FREMONT COUNTY HERALD
June 26, 1906
"W. L. Jenkins at Rest".
The death of William L. Jenkins removes from the scenes of Sidney a familiar figure. As a citizen he ranked with the pioneers, as in the early 60's he came to Fremont County which has been his home for over forty years.
Mr. Jenkins was a native of Fairfield County, Ohio, his birth dating back to January 24, 1838, and when six years of age moved with his parents to Clark county, Illinois, where he grew to manhood.
In 1856 he engaged with the Western Stage Company, driving for them in Illinois and Iowa and for several years pursued the hazardous, dangerous and exciting life of a stage driver. His last experience in that capacity was on the line over the old overland route from St. Joe to Council Bluffs, Sidney being one of the stopping places.
After giving up his seat on the coach he worked as express messenger for the same company. During those trips he formed the acquaintance of Miss Lucetta Jones, who was then making her home with her uncle, William Scott, who was conducting the Scott House where the Crozier House now stands, and this acquaintance formed into friendship and later, on February 1, 1862, they were married. To this union five children were born, four boys and one girl, two of whom died in infancy. Those living are Frank, Ed and Harry.
In 1873 he was appointed deputy sheriff of the county under Sheriff W. W. Morgan and served in that capacity until 1878 when he was elected sheriff and served one term, but in 1880 was defeated for re-election on the republican ticket by his opponent, Sam Chandler.
Being then out of office, he formed a partnership with W. B. Cantwell in the livery business and remained in the firm for some eighteen months, but at the end of that time the stock of Jenkins was re-purchased by J. B. Furbush which changed the firm name back to Cantwell & Furbush.
He was again deputy sheriff under Sheriff F. A. Jones and was marshal of Sidney for a time, but as the years crept upon him he had to give up these positions and seek a livelihood at different kinds of employment. For the past year his health was very poor and much of the time he was unable to work.
He took his bed a week ago last Sunday and grew perceptibly worse until the end came at 9:20 o'clock a.m. Monday, June 25, 1906, when his spirit took its flight. He leaves of his immediate family a wife and three sons.
The funeral will be held at the house on Cass Street, today at 2 o'clock. A short discourse will be given by Rev. C. A. Marshall, pastor of the Presbyterian Church, and at the close of this service interment will be made in the Sidney cemetery.
Special Thanks to Bob Jenkins for sending in this obituary & photo of his Great-Great Grandfather William L. Jenkins.
