He was the great Ironmaster of Birmingham, England and owner of Ashton Hall. The house was built by Sir Thomas Holt from 1618-35. It was use by Washington Irving as the settings for his "Bracebridge Hall". This John was first married to Mary Jennens and then Joyce Weamer. He was perhaps related to John Jennings (Jennens) of Hertfordshire who was knighted in 1603 and was the grandfather of the first Duchess of Marlborough. [This from Descendents of Humphrey Jennings of England, in Amelia Hist. Library]