An American Family History

Hannah Stanhope Jennings was born about 1660 in Sudbury, Middlesex County, Massachusetts. Her parents were Jonathan Stanhope, Sr. and Susannah Ayres.

She married Stephen Jennings in 1686. Their children and life together are described in detail in the section on Stephen and Hannah Jennings.

Hannah was left a widow when Stephen died. On January 6, 1702/03, she bought part of the Appleton farm from James Brewer and Caleb Johnson. It was between Lake Cochituate and Cochituate brook. Her descendants lived there until after the revolution.

In 1718 Martha (Jennings) Dadmun and her children were living with her.

Old Style Calendar Before 1752 the year began on Lady Day, March 25th,. Dates between January 1st and March 24th were at the end of the year. Old Style (O.S.) and New Style (N.S.) are used to indicate whether the year has been adjusted. Often both dates are used.

Children of Stephen Jennings and Hannah Stanhope Eunice Jennings Fiske Johnson Stephen Jennings Hannah Jennings Walker Martha Jennings Dedman Sarah Jennings

During the 17th and 18th centuries an adult unmarried woman was considered to have the legal status of feme sole, while a married woman had the status of feme covert. A feme sole could own property and sign contracts. A feme covert was not recognized as having legal rights and obligations distinct from those of her husband and could not own any property. When a woman became a widow she became a feme sole again.

Children of Ensign Jonathan Stanhope and Susannah Ayer Hannah Stanhope Jennings Jonathan Stanhope, Jr. Sarah Stanhope Joseph Stanhope Jemima Stanhope Rutter Mary Stanhope Rebecca Stanhope Hemenway