Indiana State sentinel. (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1861-1865, 1861-02-27
From the Clark County Democrat.
Biographical sketch of Jonathan Jen-
ufuus. the First Governor of Indiana.

nings, the First Governor OF Indiana.
Mr. Jennings was born in the year 1874 in the
the State of Virginia. His father moved 70 Fa-
yette county, Pennsy lvania, about the year IiyO.
He was the son of Rev. Jacob Jennings, Pres
byterian minister, who emigrate1 from New Jer-
sey to Virginia, and thence to Pennsylvania. His
early life was spent with his father upon the farm
until sixteen years OF age; but at n suitable age
be was sent 10 the grammer school of Rev. Doc
tor McMillen, Cannonsburgh, Pennsylvania, now
jefferson College. Having availed himself of the
advantage of this school in the pursuit of the
Latin and Greek languages, and other classical
studies as far as the limited means of his father
would permit, he commenced the study OF law,
and being licensed to practice emigrated 70 the
Indiana Territory. Proceeding to Vincennes, he
obtained employment as a clerk in the Office of
Nathaniel Ewing, Receiver of Public Moneys at
that place. and during the intervals of service as
clerk, progressed with his law studies. At the
election for delegate 30 Congress in the year
| 1909 Jennings elected for the Indiana L er-
rtory, after an exciting canvass with an able and
popular competitor, and the active exertOns OF
the Governor against him. lie reelected,
and served delegate in Congress until the
year 1916, at which time he was chosen amember
of the convention to form a constitution and State
government, from the county of Clark.
The convention assembled at Coryd0n, on the
10th day of June, lcl6, and Mr.. Jennings was
i selected rs BreSdent OF that BODY. having Dccn
instrumental in procuring the assent Of Congress
TO the chsuge from n Territorial to a State gov
eminent, and versant with the conditions and
propositions of Congress preliminary thereto,
much of the labors and duties of the Convention
devolved upon him. The able manner in which
these duties were performed, is exhibited in the
ordinance and constitution adopted. That old
constitution is of itself a monument 90 its pro-
jectors This year, 1916, Mr.. Jennings was
elected the first Governor under the State con-
stitution, and on the-day of-delivered his
first message to the Legislative Assembly. His
competitor for the Office of Governor was Colonel
POsey, the Territorial Governor, a brave and
gallant officer of the Revolution. At the first
session of the Legislature code of laws was en-
acted, suited TO the wants of the people. The
members of Assembly being from different States
of the Union, and bringing with them prejudices
as diversified as the laws and localities from
whence they came, exhibited much zeal and tenn
per in transactions of legislative duties. To re-
concie conflicting opinions, and allay factiOus
opposition, required tact and prudence of no or
binary character, and to Jonathan Jennings much
is due for the accomplishment of this object.
| The laws were acceptable and approved by the
people, aud Indiana emerged from territorial TO
State government under bright auspices. Du-
| ring his first term as Governor, Mr. Jennings
was appointed a commissioner to treat with the
Indians, and was mainly instrumental in procur-
ing the REIMBURSEMENT of Indian title to the lands
in this State known as the "New Purchase