William Flint Jenks, my second cousin, 4 times removed, was born 189 years ago, on 29 August 1831, in Burlington, Otsego County, New York, to Hawkins and Lora Flint Jenks.

From The Otsego Farmer & Republican (Cooperstown, NY), October 7, 1910, p. 7]

“The Hon. William F. Jenks, died at his home in Southern Pines, N. C., Monday. The burial was made at New Berlin, Friday. William F. Jenks was born in Burlington, Otsego County, August, 29, 1831. His boyhood was spent upon the home farm and in the public schools, later he taught school and pursued the study of law in the office of Gorham & Foster, at Burlington, completing his legal studies with Cutler Field of Cooperstown. In 1853 he was admitted to the bar and began practice at Friendship, N. Y., and in 1855 moved to New Berlin forming a partnership with his brother-in-law, Oscar F. Mattersen. He continued the successful practice of law in New Berlin until 1875 when he moved to Norwich and in 1877 was elected Chenango County judge and Surrogate on the Democratic ticket and was re-elected in 1883 …”

In the midst of this life, he married Eliza Matterson, daughter of Nathan W and Sarah Matterson. They were the parents of three daughters: Caroline L, Anna E, and Laura M.