Descendants of Richard Fenner

John Howson Fenner

[b 1798; d Dec. 1871] John Howson Fenner lived in Halifax Co. for his entire life. He was named after his mother’s brother. He m Rebecca C. Eaton [d 1840], daughter of William Allen Eaton and Mary Williams, on 1 June 1820. John was primarily a farmer by trade, and his plantation was supported by many slaves. He held a considerable amount of land in Halifax Co. and Northampton Co., much of which was inherited or purchased from his father, his brothers, and other relatives. By 1860, he owned over 1,000 acres and held 99 slaves. His land was valued at $22,000, with personal property (including slaves) valued at $100,600. Cotton was likely his core crop, along with corn and wheat. After the Civil War, John’s land value dropped to $10,000, and his personal property to $9,260.

1. John Howson Jr. [b bef 1830]

2. William Eaton [b 28 Sept. 1827; d 27 Oct. 1902] m Rebecca Elizabeth Doggett.

3. Mary [b bef 1830], m Mungo P. Purnell in 1840. In 1860, their land was valued at $17,228, with property holdings (including 23 slaves) of $23,707.

4. Daughter, probably died young.

Lineage:
Richard | Robert | John

Sources:
1. Ruth Leslie Barrett, The Fenner Forebears of Samuel Fenner Leslie (Windom, TX: 1987): The Portal to Texas History