In the book's own words, not ours, with obvious scanning errors fixed. Families often supplied these stories to the publisher, so check key dates.
Born 1865, Page County
From 20th century history of Springfield, and Clark County, Ohio, and representative citizens (1908)
DAVID BENTON JENKINS, formerly for two terms clerk of German Township, is one of the best-known educators of Clark County. He was born in Page County, Virginia, March 27, 1865, and is a son of Daniel and Barbara Ann (Priutz) Jenkins. Daniel Jenkins was born in Virginia, in which state also he died. In 1852 he visited Ohio, and in 1856 Illinois, but he never resided in any state except that of his nativity. He followed the shoemaker's trade.
David Benton Jenkins attended the country schools near his home until he was sixteen years old, when, through the interest of a cousin, William H. Jenkins, he became a resident of Ohio. This cousin had lived in Clark County for a time and had then gone back to Virginia, but later had decided to return to Ohio. He recognized the fact that in the latter state the ambitious young man and eager student, David Benton Jenkins, would'have better chances of success in life; hence he secured the consent of the youth's father to allow him to take David to Ohio. They arrived in Clark County, March 7, 1882. David went to work for Jacob Mitzell, near Tremont, and with that just man and his excellent wife he made his home for ten years, winning their confidence and affection, and to this day he attributes much of his success to their kind interest.
For two years young Jenkins attended school at Tremont City, after which he entered the National Normal University at Lebanon, Ohio, and for one year he was fortunate enough to be under the instruction of that able educator. Professor Alfred Holbrook. Prior to this he had taught one term of school at Tremont, and after returning from the university he resumed teaching at the same place. He continued in this occupation almost continuously from 1884 until 1902, giving himself but short periods of rest and not really abandoning the educational field until 1902. During 1890-91 he taught the Lawrenceville High School. He has been prominently identified wuth educational work all over Clark County and during 1891 he served as county school examiner. Since giving up teaching he has lived on his farm. On September 20, 1892, Mr. Jenkins was married to Mary Margaret Overholser, who is a daughter of Samuel and Margaret (Callison) Overholser.
Politically Mr. Jenkins is a Republican. From 1894 until 1898 he served most efficiently as clerk of German Township, being one of the very few members of his party who were in office during those years. He is a Knight Templar Mason, belonging to the Blue Lodge, Chapter, Council and Commandery at Springfield.
He is also a member of the First Congregational Church of Springfield, Ohio, and has been a teacher in the Sabbathschool since 1884.
In June, 1900, he served as census enumerator for German Township.
As printed in 20th century history of Springfield, and Clark County, Ohio, and representative citizens (1908). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.
The printed record stops around 1908. We trace your line from there down to you, with every source cited.