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Belle (Jennings) Benchley (1882 - 1973)

Belle Benchley formerly Jennings
Born in Larned, Pawnee, Kansas, United Statesmap
Daughter of [father unknown] and [mother unknown]
[sibling(s) unknown]
[spouse(s) unknown]
[children unknown]
Died at age 91 in San Diego, San Diego, Californiamap
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Biography

Belle Jennings was born on August 28, 1882 in Larned, Pawnee, Kansas, United States. She was the daughter of Fred Jennings and Ida Belle Orrell.

The family moved from Kansas to California by 1892.[1]

In the 1900 census Bell (age 18) was the unmarried daughter of Fred M Jennings in San Diego, San Diego, California, United States, living with her mother, father, 6 siblings, and her grandfather.[2]

Belle married William Benchley, likely in 1906.

Belle's son Edward Jennings Benchley was born on 7 May 1907 in Fullerton, Orange, California, United States.[3][4]

In the 1910 census Belle (age 26) was the wife of William L Benchley in Fullerton, Orange, California, United States.[5]

In the 1920 census Bell (age 36) was the wife of William Benchley in Fullerton, Orange, California, United States.[6]

Belle divorced in 1922.

In 1925 Belle was hired by the San Diego Zoo as a temporary bookkeeper.[7] She had a profound influence on the design and operation of this world renowned zoo. By 1950 she was the Director of the Zoo.[8][9] In the 1940s, she wrote four books about the zoo and it's animals.[10]

Belle's father died in 1927 in East San Diego, San Diego, San Diego, California, United States.[11][12][13]

Bella's son Edward J Benchley married Della Sanchez on 31 August 1929 in Los Angeles, California, United States.[14]

In the 1930 census Belle (age 48) was the divorced daughter of Ida B Jennings in San Diego, San Diego, California, United States.[15]

In the 1940 census Belle (age 57) was the divorced head of household, living with her mother, her sister Luella and her niece in San Diego Judicial Township, San Diego, California, United States.[16]

Bella was listed her son's military draft registration record on 16 October 1940 in Ocean Beach, San Diego, San Diego, California, United States.[17]

Belle's mother died in 1949 in East San Diego, San Diego, San Diego, California, United States.[18][19]

In the 1950 census Bell (age 67), Director, was the divorced head of household in San Diego, San Diego, California, United States, living with her sister Louella.[8]

Belle died on 17 December 1972 and was buried in San Diego, San Diego, California, United States.[20][21][22][23][24][25][26]

Jennings's son Edward Jennings Benchley died on 7 May 1996 in San Diego, California, United States.[27]

