Samuel Jennings facts for kids

Samuel Jennings was an important leader in the early history of New Jersey. He was born in England and later moved to America. He became a key figure in the government of West Jersey before it joined with East Jersey to form the unified Province of New Jersey. Jennings served in several high-ranking positions, helping to shape the laws and future of the colony. He is remembered for his political roles and for standing up for his beliefs.

Samuel Jennings: A Leader in Early New Jersey

Samuel Jennings was born in England. We don't know his exact birth year. He later moved across the Atlantic Ocean. He settled in the American colonies.

From England to West Jersey

In September 1680, Samuel Jennings and his family arrived in a place called West Jersey. This area is now part of the state of New Jersey. West Jersey was a colony owned by individuals, not directly by the King or Queen.

In 1682, the governor of West Jersey, Edward Byllynge, chose Jennings for an important job. He made Jennings the deputy-governor. This meant Jennings helped run the colony.

Later, Jennings was elected by the people to be governor. This happened with the encouragement of William Penn, who founded Pennsylvania. However, Governor Byllynge thought this election was against the rules. He believed Jennings was taking his power illegally. Because of this disagreement, Byllynge removed Jennings from his deputy-governor role in 1684.

Standing Up for What He Believed

Samuel Jennings became involved in a big discussion. This discussion was started by two people named George Keith and Thomas Budd. Jennings chose to support the Quakers. The Quakers were a religious group known for their peaceful beliefs.

Because he supported the Quakers, Jennings faced a trial. He was found guilty. In 1694, he had to travel all the way to London, England, for a six-day trial. Jennings defended himself very well. While in London, he also wrote a book called The Case Stated. This book explained his side of the story.

New Jersey's Big Changes

By the late 1690s, the governments of both East and West Jersey were having many problems. They were not working well. Because of this, the people who owned these colonies, called the Proprietors, gave up their right to govern. They gave this right to Queen Anne of Great Britain.

Queen Anne's government then combined the two colonies. They became one large royal colony called the Province of New Jersey. This meant the colony was now directly controlled by the British Crown. This change created a new way of governing. Many politicians in New Jersey tried to gain power and influence in this new system.

Serving the People

By 1701, Samuel Jennings was the Speaker of the West New Jersey General Free Assembly. This was a very important leadership role. He was also suggested as a possible member of the New Jersey Provincial Council. This council was a group of advisors to the governor.

On July 29, 1703, the Queen's government officially appointed him to the Provincial Council for the Western Division. He stayed on the council until he resigned in 1706.

After leaving the council, Jennings was elected to the New Jersey General Assembly. He represented the City of Burlington. In 1707, he served as the Speaker of the General Assembly. This was his last major political role. Samuel Jennings passed away in 1708.