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1907 Past and Present Biographies
Seymour E. JenksSeymour E. Jenks received his education in the common schools but early became interested in agricultural pursuits, working during his vacation periods on farms in the vicinity of his home. Though he began work as a farm hand at a small salary, he kept steadily at it, was faithful in the discharge of his duties and fortune at length crowned his efforts. At the age of four years he accompanied his parents on their removal to Ohio, where he made his home until twenty-two and then went to Stephenson county, Illinois. There he followed farming until he had reached his twenty-sixth year. He then removed to Wisconsin, where he was married and where he carried on general farming and stock-raising for a number of years. In 1869 he came to Greene county, Iowa, in a covered wagon, accompanied by his family, and located on section 24, Kendrick township, where he purchased two hundred acres of land from C. Vater. Only thirty acres of this was broken, but he broke the remainder, erected a splendid house, fenced his entire farm and made it attractive by setting out beautiful trees. In 1893 he felt that he had earned a rest and he accordingly moved to Scranton, sold his farm and has since enjoyed a life of retirement. In 1845, Mr. Jenks was married to Elizabeth Carney, a native of Indiana and a daughter of Andrew and Martha (Smith) Carney. Their union has been blessed with twelve children, six of whom are now living: Daniel, of Coon Rapids; Albert, at home; Riley, of Kendrick township; Mrs. Gusta Holmes, of Kendrick township; Mrs. Lillian White, of Ohio; and Andrew, of North Dakota. Mr. Jenks is a member of the United Brethren church, which he was influential in having erected here. For several years he was a traveling preacher for his denomination. He is a gentleman who though he has reached his eighty-eighth year is still active and interested in all that takes place both in the county and the country. In politics he is an active republican and has served as road supervisor. He has thirty-seven grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren and takes great pride in the interests of each and every one. He is truly a self-made man and his example in many respects is well worthy of emulation. During his long life he has met with some reverses and obstacles but has overcome these by perseveranoe and industry and has made his own way in the world. He was recognized as one of the best agriculturists of this county at one time, and now in his declining years commands the respect and warm esteem of all with whom he comes in contact. |
Transcribed from "Past and Present of Greene County, Iowa Together With Biographical Sketches of Many of Its Prominent and Leading Citizens and Illustrious Dead," by E. B. Stillman assisted by an Advisory Board consisting of Paul E. Stillman, Gillum S. Toliver, Benjamin F. Osborn, Mahlon Head, P. A. Smith and Lee B. Kinsey, Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1907.  Site Terms, Conditions & Disclaimer |