baptism of Isabella Jennings, 14 January 1838, daughter of George Jennings (Gunner) and Catherine Jennings, residing in Ahmednuggur. N-3-13, Folio 271, entry 1, Register for the Chaplaincy of Ahmednuggur, 1 July–31 December 1838. British India Office Births & Baptisms. Findmypast. Accessed 13 January 2023.

Baptism of Catherine Jennings, 13 August 1840, daughter of George Jennings (Acting Sergeant Instructor, Artillery) and Catherine Jennings, residing in Ahmednuggur. N-3-15, Folio 24, entry 24, Register for the Chaplaincy of Ahmednuggur, 1 July–31 December 1840. British India Office Births & Baptisms. Findmypast. Accessed 13 January 2023.

The Indian Calendar (1845), p. 208, Courier Press, Bombay, (Accessed Internet Archive https://archive.org/details/dli.bengal.10689.11566 17 January 2025) Page 208,

"A General or Indiscriminate List of Her Majesty’s and the Hon’ble Company’s Officers, on the Bombay Establishment [in the] Ordnance Department … Acting Sub-Conductors ... G. Jennings [appointed] 19 May 1841 [Station] Bombay."

Wednesday, 29 January 2025

Tracing George Jennings Military Career

🔷 Update Notice (Posted 1 February 2025):
This blog post has been updated with new information and is now superseded by a more recent post on the same topic, which can be found here. To ensure you have the most accurate and complete details, please refer to the latest version.

****

This article delves into the military service of George Jennings, as documented in the Registers of Bombay Army European Soldiers, 1793–1839.ⁱ

According to the Registers, when George enlisted, he was assigned to be an Acting Draftsman under the Artillery Brigade Major’s List. However, this role doesn’t appear to have materialised. The register is silent on his activities between his arrival in India in 1823 and his promotion to Sergeant Depot Instructor in 1832.

Ecclesiastical records, however, indicate that George served as a Gunner in the Honourable Company’s Artillery and had risen to the rank of Sergeant Artillery by 1831. His Register entry later notes that he became a Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) in the Ordnance Department, and served as a Sub-Conductor in the Ahmednuggur Arsenal after relocating from Matoonga (at least, this is how I interpret the record).

Below is my detailed investigation into the records to uncover George Jennings Military Career.

Early Career and Enlistment

George Jennings embarked on his military journey at just 19 years old,ⁱⁱ enlisting in the Bombay Army of the East India Company on 25 November 1822.ⁱⁱⁱ He arrived in India on 26 May 1823 aboard the Company’s ship, Farquharson.^iv The voyage from England to India typically spanned four to six months, depending on weather and route conditions.

Initially, George enlisted as an Acting Draftsman under the Artillery Brigade Major’s List, which recorded personnel working with the Artillery Brigade Major. This role suggests George demonstrated some aptitude during recruitment or possessed basic literacy and numeracy skills. However, his later progression through the enlisted ranks rather than to a commissioned officer suggests he had likely received only a modest formal education beforehand. Any technical skills he acquired were likely learned informally or through experience. Interestingly, this initial role may not have materialized into active service, as George transitioned to a new position soon after he arrived in India.

Transition to Gunner (1823–1832)

George’s official Register entry is silent on his activities between his arrival in 1823 and his promotion to Sergeant Depot Instructor in 1832. Ecclesiastical records, however, provide insight into this period. During these years, George likely served as a Gunner in the Honourable Company’s Artillery.^v ^vi ^vii By 27 July 1831, George had risen to the rank of Sergeant Artillery, as noted in his daughter’s baptism record, ^viii showing his steady rise through the enlisted ranks.

Promotion to Sergeant Depot Instructor (1832)

On 31 October 1832, George Jennings was promoted to Sergeant Depot Instructor, a key position responsible for training new recruits in military drills and artillery handling.^ix As Sergeant was the highest enlisted rank in the Artillery, further advancement required transitioning to a Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) role.

Unlike commissioned officers, who were typically from elite or well-connected backgrounds and formally educated, George’s career path was limited to positions attainable by enlisted men. Despite these constraints, NCOs like George played a vital role in managing operations, training recruits, and ensuring discipline, making them essential to the army’s effectiveness.

