Stephen Pennington
Stephen was born in Grayson County, Virginia in 1821 and shows up with his parents, Samuel and Betsy Pennington, in the 1830 census. His father moved to Scott County just prior to the 1840 census but it is interesting that Stephen isn't listed with his family. Though he may have been in Scott County, it seems more likely that he would have been working for one of the other farmers in Grayson County. Though it is not known where the date came from, it is estimated that he was married two years later to Joanna Spencer, who also lived in Grayson County. The 1842 marriage date might be questionable though because his first known child wasn't born until 1846.
Both of their first two children were born while they were living in Grayson County, Virginia. Sometime before the 1850 census was taken they moved to Ashe County, North Carolina. Family stories state that they then built the current family home also in Ashe County. They moved there in 1858 where they remained the rest of their lives.
Sources
1850 Census for Ashe County, North Carolina
Stephen Pennington 29 M Va 642 (563)
Johannah 29 F Va
Caneas 4 F Va
Cruso 3 F Va
1860 Census for Ashe County, North Carolina
Stephen Penington 39 M Va 812 Farmer 1000/500
Johanah 40 F Va
Jane 14 F Va
Cicero 12 M Va
Sarah 7 F NC
Osborn 6 F NC
Martha 3 F NC
1870 Census for Ashe County, North Carolina
Stephen Pennington 49 m Va (#28 Hilton TWSP)
Joanna 49 f Va
Cimzada? 24 f Va
Orlean 17 f NC
Martha 13 f NC
1880 Census for Ashe County, North Carolina
Pennington S m 59 Va Va Va (Hilton Twsp ED 24 sh 18)
Johannah f 59 wife Va Va Va
Orlean f 24 daughter NC Va Va
Janes Lell m 11 servant
PENNINGTON, STEPHEN K., 39, B. VA, 1860 AsCC HH#812. 97th NC Militia. Received medical examination on 10/20/64, diagnosed as suffering from heart disease. Age 37.
-found on website http://members.aol.com/jweaver301/nc/anccwm-r.htm
Memoir
Stephen Pennington was born March 24, 1821, and died of cancer, at his home near Helton, Ashe county N.C., March 18th, 1890.
Mr. Pennington was a man of fine natural abilities: he was strong in mind and heart. His early advantages were indifferent, but by diligence in study he had acquired a large fund of valuable information. He had held many offices of trust in Ashe county. He was kind and generous in his disposition. His heart was full of tenderness in his family, to his neighbors, and for all men he entertained love and friendship.
He was married about the year 1842 to Miss Hannah Spencer. He was a loving husband and a kind and affectionate father. He was devoted to the interests of his family--his life to their welfare.
He professed religion about 1843 and for almost half a century was found faithful. He was a Methodist after the old style, and lived and died in the faith of his fathers. He was an active member of the church, giving councel and support to every enterprise of virtue, prayed, exhorted, led in class and prayer meetings, and was a great Sabbath School laborer.
The community owes him a debt of gratitude for his blameless and useful life, but it has ceased and he is at rest. His death was a joyous departure from this to a better world. He lived in the enjoyments of religion and died in its triumphs. His sickness was long and painful, but divine grace bore him through it all. To the last he was strong in the faith, giving glory to God.
He leaves behind in sadness to mourn, a wife, three daughters, one son, two brothers and three sisters. The burial rites were said at the old homestead, by Rev David P. Hurley, after which his mortal remains were consigned to rest, near the old home, at a spot he had designated as his last resting place, but quite as near the home of the soul' as any cemetery on earth.
A good man has left us; he will be greatly missed, Blessed be his memory! The condolence of the entire community is extended to the bereaved. H. C. Weaver.
White Top, Va. March 24, 1890
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