Jenks, William, 1778-1866

William Jenks was born in Newton, Massachusetts on November 25, 1778. He received an A.B. from Harvard College in 1797, an A.M. in 1800 and an S.T.D. in 1842. He also received two degrees from Bowdoin College: an S.T.D. in 1825 and an L.L.D. in 1862. Jenks served as pastor of churches in Cambridge, Massachusetts and Bath, Maine before joining the faculty of Bowdoin College as professor of Oriental and English literature. He later returned to Boston, where he founded a mission for seamen and took an active part in several of the city's humanitarian reform organizations. He served as a member of the Board of Overseers of Harvard College from 1832 to 1845. He was also a founder of the American Antiquarian Society and the American Oriental Society. William Jenks died in Boston on November 13, 1866.

From the description of Prospect from a study, in the north entry of Hollis Hall, [graphic, ca. 1797] (Harvard University). WorldCat record id: 631692974

American minister and professor.

From the description of Autograph letter signed : Boston, to Augustus R. Pope, 1857 Aug. 28. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 743760873

William Jenks (1778-1866), the son of Captain Samuel and Mary (Haynes) Jenks, was a Congregational clergyman, social reformer and Biblical scholar. He spent 13 years in Maine as minister of the First Church in Bath and as Professor of Oriental languages at Bowdoin College, but the major part of his life was spent in Boston. He was deeply involved in the social and moral reform societies which sprang up in response to the industrialization of Boston and the tremendous growth of shipping after the end of the War of 1812. He was minister of the Green Street Church, founded for the benefit of the working classes and was active in the Mariners' church on the waterfront.

From the description of William Jenks papers, 1798-1909 (bulk: 1826-1848) (New England Historic Genealogical Society). WorldCat record id: 71275648

William Jenks (1778-1866) was a Congregationalist minister of Cambridge, Massachusetts, and Bath, Maine.

From the description of William Jenks letters, 1803-1806. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122486272

From the guide to the William Jenks letters, 1803-1806, (The New York Public Library. Manuscripts and Archives Division.)