While family researchers disagree about who Pennills father was, it is agreed that his grandfather was Moses Qualls. Moses had 5 sons; Hubbard, John, Thomas, David and Moses Jr. Most researchers believe his father was Thomas, but more research is needed.
On September 22, 1819, Pennill married Elizabeth Blalock, daughter of Giles Blalock and Dolly Justice. She and Pennil had at least ten children who lived to raise families of their own. Their children were: Lucretia (?), believed born in Georgia in 1822. She married Joseph Moore and lived in Attala Co, Mississippi; Nancy (?) born in 1824, married Elija Brown; Allen Lawson, born in 1826, died in 1881, married Rebecca Ann Wilson; Westley, born 1827, died 1896 in Mississippi; James Harlan, born 1835, died 1861, married to Nancy Jane Taylor; Stephen Jackson, born 1837, died 1918, married Olivea Pool; Delitha C., born 1839, married John P. Bedwell; Martha Amanda, born 1843, died 1879, married James S. Bryant; Serentha (?), born 1845 (?); Sarah Arean, born 1848, married Ben Phillips (?).
Pennill drew for land in the Georgia Land Lottery for 1821 and was awarded land in Monroe County, Georgia. By 1830, he was in Jackson County, Georgia with the families of Giles Blalock and John Justice. John Justice was Elizabeth's grandfather. He died in 1831. by 1840, The Qualls and Blalocks were in Winston County, Mississippi. By 1850, they were in Attala County, Mississippi. Pennill bought land in Jackson and Bienville Parishes in 1852 and 1853.
Family lore is that Pennill, his brother, the Blalocks and other relatives left Mississippi to go to Texas. Pennill's family, the families of Giles Blalock and Henry Lackey stayed in Louisiana. Since Pennill had previously purchased land there, he probably intended to stay in Jackson Parish. The families who left, settled in Smith County, Texas. Lucretia and Westley stayed behind in Mississippi.
Courtesy of family researcher Bob Willett
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