Relocation and Entry into the Ordnance Department (1833)

George Jennings’ military records indicate that in 1833, he was assigned to the Ahmednuggur Arsenal as a Sub-Conductor in the Ordnance Department.^x This is the only explicit mention in his records of a change in both location and the specific part of the army he served, suggesting a significant transition in his career.

Ahmednuggur (Ahmednagar) was a major arsenal and strategic hub for the East India Company, serving as a garrison town and logistical center. Its importance likely aligned with George’s new responsibilities, as he shifted from the Artillery to the Ordnance Department, reflecting a move toward more specialized, technical duties.

The records also note that George officially transferred to the Ordnance Assistant’s Department on 6 August 1833.^xi It is unclear whether this represents a single event—documented in two stages—or two distinct events. One possibility is that George initially joined the Ordnance Department as a Sub-Conductor earlier in 1833 and that the transfer on 6 August marks the formalisation or a departmental shift to a more specialised role. Regardless, this period marks a significant turning point in his career.

Upon transferring to the Ordnance Department, George Jennings likely moved to Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) status, taking on logistical and operational responsibilities. NCOs were the backbone of the military hierarchy, bridging the gap between enlisted ranks and commissioned officers. Within the Ordnance structure, NCOs like George played a crucial role in maintaining the army’s logistical efficiency. As a Sub-Conductor, George would have been directly tasked with overseeing the storage, maintenance, and supply of military stores, including artillery and ammunition. His position helped by bridging the gap between enlisted soldiers and commissioned officers, ensuring the smooth functioning of the East India Company’s military operations.

Service in the Ordnance Assistant’s Department (1833–1836)

George continued serving in Ahmednuggur as a Sub-Conductor until his discharge on 8 April 1836.^xii The exact nature of this discharge remains unclear. It is possible that George was discharged from his role within the Ordnance Assistant’s Department while still remaining within the army, potentially transitioning back to a different role or department. Alternatively, this discharge could mark a temporary leave of absence or a transition to a reserve status, rather than an end to his military career altogether. The records do not specify whether this discharge was from the entire army or merely from the Ordnance Assistant’s Department.

Reassignment to the Town Mayor’s List (1841)

On 18 May 1841, George reentered service, this time on the Town Major’s List as a Sub-Conductor.^xiii The Town Mayor’s List was an administrative designation rather than a specific military unit. Personnel on the list, including NCOs like George, were tasked with maintaining discipline and overseeing logistical operations in military towns and garrisons. This reassignment highlights George’s continued value as an experienced officer in administrative roles.

Final Rank and Death (1844)

By 15 September 1844, George Jennings had achieved the rank of Conductor, the highest NCO rank within the Ordnance Department. Tragically, his military record notes his death on the same date, though it does not detail the circumstances.

George’s name appears in the 1844 List of Casualties, which records:

“Sub-Conductor G. Jennings of the Ordnance Department, deceased 15 September 1844 in Scinde.”^xiv

Sources Identified in Footnotes

Military Records

Context: This military record is a compiled document created by East India Company Army personnel for administrative purposes. It is drawn from primary sources and provides an outline of George Jennings' military service and his progression through the ranks.

Freemason Records

George Jennings, Freemason Membership (1835) Entry, 2 February 1835, Lodge of Hope, Ahmednuggur, 15th unnumbered entry on page 802, United Grand Lodge of England, Freemason Membership Registers, 1751–1921. Library and Museum of Freemasonry, London. Accessed via Ancestry.com, 13 January 2023. Images reproduced by courtesy of the Library and Museum of Freemasonry.

Ecclesiastical Records from the British India Office

India - Almanacs

The Indian Calendar (1845) p. 208, Courier Press, Bombay, (Accessed Internet Archive https://archive.org/details/dli.bengal.10689.11566 17 January 2025) Research Note: The article lists George Jennings’ death year as "do" (ditto), which appears to reference 1842. However, this is a likely typesetting error since all other deaths align with 1844.