Sources

  1. ↑ "California Great Registers, 1850-1920", , FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VNN8-9BJ : Sat Mar 09 10:34:54 UTC 2024), Entry for Fred M Jennings, 30 Jul 1892.
  2. ↑ 1900 Census: "United States Census, 1900"
    citing Affiliate Name: The U.S. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA); Affiliate Publication Number: T623; Line: 23; Digital film/folder number: 004118441; FHL microfilm: 1240099; Image number: 602; Sheet number: 2; Sheet letter: A; Packet letter: A; Indexing batch: N00769-3
    FamilySearch Record: M95Q-JK9 (accessed 24 March 2024)
    FamilySearch Image: S3HT-DCWQ-ZLW
    Bell Jennings (18), single daughter, in household of Fred M Jennings (40) in San Diego, San Diego, California, United States. Born in Kansas.
    Name Sex Race Age Status Relation Occupation Birth Place
    Fred M Jennings M White 40 Married Head Ohio
    Ida B Jennings F White 38 Married Wife Illinois
    Oprill J Jennings F White 21 Single Daughter Kansas
    Bell Jennings F White 18 Single Daughter Kansas
    Frank N Jennings M White 15 Single Son Kansas
    Edward R Jennings M White 12 Single Son California
    Lulu Jennings F White 8 Single Daughter California
    Susan Jennings F White 4 Single Daughter California
    William Jennings M White 1 Single Son California
    William B Orrill M White 71 Widowed Father-in-law Virginia
  3. ↑ Birth of son Edward Jennings Benchley: "California, County Birth and Death Records, 1800-1994"
    citing Digital film/folder number: 005580279; Image number: 1068
    FamilySearch Record: HMW2-DQZM (accessed 24 March 2024)
    FamilySearch Image: 3QS7-L9S6-9ZG8
    Edward Jennings Benchley born to Belle Jennings Benchley on 7 May 1907 in Fullerton, Orange, California, United States.
  4. ↑ Birth of son Edward H Jennings Benchley: "California Births and Christenings, 1812-1988"
    citing Digital film/folder number: 005580279; FHL microfilm: 1290092; Record number: 296; Packet letter: C
    FamilySearch Record: 4VLS-2JMM (accessed 24 March 2024)
    Edward H Jennings Benchley born to Belle Jennings Benchley on 7 May 1907 in Fullerton, Orange, California, United States.
  5. ↑ 1910 Census: "United States Census, 1910"
    citing Affiliate Name: The U.S. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA); Affiliate Publication Number: T624; Digital film/folder number: 004970268; FHL microfilm: 1374103; Image number: 1167; Sheet number: 1; Sheet letter: B; Packet letter: A; Indexing batch: N03329-2
    FamilySearch Record: MVLJ-ZF1 (accessed 24 March 2024)
    FamilySearch Image: 33S7-9RNN-Z9Y
    Belle J Benchley (26), wife, in household of William L Benchley (29) in Fullerton, Orange, California, United States. Born in Kansas.
    Name Sex Race Age Status Relation Occupation Birth Place
    William L Benchley M White 29 Married Head California
    Belle J Benchley F White 26 Married Wife Kansas
    Edward J Benchley M White 2 Single Son California
  6. ↑ 1920 Census: "United States Census, 1920"
    citing Affiliate Name: The U.S. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA); Affiliate Publication Number: T625; Line: 100; Digital film/folder number: 004964304; FHL microfilm: 1820123; Image number: 608; Sheet number: 1; Sheet letter: B; Packet letter: A; Indexing batch: N01882-3
    FamilySearch Record: MH75-2BK (accessed 24 March 2024)
    FamilySearch Image: 33S7-9R67-H2F
    Bell Benchley (36), wife, in household of William Benchley (39) in Fullerton, Orange, California, United States. Born in Kansas.
    Name Sex Race Age Status Relation Occupation Birth Place
    William Benchley M White 39 Married Head California
    Bell Benchley F White 36 Married Wife Kansas
    Edward Benchley M White 12 Single Son California
  7. ↑ Zoo Magazine article on Belle Benchley page 20 of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Journal March/April 2024. https://issuu.com/sdzglobal/docs/sdzwa-journal-march-2024
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 1950 Census: "United States 1950 Census"
    citing Page: 76; Line: 15; Digital film/folder number: 108828690; Image number: 26
    FamilySearch Record: 6XL1-5CRM (accessed 24 March 2024)
    FamilySearch Image: 3QHK-SQHW-MH6X
    Bell J Benchley (67), divorced, Director, head of household in San Diego, San Diego, California, United States. Born in Kansas.
