Her parents, Thomas L. Jennings (1791-1856) and his wife, born Elizabeth Cartwright (1798–1873), had three children: Matilda Jennings Thompson (1824–1886), Elizabeth, and James E. Jennings (1832 – May 5, 1860). Her father was a Freeman and her mother was born enslaved.
Her parents were Thomas L. Jennings (1791-1856) and his wife, Elizabeth Cartwright (1798–1873), who had three children: Matilda Jennings Thompson (1824–1886), Elizabeth, and James E. Jennings (1832 – May 5, 1860). Her father was a free person, while her mother was born into slavery.