When reviewing the entry for George Jennings, the year of death is listed as "do," which typically means "ditto"—indicating the same year as the death listed above. However, if you trace back through the list, this would imply that he died in 1842, not 1843. This is likely a typesetting error, as all other deaths are recorded in 1844, consistent with the heading. It seems that the individual who passed away in England in 1842 is the exception.

Useful Links for Background

WikiTree profile for George Jennings (1804 - 1844)
WikiTree profile for Catherine (Jacob) Jennings (abt. 1805 - bef. 1845)

Blog Post Meta Data

The URL for this post is https://ancestralresearchjournal.blogspot.com/2025/01/tracing-george-jennings-military-career.html, originally published 29 January 2025

Author 2025, Sandra Williamson

Footnotes

i George Jennings, Military Record, attestation: 25 November 1822.

ii George Jennings, Freemason Membership [Research Notes: George was 32 when he joined the Freemasons, thus he would have been born circa 1803]

iii George Jennings, Military Record, attestation: 25 November 1822 [date given in record]

iv George Jennings, Military Record, attestation: 25 November 1822 [date & ship name given in record]

v Marriage of George Jennings and Catherine Jacob,1827 [By the time of his marriage in 1827, he was already serving as a Gunner, suggesting that the Draftsman role was short-lived or purely administrative.]

vi Baptism of Sarah Jennings 10 August 1828 (daughter) [The baptism of his daughter Sarah in 1828 further anchors him as an active Gunner during this time.]

vii Baptism of George Jennings, 2 August 1829 (son) [The designation H.C. Artillery on the 1829 baptism record of George Jennings' son likely stands for Honourable Company's Artillery, referring to the artillery branch of the Honourable East India Company (HEIC)]

viii Baptism of Mary Ann Jennings 1831(daughter) [George’s occupation is listed as Sergeant Artillery]

ix George Jennings, military record, attestation: 25 November 1822[this is the first Rank mentioned in his Military Record after enlistment]

x George Jennings, military record, attestation: 25 November 1822 [The second mention in his Military Record after enlistment “Sub-Conductor Ordnance Dept. Ahmednuggur Arsenal 1833” and the only place where location and which part of the Army he belongs to]

xi George Jennings, military record, attestation: 25 November 1822 [as above]

xii George Jennings, military record, attestation: 25 November 1822 [it is not clear what George is being discharged from: is it the Ordnance Assistant’s Department to return back to the Ordnance Department to which may have been seconded or was it from the entire Army?]

xiii Military Record [Transferred to Town Major's List 18 May 1841 as Sub-Conductor, not an Acting Sub-Conductor as stated in the Newspapers]

xiv The Indian Calendar (1845), p. 208 [George appears in the Casualties, confirming his death]

Monday, 20 January 2025

The Death of George Jennings 1844

George Jennings’s military record documents his death as occurring on 15 September 1844, but not the circumstances or location.ⁱ However, his name appears in the List of Casualties for 1844 with the following entry:

Sub-Conductor G. Jennings of the Ordnance Department deceased 15 September 1844 in Scinde.ⁱⁱ

Why was George in Scinde?

On 18 May 1841, George was promoted from Sergeant in the 1st Battalion Artillery to Acting Sub-Conductor in the Ordnance Department.ⁱⁱⁱ As part of this promotion, he was transferred to the Town Major’s non-effective list, a designation that typically indicated a shift to administrative duties. ^iv

The Town Major’s non-effective list was not a specific record maintained in every town but rather an administrative designation. It is typically applied within a presidency, such as the Bombay Presidency, and assigned personnel to military administration, logistics, or urban management roles. Soldiers on this list could be deployed to different locations within the presidency as needed. For Jennings, this likely meant being sent to regions where his expertise in ordnance and artillery was required.

By 1844, Sindh had recently been annexed by the British following the campaigns of General Sir Charles Napier in 1843. This period was marked by the consolidation of British control in the region, with the Ordnance Department playing a vital role in securing supplies and maintaining artillery for ongoing military and administrative needs.

George Jennings may have been involved in active campaigning and/or focused logistical and administrative duties. Still, his position in the Ordnance Department suggests he contributed to the British presence in Sindh during this transitional period.

Was George present at the Battle of Scinde?

It is not clear if George fought in the conquest of Scinde between 1842 and 1843 or arrived after the battle.