    Name Sex Race Age Status Relation Occupation Birth Place
    Bell J Benchley F 67 Divorced Head Director Kansas
    Louella J Miller F 57 Widowed Sister California
  9. ↑ Record of Belle Jennings Benchley: "United States, Wikipedia, Prominent Persons Index, 1500-2022"
    citing Digital film/folder number: DI0001104
    FamilySearch Record: 65MZ-3T9Y (accessed 24 March 2024)
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belle_Benchley
    Name: Belle Jennings Benchley; Biography: Biography; Birth Date: 28 Aug 1882; Birth Place: Larned; Kansas; Death Date: 17 Dec 1972; Death Place: San Diego; California; Misc Note: People from San Diego; History of San Diego; San Diego State University alumni.
  10. ↑ Wikipedia Bibliography https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belle_Benchley
  11. ↑ Obituary of father Fred M Jennings: "United States, GenealogyBank Historical Newspaper Obituaries, 1815-2011"
    citing Affiliate Name: GenealogyBank, Inc.; Digital film/folder number: 101830078; Image number: 303
    FamilySearch Record: Q53F-GLPL (accessed 24 March 2024)
    FamilySearch Image: 3Q9M-CSQX-J39L-2
    Name: Mrs Belle J Benchley; Residence Date: 10 May 1927; Residence Place: San Diego, California; Source Newspaper: San Diego Union; System Of Record: SLS.
  12. ↑ Obituary of father Fred M Jennings: "United States, GenealogyBank Historical Newspaper Obituaries, 1815-2011"
    citing Affiliate Name: GenealogyBank, Inc.; Digital film/folder number: 101830078; Image number: 305
    FamilySearch Record: Q53V-TT4F (accessed 24 March 2024)
    FamilySearch Image: 3Q9M-CSQX-J3S7-Z
    Name: Mrs Belle J Benchley; Residence Date: 9 May 1927; Residence Place: San Diego, California; Source Newspaper: San Diego Union; System Of Record: SLS.
  13. ↑ Obituary of father Fred M Jennings: "United States, GenealogyBank Historical Newspaper Obituaries, 1815-2011"
    citing Affiliate Name: GenealogyBank, Inc.; Digital film/folder number: 101830078; Image number: 310
    FamilySearch Record: Q53X-5KMM (accessed 24 March 2024)
    FamilySearch Image: 3Q9M-CSQX-J3SQ-5
    Name: Mrs Relic J Benchley; Source Newspaper: San Diego Union; System Of Record: SLS.
  14. ↑ Marriage of son Edward J Banchley: "California, County Marriages, 1850-1953"
    citing Los Angeles, California, United States, county courthouses, California; FHL microfilm 2,074,765
    FamilySearch Record: K8NR-YM6 (accessed 24 March 2024)
    FamilySearch Image: 3QS7-893H-C9MJ-C
    B Jennings's son Edward J Banchley marriage to Della Sanchez on 31 Aug 1929 in Los Angeles, California, United States.
  15. ↑ 1930 Census: "United States Census, 1930"
    citing Affiliate Name: The U.S. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA); Affiliate Publication Number: T626; Line: 40; Digital film/folder number: 004950182; FHL microfilm: 2339927; Image number: 98; Sheet number: 6; Sheet letter: A; Packet letter: A; Indexing batch: N03996-7
    FamilySearch Record: XC6X-BY5 (accessed 24 March 2024)
    FamilySearch Image: 33S7-9R4N-9YK
    Belle J Benchley (48), divorced daughter, in household of Ida B Jennings (68) in San Diego, San Diego, California, United States. Born in Kansas.
    Name Sex Race Age Status Relation Occupation Birth Place
    Ida B Jennings F White 68 Widowed Head Illinois
    Belle J Benchley F White 48 Divorced Daughter Kansas
  16. ↑ 1940 Census: "United States Census, 1940"
    citing Affiliate Publication Number: T627; Line: 3; Digital film/folder number: 005456529; Image number: 142; Sheet number: 1; Sheet letter: A
    FamilySearch Record: K98Q-15R (accessed 24 March 2024)
    FamilySearch Image: 3QS7-89MT-24P
    Belle J Benchley (57), divorced head of household in San Diego Judicial Township, San Diego, California, United States. Born in Kansas.
    Name Sex Race Age Status Relation Occupation Birth Place
    Belle J Benchley F White 57 Divorced Head Kansas
    Luella J Miller F White 47 Widowed Sister California
    Ida B Jennings F White 78 Widowed Mother Illinois
    Ellis J Harbach F White 21 Single Niece California
  17. ↑ Military of another person: "California, World War II Draft Registration Cards, 1940-1945"
    citing Affiliate Publication Title: World War II Draft Registration Cards for California, 1940-1947; Affiliate Publication Number: 7644723; Digital film/folder number: 103829581; Image number: 588
