John T. Jenkins, a prominent farmer and extensive land owner, is the second son of John S. and Malinda (Miller) Jenkins. He was born in Meade County, Kentucky, November 14th, 1838. Soon after his birth his parents removed to Perry, County, Indiana, and settled near Rome, on a farm, and remained there between four and five years.
In the fall of 1850 John S. Jenkins and family removed to Wapello County, Iowa, and remained there a few months. In the following May they removed to Audubon County, and settled on a tract of land which is now a part of the old town site of Oakfield. This land was pre-empted by Mr. Jenkins, and when it came into the market he bought it of the government. Audubon County was at that time a part of Cass County. This tract of land was skirted on the north by a fine grove of timber, while to the south lay a beautiful prairie which was as level as a table, and was well designed by nature for the home of a pioneer.
Mr. Jenkins broke out and put under cultivation a part of this new farm, which contained 160 acres of prairie and a small piece of timber. So attractive was the spot that Mr. Jenkins believed he had struck the garden spot of the world. However, after the lapse of four years he sold this place and bought another, two and a half miles east of the first one, the present site of the town of Oakfield.
On this farm he lived several years, and then sold it and purchased a tract of land on the west side of the Nishnabotna River.
By this time Mr. Jenkins had become quite an extensive land owner. He and his son, John T., owned the land on which the town of Brayton now stands. This place was platted by John T. Jenkins, in 1879. John S. Jenkins' next home farm was north and west of the town site of Brayton.
He was an active citizen, well and favorably known, and when his death occurred, July 11, 1886, Audubon County lost one of her beloved pioneers and most honored citizens. Mrs. Jenkins passed to her eternal rest March 10th, 1882. She was the mother of six children, all of whom lived to be grown, were married and had children - Benjamin F. died December 24th, 1887, leaving a wife and six children; John T., Sarah B., wife of L. L. Bartlett, of Shelby County; Isaac H., Harriet, wife of G. W. Cannon, and George W.
John T. Jenkins, the subject of this notice, was reared on a farm and received the industrial and intellectual training common to his surroundings. On reaching his 20th year he took a trip to Pikes Peak, in search of wealth, and returned the following winter.
August 19th, 1861, he enlisted in the defense of his country, being a member of the second Iowa battery, Nelson T Spooner, Capt.. He passed the first winter in northwestern Missouri, building breastworks and guarding railroads. In February, 1862, he was sent south to Island Number 10, and took part in that engagement. Thence he came up the Tennessee River to Hamburg's Landing. For 21 days before reaching Corinth he was under fire. He took part in the first and second battles of Corinth, the siege of Vicksburg, the Battle of a Iuka, Mississippi; Tupelo, Mississippi, and was in the 16th, 17th and 18th Army Corps, under Generals McPherson, Sherman and Pope. He was mustered out September 4th, 1865, and returned to his old home in Audubon County.
January 19th, 1865, Mr. Jenkins was married to Darthula Rodgers, of Audubon County, Iowa. She was born in Illinois, and was the second daughter of Thomas and Sarah Rodgers. After his marriage, Mr. Jenkins settled on a farm and engaged in farming and stock raising.
In 1879 he formed a partnership with C. H. Vale , embarking in the mercantile business under the firm name of Jenkins and Vale, at Brayton. This firm continued to transact business successfully for a period of nine years, when Mr. Vale was elected county clerk. Mr. Jenkins bought Mr. Vale's interest, and the business was continued.
In 1887 Mr. Jenkins retired
from the business, and since that time he has been largely engaged
in dealing in livestock. Mr. and Mrs. Jenkins have had born to
them three children - Jeanette, Marion E. and Frank G. Mr. Jenkins'
landed estate numbers 540 acres, which is in a high state of cultivation.
He has served two terms as supervisor, as township clerk and as
township trustee. He has been a member of the board three terms.
Politically he is a staunch Republican, and takes an active interest
in the success of the party. He was elected an alternate to the
National Convention in Chicago in 1888. He was appointed postmaster
under General Grant's administration, and held the office until
the election of Grover Cleveland as president. Mr. Jenkins is
a member of Pymosa Lodge, No. 18, A. F. & A. M., at Atlantic,
Iowa, and of Audubon Lodge, No. 217, I. O. O. F., at Brayton.