Let's look at what we know for sure:

On 13 August 1840, George’s youngest child was baptised, Catherine Jennings. At the time, he gave his residential address as Ahmednuggur.^v George’s wife, Catherine, was 25 years old in 1840, an age when she could still theoretically have had more children. However, the absence of additional offspring suggests George may have been away from home, likely fulfilling his military obligations, so it is possible that he was involved in the Battle of Scinde.
As a member of the Town Major’s List, he could have been involved in garrison duties in Sindh, contributing to the maintenance of order in the occupied territory after its annexation.

Was George involved in the Indian Mutiny?

According to his daughter, many years later, “her father George Jennings a soldier was killed in the Indian mutiny.”^vi

George Jennings did not die during the Indian Mutiny of 1857–1858. The Battle of Scinde (or the conquest of Sindh) and the Indian Mutiny were distinct historical events, occurring over a decade apart.

George’s death, as recorded in the Casualties List, aligns with the period of the Battle of Scinde, suggesting that his death was linked to the Battle of Scinde.

Why the Confusion?

Given that Isabel was only eight years old when her father died and nine when her mother passed away, it is understandable that she may have confused one conflict with another.

The Mystery of His Death

No church records for George’s death or burial have yet been located. The casualty list and Military record remain the only documented evidence of what became of him, leaving many details of his final years shrouded in mystery.

Disease was a significant cause of mortality among British troops in India. The combination of unfamiliar climates, limited medical knowledge, and exposure to endemic illnesses like cholera or malaria made deployment dangerous. Given that no specific battle is recorded in connection to his death, it is possible he succumbed to illness common in such postings

Sources Identified in Footnotes

George Jennings Military Record, attestation: 25 November 1822, Middlesex. Registers of Bombay Army European Soldiers, 1793–1839, A–K, India Office Records, L/MIL/12/109. Accessed via FIBIS website, “Registers of Bombay Army European Soldiers” database (no images), https://search.fibis.org/frontis/bin/aps_detail.php?id=2290703 (accessed 16 April 2020).
THE INDIAN CALENDER(1845) : Bombay, India: Courier Press, n.d. (Accessed Internet Archive https://archive.org/details/dli.bengal.10689.11566 17 January 2025) page 208
1. This Publication provides a record of key events, figures, and official notices from British India during the 19th century. It includes information on military operations, government announcements, and casualty lists.
2. When reviewing the entry for George Jennings, the year of death is listed as "do," which typically means "ditto"—indicating the same year as the death listed above. However, if you trace back through the list, this would imply that he died in 1842, not 1843. This is likely a typesetting error, as all other deaths are recorded in 1844, consistent with the heading. It seems that the individual who passed away in England in 1842 is the exception.
Baptism of Catherine Jennings(daughter) born 10 August 1840 and baptised 13 August 1840, daughter of George(Actg[Acting] Sagt[Sergeant] Instructor, Artillery Repository) & Catherine Jennings, residing in Ahmednuggur, entry 24, baptisms in the Register for the Chaplaincy of Ahmednuggur, in the service of Bombay from 1 July to the 31 December 1840; Findmypast, Parish register transcripts from the Presidency of Bombay, 1709-1948(database with images), citing British India Office Births & Baptisms N-3-14 folio 257

Newspapers

1935 'PERSONAL'[Abbreviated News Snippet Column], The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), 22 May, p. 6. , viewed 18 Jan 2025, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12241261
1. “… Although she is aged more than 101 years Mis Isabel Munro of Mahoney street Fitzroy was able to attend a dance at the 40 Club last night Mrs Munro was born in Bombay and her father George Jennings a soldier was killed in the Indian mutiny. For 25 years she has been living with her daughter, Mrs K. Mcintyre. ...”
Promotion Announcements of Appointments in the Ordnance Department.

