Daughter of Charles Waters Jennings & Maria Woods Davidson.
Mother of William Jennings Bryan

Mariah Elizabeth's siblings: Josephus Waters Jennings, Harriet Jennings married B.F. Marshall of Salem, IL, Sarah Jennings married Robert D. Noleman of Centraia, IL, America Jennings married William C. Stites of Marion Co, IL, Nancy Jennings married Dr. James A. Davenport of Salem, IL, Docia Jennings married A. Van Antwerp of Sedalia, MO, and Zadock Jennings of Walnut Hill, IL.
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Mariah Elizabeth Jennings, daughter of Charles and Mariah Jennings, was born near Walnut Hill, Jefferson county, Ill., May 24, 1834, and spent all her life in said county. She was married November 4, 1852, to the late Judge Silas L. Bryan, who died in this city March 30, 1880. Nine children blessed this union, five of whom survive.

Early in life she united with the M. E. church, but about twenty years ago she became a Baptist. She and her husband were pillars in the Salem church, and are greatly missed by those who esteemed them very highly in love for their works' sake. She was very active in the Sunday school work.

Last September she accepted the position of lady principal of Ewing college, endearing herself to all its pupils and patrons. About last of that month she was stricken with disease which necessitated her retirement from the college. Everything that medical skill and family affection could provide was done for her, but she steadily declined until Saturday, June 27 at 7:20 p.m. when in the evening twilight she was released from bodily infirmities, and entered the unseen, at the age of 62 years, 1 month and three days.

The funeral services were held in the Salem Baptist church Monday afternoon, June 29. Rev. J. A. Levitt, D. Dl, president of Ewing college preached an impressive sermon from 2 Tim. 4:6-8, "I have fought a good fight," etc. He was assisted in the services by Revs. S. P. Young, S. D. Badger, M. L. Goff and Dr. J. P. Sprowls.

The floral offerings were elaborate, and tastefully arranged. A floral pillow with the word "Mother" attracted much attention. Her pew, directly in front of the organ, was draped in mourning.

A long procession followed the remains to East Lawn cemetery where they were laid beside kindred dust.

All of the surviving children attended the funeral: Hon. Wm. J. Bryan, of Lincoln, Neb., Chas. W. Bryan, of Omaha, Mrs. J. W. Baird and Misses Nannie and Mamie Bryan, of Samel. Their mother was a noble woman, and her memory will long be remain embalmed in the hearts of those she loved. In a large measure she exemplified the scripture selections read at her tuners: "She hath done what she could," "She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness;" "Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also and he praiseth her."

Source:
Obit that was pasted in an old scrapbook. Newspaper unknown.,submitted by Find A Grave contributor, P. Meado