Page "Jonathan Jennings" Paragraph 2

Jennings resigned during his second term as governor upon winning election to the United States House of Representatives.

Jennings served another five terms in Congress, promoting federal spending on internal improvements.

Jennings had been a heavy drinker of whiskey since his early life.

His addiction worsened after the death of his first wife and his development of rheumatism.

The problem led to his defeat in his reelection campaign in 1830.

His condition was such that he was unable to work his farm ; his finances collapsed and his creditors sought to take his land holdings and Charlestown farm.

To protect him, his friend Senator John Tipton, purchased his farm and permitted him to continue living there.

After his death, his estate was sold by his creditors leaving no funds to purchase a headstone for his grave, which remained unmarked for fifty-seven years.