The Bombay Times and Journal of Commerce (1838–1859); Bombay, India. Page 335, "By the Commander in Chief," 26 May 1841.
ProQuest Historical Newspapers. http://search.proquest.com/hnptimesofindia/docview/233788597/citation/D0DDC04C402543CDPQ/11

“The following appoints in the Ordnance Department, were ordered to take place … Serjeant G. Jennings 1^st Batt. Arty. … To be Acting Sub conductors and transferred to the Town Major’s non effective list”

Geographical Context: Scinde and Sindhi

Scinde is the British spelling of the name of the province of Sindh in Pakistan, while Sindhi is a language spoken in Sindh. Sindh became part of British India and its Bombay Presidency on 1 October 1848.

Useful Links for Background

WikiTree profile for George Jennings (bef. 1804 - 1844)

Blog Post Meta Data

The URL for this post is https://ancestralresearchjournal.blogspot.com/2025/01/the-death-of-george-jennings-1844.html, originally published 20 January 2025

Author 2025, Sandra Williamson

Foot Notes

i George Jennings, Military Record [Only date but no other details given]

ii THE INDIAN CALENDER(1845), page 208 [He is listed in the causality but not the cause of his death is not given.]

iii Promotion Announcements of appointments in the Ordnance Department [Confirms that he belonged to the G. Jennings and that he had been a Serjeant and was transferred to the Town Major’s non effective list to be an Acting Sub conductors]

iv George Jennings, Military Record [Transferred to Town Major's List 18 May 1841 as Sub-Conductor, not an Acting Sub-Conductor as stated in the Newspapers]

v Baptism of Catherine Jennings(daughter) [gives the residential address as Ahmednuggur]

vi 1935 'PERSONAL'[an Abbreviated News Snippet Column] The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), 22 May, p. 6. , viewed 18 Jan 2025, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12241261

Wednesday, 15 January 2025

Examining the Freemason Records for George Jennings

George Jennings was initiated into the Freemason Lodge of Hope on 2 February 1835 at 32 while serving as a Sub-Conductor in the Bombay Presidency.[i] His membership is recorded as a single-line entry in the register, noting that he resided in Ahmednuggur (modern Ahmednagar). Supporting evidence from military records indicates that, as of 6 August 1833, George Jennings was employed in the Ordnance Department at Ahmednuggur Arsenal.[ii]

Freemason records confirm that he remained a member as late as 1841, during which time the Lodge of Hope was meeting in the Barrack Rooms, The Fort, Ahmednuggur, Bombay Presidency.[iii]

Geographical Context: Ahmednuggur and Aurungabad

John Lane F.C.A.’s book, Masonic records, 1717-1894: Page 268

John Lane F.C.A.’s book, Masonic records, 1717-1894: Page 260

The reference to Ahmednuggur (Ahmednagar) and Aurungabad as connected locations in the Masonic records appears to stem from a clerical or interpretive error found in the original documents and later repeated in John Lane F.C.A.’s book, Masonic Records, 1717–1894. These two places were geographically and administratively distinct:

Ahmednuggur (Ahmednagar): A town with a significant military cantonment and fort within the Bombay Presidency.
Aurungabad (Aurangabad): A city associated with the Nizam of Hyderabad, but occasionally linked to Bombay Presidency activities due to colonial military overlap.

The mention of these two separate locations as one entity likely resulted from an error by a registrar unfamiliar with the local geography.

Insights from Lodge Registers

The original register pages where George Jennings is listed provide additional context:

Folio 112: Marked with the heading “[No.532B/802A], Lodge of Hope, Poonah, the Deccan, East Indies.”
Folio 113: Marked “[No.532/802], Lodge of Hope, Ahmednuggur, Bombay.”

The lodge numeration reflects the historical renumbering process after the union of the Antients Grand Lodge and the Premier Grand Lodge in 1813, which reorganized lodges under the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE).

“This records the numeration of a lodge. … After the Union of the two Grand Lodges[Antients or Athol Grand Lodge & The Premier of Moderns Grand Lodge] in 1813 a new list was created of lodges under the United Grand Lodge of England. This merger and renumbering was published in 1814. The United Grand Lodge of England renumbered in 1832 and in 1863. Lodges that were created after 1863 are allocated a number from the 1863 re-numbering. … In the numeration section a Lodge Number (A) heading indicates that the lodge was originally part of the Antients Grand Lodge.”[iv]

As George joined the Freemasons in 1835, it is unlikely that he attended the lodge in Poona. Instead, he would likely have been involved with the breakaway group meeting in Ahmednuggur, where he was residing at the time.

