Gaines Pennington
Gaines Pennington Family History
Richard Pennington was born in the state of Kentucky near Glasgow, April 11, 1809, where he grew to manhood. From Kentucky, Richard went to Tennessee, where he formed the acquaintance of and wedded Miss Polly Walling. She became his wife at age of fifteen years. They lived together for more than sixty-three years. From Tennessee, they went to Missouri, remaining there for a short time and then to Texas in 1839. They lived eight miles south of Crockett on what is known as the Beeson Place. He lived there until 1847. He then purchased and settled a homestead. Richard Pennington died at his home near Dalys, Texas, and November 11, 1891 and was buried in the Pennington cemetery with his wife. To this family was born seven children as follows: Catherine, Edward Gaines, Lawson J., Jane, Luzanna, Henry A. and Caldonia. Edward Gaines Pennington, son of Richard and Polly Walling Pennington was born in Denmark, Tennessee, and January 1, 1837. His father moved to Texas when he was three years old making the trip overland in a wagon making his home in Houston County, Texas. Gaines Pennington married Nancy Jane Renfro at Henry Renfro’s home (her father) on the nineteenth day of December, 1858 by H.L. Adcock, Justice of the Peace. Nancy Jane was born March 24, 1840 in Fayette County, Georgia. Gaines Pennington served through the Civil War as a practical Physician, dentist and nurse. Mr. Pennington, 90 years, 2 months, 2 days died at his home in West Grapeland, Wednesday morning, March 2, 1927. He was one of the pioneer settlers of Houston County and one of the most successful farmers. He resided on a farm until he was past 70, when he moved to Grapeland and erected his home. He and his wife were charter members of the Christian Church and a Christian for forty years. He was called ‘Uncle Gaines’ by all of his friends. The eight children of Gaines and Nancy Pennington were John Henry (b. October 13, 1859, m. Clara Zachary, d.1895); Susan (b. October 12, 1861, m. A.B. Zachary); Mary (b. April 29, 1866, m. E.M. Dancer); James Henry (b. January 21, 1869, m, Beulah Spence); Lucy Jane (b. August 13, 1871, m. Jim O’Connell)’ Theresa Emily (b. September 7, 1873, m. H.C. Lea); Ida (b. December 29, 1875, m. Artie B. Spence) and Patty (b. November 23, 1878).