George Jenkins

NJGenWeb ~ Morris County, New Jersey

George Jenkins

Biographical and Genealogical History of Morris County New Jersey. Illustrated. Vol. II., Lewis Publishing Company, New York and Chicago, 1899.

George Jenkins was for many years prominently connected with the industrial and social interests of Morris county. He was born in the town of Llansamlet, Glamorganshire, Wales, November, 1806, and was educated in his native land; but, not finding the business opportunities he sought, he resolved to seek a home and fortune in America. Accordingly, in 1834, he crossed the Atlantic, locating in Philadelphia, where, in 1836, he married Miss Hannah Morgan, a relative of David Thomas, the founder of the Crane Ironworks at Catasauqua, Pennsylvania. After his marriage he was made assistant superintendent of Mr. Thomas' Iron Works, and acquired a thorough and practical knowledge of the manufacture of iron. In 1848, when the New Jersey Iron Company, of Boonton, asked Mr. Thomas to recommend a competent man to manage their furnaces, the latter named Mr. Jenkins, who was offered the position of superintendent. He served in that capacity until his death, which occurred January 7, 1864. His thorough and practical understanding of the business well fitted him for his responsible position, and he managed the works in a manger that brought success to the company and gained him their high regard and unqualified confidence.

Mr. Jenkins was a very progressive and enterprising man, and was an active factor in the development and progress of Boonton along commercial, moral, educational, and social lines. From the organization of the Republican party he was an active worker in its ranks, and was most earnest in his advocacy in its principles. He served in a number of local offices, discharging his duties with promptness and ability. He contributed liberally to church work, and for many years served as elder and trustee of the First Presbyterian church of Boonton.

His wife was to him a faithful companion and helpmeet, and ably seconded him in his good work. She was born at Llangued, Glamorganshire, Wales, February 22, 1811, and died October 21, 1897. Mr. and Mrs. Jenkins had eight children, five of whom are still living: George W. Jenkins, in Morristown; Frank Jenkins, in New York; and Mrs. A.L. Dennis and sister, Miss Mary B. Jenkins, in Boonton; and H.C. Jenkins, the eldest son, is in business in New York and resides in Boonton, where he has always taken an active interest in the prosperity of the town.

Transcribed by Christopher Cresta