Key Sources

Military Records

· George Jennings, military record, attestation: 25 November 1822, Middlesex. Registers of Bombay Army European Soldiers, 1793–1839, A–K, India Office Records, L/MIL/12/109. Accessed via FIBIS website, “Registers of Bombay Army European Soldiers” database (no images), https://search.fibis.org/frontis/bin/aps_detail.php?id=2290703 (accessed 16 April 2020).

Masonic Records

1. George Jennings, membership entry (1813–1836), Lodge of Hope, Lodge #802A/#532B, initiated 2 February 1835, Bombay, India, The Register of Admissions 15th unnumbered entry folio 112. Born 1803, age at initiation: 32, profession: Sub Conductor. United Grand Lodge of England Freemason Membership Registers, 1751–1921; citing Register of Admissions: Country and Foreign 'G', #745–865, fols. 1–276, Library and Museum of Freemasonry, London, England (accessed via Ancestry.com, [database on-line with images, images 123–124 of 292])

2. George Jennings, membership entry (1840/1841), Lodge of Hope, Lodge #532, initiated 1835, Bombay, India, folio 152, United Grand Lodge of England Freemason Membership Registers, 1751–1921, citing Register of Admissions: Country and Foreign 'E', #452–585, fols. 1–293, Library and Museum of Freemasonry, London, England (accessed via Ancestry.com, [database on-line with images, image 162 of 329]).

Background Resources

· Lane’s Masonic Records, "Lodge of Hope," lodge number 802 (1814–1831) / 532 (1832–1862). Accessed via The Digital Humanities Institute, University of Sheffield. Lane’s Masonic Records website, version 2.0,

URL: http://www.dhi.ac.uk/lane (Accessed : 14 January 2025)

· Lane, John, F. C. A,

Masonic records, 1717-1894: being lists of all the lodges at home and abroad warranted by the four grand lodges and the "United Grand Lodge" of England, with their dates of constitution, places of meeting, alterations in numbers, &c., &c. ... also particulars of all lodges having special privileges, centenary warrants, &c., &c :

Accessed via Internet Archive

o Page 260 : https://archive.org/details/cu31924030274165/cu31924030274165)

o Page 268 https://archive.org/details/cu31924030274165/cu31924030274165 )

(Accessed: 14 January 2025)

· Gould, R. Freke.

A Library of Freemasonry (1906): comprising its history, antiquities, symbols, constitutions, customs, etc., and concordant orders of Royal Arch, Knights Templar, A. A. S. Rite, Mystic Shrine, with other important Masonic information of value to the fraternity derived from official and standard sources throughout the world from the earliest period to the present time.

Twentieth century edition de luxe. London: John C. Yorston..

o page 139 https://ia801603.us.archive.org/3/items/libraryoffreemas04goul/libraryoffreemas04goul.pdf

(Accessed: 14 January 2025)

· How to read a lodge record, Accessed via The Digital Humanities Institute, University of Sheffield. Lane’s Masonic Records website, version 2.0,

URL: http://www.dhi.ac.uk/lane (Accessed : 14 January 2025)

Useful links for background

WikiTree profile for George Jennings (bef. 1804 - 1844)

Understanding Place Names in 19th Century India

Blogpost Meta Data

The URL for this post is: https://ancestralresearchjournal.blogspot.com/2025/01/examining-freemason-records-for-george.html originally published 15 January 2025

Author 2025, Sandra Williamson

Endnotes Linked to Key Sources

[i] George Jennings, membership entry (1813–1836)

[ii] George Jennings, military record

[iii] George Jennings, membership entry (1840/1841)

[iv] How to read a lodge record

Friday, 10 January 2025

Tracing the Jennings Family: A Journey Through Baptismal Records and Military Service in Colonial India

What can the baptismal records of seven children reveal about a family’s life in colonial India? For George and Catherine Jennings, these documents tell a story not just of family and George’s military service during the era of the East India Company. This blog post explores their lives through birth and baptismal records, uncovering both milestones and errors.

