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From History of North Washington, published 1903, now in public domain. 
Submitted by Candy L. Grubb March 15, 1997. Both above notices must remain 
when copied or downloaded.

candyg@ieway.com

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ELIAS W. JENKS

	Elias W. Jenks, one of the prosperous and successful fruit raisers
of Stevens county, dwells one mile north from Tumtum, where he owns two
hundred and fifty acres of excellent land, devoted both to general farming
and raising fruit.  He has as fine peaches as can be found in the west and
his success has placed him in comfortable circumstances, financially, while
a good residence together with other buildings and improvements manifest a 
man of thrift and ability.
	Elias W. Jenks was born in Niagara county, New York, on October 17, 
1840, the son of John P. and Laura (Williams) Jenks, natives of Canada. They
came to the United States in 1830, having a hard time to cross the border on
account of the stringent orders of the Canadian government.  Our subject
received a good common school education in New York, and in 1854 came with
the family to Columbia county, Wisconsin.  He wrought with his father, who
was a shoemaker and remained at home until eighteen, when he turned to the
arduous labors of the pineries. In December, 1863, Mr. Jenks enlisted in the
Thirteenth Wisconsin Battery of Light Artillery, serving until July, 1865,
at which time he was mustered out in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  He had partic-
ipated in much fighting in Tennessee and south to the gulf, and his hearing
was permanently impaired on account of the artillery firing.  Following the
war, Mr. Jenks returned to Wisconsin and wrought with his father until the
death of that gentleman, which occurred in 1866.  Then our subject went to
Minnesota and later to Iowa city, where he removed to Vinton, where he
continued his trade as he had in other places.  Also he bought and operated
a farm there.  Following that venture, Mr. Jenks did contract work on the
Northwestern and in 1888 came to Portland, thence to Eugene, and in 1889 
made his way to Spokane.  In the fall of this last year, he located a 
homestead where he now resides and later bought ninety acres. His attention 
has been devoted carefully and wisely here and the good results are 
apparent.
	In 1866, Mr. Jenks married Miss Rebecca, daughter of William and
Nancy (Thomas) Honak, natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio, respectively, and of
English extraction.  Three children have been born to this union: Gertrude,
wife of C.E. Amey, of Spokane; Grace, wife of Thomas Territ, lieutenant
governor of Idaho under Governor Hunt; and Dorland, at home. Mr. Jenks is a
liberal man in politics and is a member of the G.A.R.  He had six brothers
and sisters, Joseph, deceased, Clara, Elizabeth Keeler, Thomas, deceased,
Sarah, deceased, and Lorena. The maternal uncle of our subject was fighting
for the English at the battle of Lundy Lane, holding a Captain's commission.