My Genealogy Hound

E. W. Jenkins is a son of Joseph H. and Julia A. (Colley) Jenkins, who were born in the “Old Dominion,” December 5, 1812, and 1816, respectively. After starting out in life for himself, Mr. Jenkins was engaged in the tanning business for about fifteen years, then turned his attention to woodwork, turning chairs, etc., following this occupation the remainder of his life. In 1838 he settled in Saline County, Mo., where he purchased a farm, and resided until 1840, then moved to Clay County, moving to Platte County at the end of five years, and back to Clay County in 1861. In 1875 he returned to Platte County, and there died on the 26th of November, 1876, his wife having died in 1851. They were married the 4th of September, 1833, and became the parents of four children: E. W.; Elvira J., wife of John Ebard, of Platte County; Mary C., wife of Joel W. Pedric (deceased); and one child that died in infancy. After the death of his first wife, Mr. Jenkins married again, his second wife being Eliza Jane Letchworth, of Clay County, Mo., and by her became the father of five children, of whom four are living: J. H., of Smithville, Clay County, Mo.; J. T., of California, and a cabinet maker by trade; and G. W. and B. F., contractors of St. Joseph, Mo. E. W. Jenkins, the subject of this sketch, was born on the 21st of July, 1834, and in 1855 began business for himself, engaging in farming on land in Platte County, Mo., where he continued for four or five years. He then commenced trading in stock, but sold his farm in 1879, and moved to Barton County, Mo., where he purchased his present property of 225 acres, which was then mostly raw land, but which is now a well-improved tract, 125 acres being under the plow, twenty-five acres in tame grass, and the remainder in wild pasture land. January 25, 1855, he was married to Miss Mary C. Ligon, of Platte County. She was born April 23, 1831, and became the mother of five children, only one of whom is living, the other four dying in infancy and childhood. Joseph C., the living child, was born April 3, 1861. Mr. Jenkins commenced raising carp on his farm in 1887, starting with twenty-four fish, and now has a pond six acres in area, and expects to put ten more acres in ponds. His fish now number 10,000 or 12,000, all except the original twenty-four being from one to two years old. He claims that the culture of fish is the most profitable business in which he can engage. In 1877 he patented a trap for the catching and removal of the young, also for catching the older fish for eating purposes, and also for the purpose of keeping the pond clear of wild fish and turtles. His trap for catching fish works like a charm, and he has often caught from 500 to 800 small fish at one time. When he wishes to catch more, he baits his trap overnight. He always donates liberally to churches, schools, and other public enterprises, and in his political views has always been a Democrat. His son Joseph C. was married December 10, 1878, to Miss Annie E. Dickson, of Platte County, who was born October 1, 1858, and by her had two children, one now living: Terry E., who was born April 9, 1881. They reside on the old homestead with our subject.