Two discrepancies in George’s recorded occupations came to light during the research. These errors, found in the records of James (1833) and Isabella (1838), conflicted with George’s documented military career. Correcting them clarified the family’s story and provided valuable insights for understanding George’s professional progression—a topic I’ll explore in greater detail in my next post.

The Family of George Jennings & Catherine Jacob

Gunner George Jennings(bachelor in the Hon’ble Company’s Regiment of Artillery) and Catherine Jacob(spinster) were married by banns on 16 July 1827 in the Chaplaincy of Matoonga, Bombay, India.[i] George and Catherine welcomed seven children during their time in colonial India, beginning with Sarah in 1828 and concluding with Catherine in 1840. Their records reflect both milestones and losses.

Sarah Jennings, born 7 July & baptised 10 August 1828 in the Chaplaincy of Matoonga, daughter of George (Gunner) & Catherine Jennings residing in Matoonga, Bombay, India.[ii]
George Jennings, born 7 July & baptised 2 August 1829 in the Chaplaincy of Matoonga, son of George (H.C.Arty [Honourable Company Artillery]) & Catherine Jennings residing in Matoonga, Bombay, India.[iii] George died at the age of 2 months while residing in Matoonga on 17 September 1829.
Mary Ann Jennings, born 3 July & baptised 27 July 1831 in the Chaplaincy of Ahmednuggur, daughter of George (Sergeant Artillery) & Catherine Jennings residing in Ahmednuggur, Bombay, India.[iv]
James Jennings, born 25 January and baptised 24 February 1833 in the Chaplaincy of Ahmednuggur, son of George (Draftsman Artillery Depot) & Catherine residing in Ahmednuggur.[v]
Caroline Jennings, born 3 July and baptised 2 August 1835 in the Chaplaincy of Ahmednuggur, daughter of George (Sub-Conductor Ordnance) & Catherine residing in Ahmednuggur.[vi] Caroline died at the age of 11 on 10 September 1847 and was buried, as the daughter of the late Sub Conductor Jennings of the Ordnance Department, in Bycullah, Bombay, India.[vii]
Isabella Jennings, born 26 Dec 1837 and baptised 14 January 1838 in Chaplaincy of Ahmednuggur, daughter of George (Gunner Artillery) & Catherine residing in Ahmednuggur.[viii]
Catherine Jennings, born 10 August and baptised 13 August 1840 in the Chaplaincy of Ahmednuggur, the daughter of George (acting [unable to read] Instructor, artillery Repository) & Catherine residing in Ahmednuggur.[ix]

Research Notes

Baptismal records for James (1833) and Isabella (1838) incorrectly list George’s occupation as Draftsman and Gunner, respectively. However, military records show he had been promoted to Sub-Conductor by this time. These errors likely resulted from clerical oversights.

Correcting these errors was crucial for accurately documenting George's career progression, shedding light on the roles he played in the Bombay Army.

Useful links for background

WikiTree profile for George Jennings (bef. 1804 - 1844)

Blogpost Meta Data

The URL for this post is: https://ancestralresearchjournal.blogspot.com/2025/01/tracing-jennings-family-journey-through.html Originally published on 10 January 2025 and edited on 15 January to add a link to related posts and add an image

Related Posts
Understanding Place Names in 19th Century India
Examining the Freemason Records for George Jennings

[i] Marriage of George Jennings(Gunner in the Honourble Company’s Regiment of Artillery) & Catherine Jacob married by banns on 16 July 1827, from the offical copy of the Register of Marriages for the Chaplaincy of Matoonga in the Archdeaconry of Bombay between 31 December 1827-1 January 1828, entry 65, page 193 Findmypast, British India Office Marriages, Parish register transcripts from the Presidency of Bombay, 1709-1948, citing IOR Reference Z/N/3, Volume Number 8, Folio 193)

[ii] Baptism of Sarah Jennings(daughter) born 7 July 1828 and baptised 10 August 1829, daughter of George(Gunner) & Catherine Jennings, residing in Matoonga, entry 90, baptisms in the Register for the Chaplaincy of Matooya, Archdeanery of Bombay from 1 July to the 31 December 1828; Findmypast, Parish register transcripts from the Presidency of Bombay, 1709-1948, citing British India Office Births & Baptisms N-3-8 folio 267

