Thomas A. Jenkins
A distinguished veteran of the Civil War and a prominent citizen of Jefferson township, Fayette county, Ohio, is Thomas A. Jenkins, who is now living on the farm where he was born more than seventy years ago. He enlisted for service in the Union army in the Civil War when he was eighteen years of age and served with gallantry during the remainder of that terrible struggle. For more than fifty years he has taken a prominent part in every phase of his community life, and is one of the most highly respected citizens of the locality where he has spent all of his life.
Thomas A. Jenkins, the son of Robert and Mary (Iron) Jenkins, was born in January, 1844, in a log cabin on the farm where he is now living. He was one of four children born to his parents. the others being Mrs. Esther Stoughton, S. W., Mrs. Mary F. French. Thomas Jenkins was the son of Jacob Jenkins, a native of Rockbridge county, Virginia. When he was a young man Jacob Jenkins came to Fayette county, Ohio, where he was drafted for service in the War of 1812. but the war closed and he did not have a chance to serve. He and his wife were the parents of six children, Hiram, John, Jacob, Mrs. Catherine Corbett, Willis and Elizabeth. Thomas Jenkins attended the schools of his day and worked upon his father's farm until he was eighteen years of age. He then enlisted on August 8, 1862, as a member of Company C, Ninetieth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry. His regiment was attached to the Army of the Cumberland and participated in many of the bloodiest battles of the war, among them being the following: Stone River, Chickamauga, Dalton, Peach Tree Creek, Kenesaw Mountain, Burnt Hickory and Jonesboro. He was wounded in one battle and for some time was laid up in a hospital, but finally recovered and rejoined his regiment before the close of the war. He has always taken a great interest in the Grand Army of the Republic Post at Washington C. H. and been active in everything pertaining to the welfare of the old soldiers.
Mr. Jenkins was never married. Politically, he is a stanch Republican and has been active in local political matters. He has served as road supervisor of his township, and also as school director. Mr. Jenkins is the owner of a fine farm of one hundred and forty-eight acres on the Jeffersonville and Washington C. H. pike, where he has spent the last fifty years. He is still enjoying good health and is highly regarded by everyone who knows him.
From History of Fayette County Ohio - Her People, Industries and Institutions by Frank M. Allen (1914, R. F. Bowen & Company, Inc.)