Showing posts with label India. Show all posts

Sunday, 27 July 2025

What killed George Jennings in 1844?

George Jennings, a Sub-Conductor in the East India Company’s Ordnance Department, died in the region then known as Scinde—modern-day Sindh, Pakistan—during a deadly summer for British forces stationed along the Indus. While his military record notes only the date of death, I’ve pieced together likely causes from historical sources. This post reconstructs what may have happened. (For background on George Jennings’s life and family, see his WikiTree profile.)

George Jennings’s military record states that he died on 15 September 1844, but does not provide details regarding the circumstances or location of his death.[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]

In 1845 The Asiatic Journal and Monthly Miscellany reported:

“The 78th and 86th Regiments arrived from England in August 1842. … In the third quarter of 1844, the regiment, divided betwixt Sukkiir and Hydrabad, on the Indus, lost 231 men, - 141 from remittent fever, the remainder from bowel complaints chiefly. …..”[iii]

‘Scinde’ refers to the historical region now known as , in present-day Pakistan. Jennings’s rank, Sub-Conductor, was used for senior non-commissioned officers in the Ordnance Department, responsible for overseeing supplies and logistics. The cause of death is not specified, and further research may be required to uncover additional details regarding the circumstances.

Sukkur (spelled 'Sukkiir' in an 1845 journal) and Hyderabad are both cities within the Sindh region. As a Sub-Conductor in the Ordnance Department, George Jennings would likely have been stationed at one of these locations, or moved between them as part of his duties. Ordnance Department personnel were integral to military operations and were usually stationed alongside combat units. As a result, Jennings would have shared the same water sources, food supplies, and unsanitary conditions as the soldiers, exposing him to diseases common in such environments.

His death falls squarely within the third quarter of 1844 (July-September) when the journal reports the regiment lost 231 men. The journal attributes the deaths primarily to "remittent fever" (likely malaria or typhoid) and "bowel complaints" (dysentery and other intestinal diseases) - exactly the kinds of epidemic diseases that would affect both military personnel and civilian support staff in the same garrison. This makes it highly probable that George was directly affected by the same epidemic that killed members of the 78th Regiment during that same quarter, as he was operating in exactly the same geographic area during the same time.

The scale of mortality described - 231 deaths in just three months from a single regiment - indicates a severe epidemic that would have affected the entire military establishment in that area, not just the regiment itself. Given the limited medical knowledge and sanitation of the 1840s, such outbreaks routinely killed support personnel alongside soldiers.

While we cannot be absolutely certain without more specific records, the overwhelming geographic, temporal, and circumstantial evidence strongly suggests George Jennings was a victim of the same disease outbreak that devastated the 78th Regiment in Scinde during that deadly summer of 1844.

Figure 1 Photographer Tim Willasey-Wilsey, Memorial to the 78th Highland Regiment and families, accessed 27 July 2025.

While George Jennings died during the same deadly epidemic that struck the 78th Highland Regiment, and likely shared the same conditions, he is not included on the regiment’s memorial that stands in St Giles Cathedral, Edinburgh, which commemorates only its own personnel and families, which reads as follows:

“To the memory of two officers, twenty one serjeants, twenty seven corporals, nine drummers, four hundred and thirty nine privates, forty seven women, and one hundred and twenty four children, of the Seventy Eighth Highland Regiment, in all amounting to six hundred and sixty nine, who died on the banks of the River Indus in Sinde, between the sixth day of September one thousand eight hundred and forty four and the fourth day of March one thousand eight hundred and forty five."[iv]

Given the scale of loss and the circumstances of his death, it is likely that George was buried in an unmarked grave, possibly near his place of service in Scinde. His final resting place remains unknown, though his wife Catherine was buried in Bombay just months later.

[i] 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) [Explanation: confirms George’s death date as 15 September 1844]

[ii] “Casualties Announced from 1st January to 31st December 1844” The Indian Calendar (1845) p. 208 (Accessed Internet Archive https://archive.org/details/dli.bengal.10689.11566 [image 811 of 924] on 17 January 2025 [Explanation: confirms George’s death date as 15 September 1844]

[iii] Tim Willasey-Wilsey, "A melancholy monument to the ravages of disease in British India," The Victorian Web, 2014, accessed 27 July 2025, https://victorianweb.org/history/empire/india/80.html, citing Asiatic Journal and Monthly Miscellany November 1844 to April 1845 Vol 4 Third Series, published London William H Allen 1845 p.561 [Explanation: provides contemporary context and 19th-century source material documenting conditions around George at the time of his death]

[iv] Tim Willasey-Wilsey, " Photograph Memorial to the 78th Highland Regiment and families," The Victorian Web, 2014, accessed 27 July 2025, https://victorianweb.org/history/empire/india/10.html

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

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).

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

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.

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

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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

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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.

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