[iii] Baptism of George Jennings(son) born 7 July 1829 and baptised 2 August 1829, son of George (H.C.Arty [Honourable Company Artillery]) & Catherine Jennings, residing in Matoonga entry 100, baptisms in the Register for the Chaplaincy of Ahmednuggur, Archdeanery of Bombay from 1 July to the 31 December 1829; Findmypast, Parish register transcripts from the Presidency of Bombay, 1709-1948(database with images), citing British India Office Births & Baptisms N-3-9 folio 225

[iv] Baptism of Mary Ann Jennings(daughter) born 3 July 1831 and baptised 27 July 1831, daughter of George (Sergeant Artillery) & Catherine Jennings, residing in Ahmednuggur, entry 19, baptisms in the Register for the Chaplaincy of Ahmednuggur, Archdeanery of Bombay from 1 July 1832 to the 1 July 1833; Findmypast, Parish register transcripts from the Presidency of Bombay, 1709-1948(database with images), citing British India Office Births & Baptisms N-3-10 folio 186

[v] Baptism of James Jennings(son) born 25 January 1833 and baptised 24 February 1833, son of George(Draftsman Artillery Depot) & Catherine Jennings, residing in Ahmednuggur, entry 5, baptisms in the Register for the Chaplaincy of Ahmednuggur, Archdeanery of Bombay from 1 July 1832 to the 1 July 1833; Findmypast, Parish register transcripts from the Presidency of Bombay, 1709-1948(database with images), citing British India Office Births & Baptisms N-3-11 folio 4

[vi] Baptism of Caroline Jennings(daughter) born 3 July 1835 and baptised 2 August 1835, daughter of George(sub Conductor, ordinance) & Catherine Jennings, residing in Ahmednuggur, entry 14, baptisms in the Register for the Chaplaincy of Ahmednuggur, Archdeanery of Bombay from 1 July to the 31 December 1835; Findmypast, Parish register transcripts from the Presidency of Bombay, 1709-1948(database with images), citing British India Office Births & Baptisms N-3-12 folio 3

[vii] Burial of Caroline Jennings(daughter) (aged 11, daughter of the late Sub Conductor Jennings of the Ordnance Department) 10 September 1847 in Back Bay, Bycullah, Bombay, Findmypast, Parish register transcripts from the Presidency of Bombay, 1709-1948(database with images), 3^rd unnumbered entry on page 213 entitled “Burials at Bycullah in the archdeaconry and Diocese of Bombay in the East Indies in the Year 1847”

[viii] Baptism of Isabella Jennings(daughter) born 26 Dec 1837 and baptised 14 January 1838, daughter of George(Gunner, Artillery) & Catherine Jennings, residing in Ahmednuggur, entry 1, baptisms in the Register for the Chaplaincy of Ahmednuggur, Archdeanery of Bombay from 1 July to the 31 December 1838; Findmypast, Parish register transcripts from the Presidency of Bombay, 1709-1948(database with images),citing British India Office Births & Baptisms N-3-13 folio 271

[ix] Baptism of Catherine Jennings(daughter) born 10 August 1840 and baptised 13 August 1840, daughter of George(actg [unable to read] sub Conductor artillery Rep7[?]) & Catherine Jennings, residing in Ahmednuggur, entry 24, baptisms in the Register for the Chaplaincy of Ahmednuggur, in the service of Bombay from 1 July to the 31 December 1840; Findmypast, Parish register transcripts from the Presidency of Bombay, 1709-1948(database with images), citing British India Office Births & Baptisms N-3-14 folio 257

Welcome to my Blog,

I hope that you may find something of interest in this blog, but first may I introduce myself.

My interest in family history originated in 1980 when I began to sort my grandmother’s collection of family photos, and this then led to an interest in family history as I attempted to understand the different personalities and various stories that were behind these photos. In January 2013 when I posted my first blog, it began with a story about my grandmother's photos. Since then I have been involved in various homegrown clubs, official organizations and discussion groups relating to genealogy & history and last year I completed a Diploma of Family History at the University of Tasmania.

Please have a search around and please let me know what you think.