    FamilySearch Record: QGXB-RCV4 (accessed 24 March 2024)
    FamilySearch Image: 3Q9M-CS2K-7SLG-P
    Name: Bella J Benchley; System Of Record: SLS.
  18. ↑ Obituary of mother: Secretary Passes: "United States, GenealogyBank Historical Newspaper Obituaries, 1815-2011"
    citing Affiliate Name: GenealogyBank, Inc.; Digital film/folder number: 101830100; Image number: 255
    FamilySearch Record: QPBC-N17R (accessed 24 March 2024)
    FamilySearch Image: 3Q9M-CSQX-V9PZ-P
    Name: Mrs Belle J Benchley; Occupation: Executive Secretary; Source Newspaper: San Diego Union; System Of Record: SLS.
  19. ↑ Obituary of mother Ida B Jennings: "United States, GenealogyBank Historical Newspaper Obituaries, 1815-2011"
    citing Affiliate Name: GenealogyBank, Inc.; Digital film/folder number: 101830100; Image number: 258
    FamilySearch Record: QPBC-W7G4 (accessed 24 March 2024)
    FamilySearch Image: 3Q9M-CSQX-V9GV-Q
    Name: Belle Benchleg; Source Newspaper: San Diego Union; System Of Record: SLS.
  20. ↑ Burial: "BillionGraves Index"
    citing BillionGraves (http://www.billiongraves.com : 2012), Burial at Greenwood Memorial Park, San Diego, San Diego, California, United States
    FamilySearch Record: KBYQ-QCY (accessed 24 March 2024)
    http://billiongraves.com/pages/record/person/4624145
    BELLE J BENCHLEY burial (died on 17 Dec 1972) in San Diego, San Diego, California, United States. Born on 28 Aug 1882.
  21. ↑ Death: "United States Social Security Death Index"
    citing U.S. Social Security Administration, Death Master File, database (Alexandria, Virginia: National Technical Information Service, ongoing)
    FamilySearch Record: J5DS-BY7 (accessed 24 March 2024)
    Belle Benchley death Dec 1973 (born 28 Aug 1882) residing in San Diego, San Diego, California.
  22. ↑ Death: "California Death Index, 1940-1997"
    FamilySearch Record: VPHJ-KJZ (accessed 24 March 2024)
    Belle J Benchley death 17 Dec 1973 (born 28 Aug 1882) in San Diego, California, United States.
  23. ↑ Burial: "Find a Grave Index"
    citing record ID 8365, Find a Grave
    FamilySearch Record: QVJ1-B5LY (accessed 24 March 2024)
    Find A Grave: Memorial #8365
    Belle Jennings Benchley burial (died on 17 Dec 1973) in San Diego, San Diego, California, United States of America. Born on 28 Aug 1882.
  24. ↑ Obituary: "United States, GenealogyBank Historical Newspaper Obituaries, 1815-2011"
    citing Affiliate Name: GenealogyBank, Inc.; Digital film/folder number: 101830125; Image number: 79
    FamilySearch Record: QPBZ-CV5S (accessed 24 March 2024)
    FamilySearch Image: 3Q9M-CSQX-VQQK-5
    Name: Belle J Benchley; Obituary Date: 19 December 1973; Obituary Place: San Diego, San Diego, California, United States; Death Date: about 1973; Source Newspaper: San Diego Union; System Of Record: SLS.
  25. ↑ Obituary: "United States, GenealogyBank Historical Newspaper Obituaries, 1815-2011"
    citing Affiliate Name: GenealogyBank, Inc.; Digital film/folder number: 101830125; Image number: 74
    FamilySearch Record: QPBZ-X6SF (accessed 24 March 2024)
    FamilySearch Image: 3Q9M-CSQX-VQQZ-W
    Name: Mrs Belle Jennings Benchley; Death Date: 17 December 1973; Obituary Date: 19 December 1973; Obituary Place: San Diego, San Diego, California, United States; Birth Date: about 1882; Occupation: Director; Age: 91 years; Source Newspaper: San Diego Union; System Of Record: SLS.
  26. ↑ Obituary: "United States, GenealogyBank Historical Newspaper Obituaries, 1815-2011"
    citing Affiliate Name: GenealogyBank, Inc.; Digital film/folder number: 101830125; Image number: 86
    FamilySearch Record: QPBZ-HJCP (accessed 24 March 2024)
    FamilySearch Image: 3Q9M-CSQX-VQ3F-5
    Name: Belle J Benchley; Obituary Date: 20 December 1973; Obituary Place: San Diego, San Diego, California, United States; Death Date: about 1973; Source Newspaper: San Diego Union; System Of Record: SLS.
  27. ↑ Death of son Edward Jennings Benchley: "California Death Index, 1940-1997"
    FamilySearch Record: VP2K-KK8 (accessed 24 March 2024)
    Jennings in death record for son Edward Jennings Benchley 7 May 1996 in San Diego, California, United States.




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Categories: Ketcham-879 Add Parents | 1910 US Census, San Diego County, California | 1900 US Census, San Diego County, California | Larned, Kansas | Greenwood Memorial Park, San Diego, California