My first cousin, 3 times removed, Fred Wellington Jenks, was born 161 years ago on 19 December 1859, in Southfield, Oakland County, Michigan. He was the son of Olivery Torrey Jenks and Marian Murphy.

The best description of Fred comes from his step-mother, Eva Seymour Jenks, in The Reunions of the Jenks Family of Oakland County, Michigan – 1911-1927, p 234:

“Fred, the oldest, was born at the old Jenks home [built by Morris Jenks, his grandfather in 18531) December 19, 1859 and died in Detroit, Michigan, November 7, 1895, aged 35 years.

“He left a large circle of friends who deeply mourned his early death. He was possessed of a kindly, friendly nature that endeared him to all. He was always ready to respond to every call of distress and to render every assistance in his power in case of sickness and need.

“For a number of years, he was an attendant at the Pontiac State Hospital and also at Traverse City. He was a member of the Masonic Fraternity at that city, and also a member of the Farmington Tent, No. 502, K.O.T. M., a delegation from Farmington Lodge F. and A. M. were present and acted as pall bearers at his funeral which took place November 9, 1895, at his home, the old Jenks homestead, the home where his mother died and where he first saw the light of day.”

Fred was laid to rest in the Southfield Cemetery, Southfield, Oakland County, Michigan.