John Jennings alias Stadthurst

Widower. Scene and Herald painter, midshipman and preacher born in Lemington, Hants.

In February 1835, the Police Gazette carried a notice for John Jennings apprehension after he absconded from his lodgings at No. 1 Margaret - Buildings, Bath, several days earlier stealing  a large Bible valued at £5  and other property consisting of a decanter, a quantity of drinking glasses and glass sugar basin  belonging to Mr. Gregory. He was also accused of stealing a watch belonging to Leonard Cozens.  He was 24 years old about 5'3" dark complexion, the mark of gun powder about his right ear and cheek, wearing a black frock coat, black waistcoat, black or mixed trousers and crape on his hat; he was seen the same day he absconded on the Cheltenham Road and was apprehended at Marlborough within a couple of weeks

At his trial Thomas Graham stated that the Bible in question was his property and he lent it to Jennings on Monday the 26^th January, as Jennings was in the habit once a week of having a number of persons coming to his room to hear him preach and had told Graham that his own was so small he could not read out of it. He was said to be a Preacher of the Baptist persuasion and preached at a chapel on Rush Hill every Sabbath Day.