CHARLES T. JENKINS, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Vanderburgh County, was born in Evansville, March 12th, 1845. His paternal grandfather, Richard Jenkins, was a native of Kentucky, born in 1793, and possessed the sterling qualities of manliness peculiar to the better classes of the pioneer era in the west.

His father, Samuel T. Jenkins, was born in Hamilton, Ohio, in 1822, and died in this city in 1852, much respected. His name was closely associated with the early history of this county. In early days the Jenkins family came to Vanderburgh county and settled in the village of Evansville. When but a boy Samuel was appointed Deputy Clerk of the new County, and so apparent were his abilities and so acceptable his service that even before he attained his majority he was elected to the office when he was serving as deputy. He was three times chosen to discharge the duties of that important position, and died while in office. He was a man of correct business habits, well qualified, efficient, trustworthy and popular with the masses.

The mother of Charles Jenkins was Elizabeth Chute, a native of Vermont, born in 1824, now residing at Washington, D.C., who belonged to a prominent pioneer family, natives of Vermont, distinguished for many polite and cultivated adornments of character, and for many years favorably known in Evansville.

The immediate subject of this mention was reared and educated in this city, his studies being afterward continued for a time at Oxford, Ohio.

His capacity for mental work was early manifest. When fifteen years of age he accepted a position as accountant for Morgan, Reed & Co., and excepting the period covered by his military service, remained with that firm six years, when he embarked in the boot and shoe trade with H. T. Chute. At the end of four years he removed to the country and engaged in farming for eight years.

Being popular and competent he was elected, in 1880, as the nominee of the republican party, to the office of County Recorder, and four years later to his present office. A re-election in 1888 by a largely increased majority was a high testimonial to his popularity and worth.

His official life has been one of the most satisfactory the county has ever known, and his widespread popularity is exceeded by that of but few men in this part of the state.

His military career was brief but honorable. During the greater part of the Civil War period, he was a youth, too young for service. In April, 1864, he enlisted in the Thirty-Sixth Indiana Infantry for four months and after a faithful service, at the expiration of the term of his enlistment was honorably discharged.

In 1865 he was united in marriage to Miss Diana M. Hall, of Carlisle Ind., born April 18, 1845, daughter of John M. and Margaret Hall, natives of England. These parents have one son, Samuel M. born December 4, 1866.

Mr. Jenkins is prominent member of the I.O.O.F., K. of P., and G.A.R. fraternities, and actively interested in the progress of the city.