David P. Jenkins facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
David P. Jenkins
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born | August 26, 1823 Mount Pleasant, Ohio |
| Died | March 30, 1915 (aged 91) Spokane, Washington |
| Allegiance |  United StatesUnion |
| Branch |  United States ArmyUnion Army |
| Years of service | 1861 to 1865 |
| Rank |  Major Colonel |
| Commands held | 1st Illinois Cavalry Regiment 14th Illinois Cavalry Regiment |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
| Signature |  |
David P. Jenkins (born August 26, 1823 – died March 30, 1915) was an American lawyer, soldier, and businessman. He was also a kind person who gave a lot of money and land to help others, which is called philanthropy. He is famous for helping to settle and develop the city of Spokane, Washington.
Contents
David P. Jenkins: A Life of Service
Early Life and Legal Career
David Jenkins was born on a farm in Ohio in 1823. His parents were Quakers, a religious group known for peace. He went to school in his hometown, Mount Pleasant. Later, he studied law in Cincinnati, Ohio.
After passing his law exam, he moved to LaSalle, Illinois. There, he started a successful law business. He even knew Abraham Lincoln, who later became president. Both men worked as lawyers in the same court system.
Serving in the Civil War
During the American Civil War, David Jenkins joined the Union Army. He served under famous generals like Ulysses S. Grant and William Tecumseh Sherman. He started as a major in the 1st Illinois Cavalry.
His first battle was near Lexington, Missouri, in 1861. He helped negotiate the surrender of Union forces there. This meant he became a prisoner of war for a short time. He was released in November of that year.
After his release, he commanded cavalry companies in Missouri. His soldiers protected supply lines for the army. In 1863, he became a lieutenant colonel. Later, he was promoted to colonel of the 14th Illinois Cavalry. He helped recruit and train this new regiment.
Moving West and Helping Communities
After the war, Jenkins moved to the Washington Territory. In 1874, he opened a law firm in Seattle. He even served as Seattle's city attorney in 1876. In 1879, he settled in Spokane.
In Spokane, he became friends with Native American leaders. These included Chief Spokane Garry and Chief Joseph. He admired their honesty and integrity. He even kept a photograph of Chief Joseph on his fireplace.
Building Spokane's Future
Jenkins was very generous with his land and money. He donated part of his own land and $5,000 to build the Spokane County Courthouse. This helped create an important building for the community.
His daughter, Emma Rue, also donated land. This land became the site for the Coliseum. Today, it is known as the Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena.
Supporting Education and Animals
David Jenkins strongly believed in education. He tried twice to fund the first university in Spokane. However, these plans failed due to a big economic crisis in 1893. He also worried about young men who couldn't afford college.
So, he created a trust fund of $50,000. This money helped start Spokane's first vocational school for adults. It was run by the YMCA. This school helped many people learn job skills.
Jenkins later retired to Chewelah, Washington. He is well-known there for donating land and money to build Jenkins High School in 1910. He also loved animals very much. He bought land in Chewelah partly to keep his many pets, including domesticated deer. He also donated land in Spokane to establish a Humane Society. This organization helps animals and still stands on that land today.
Later Life and Legacy
David P. Jenkins passed away at his daughter's home in Spokane on March 30, 1915. He left behind a legacy of service, generosity, and community building. His contributions helped shape the cities of Spokane and Chewelah.
