Isaac Jenks, 1872 - 1873

Jenks was born in Sedgley, but moved to Wolverhampton when he was twelve years old where he began an apprenticeship at the Shrubbery Ironworks of GB Thorneycroft & Co. Drawing on his experiences he improved the process of steel making and developed his own business enterprise, establishing Minerva Ironworks at Horsley Fields. He became a successful businessman, exporting his product to the USA where the steel was used for making the axles of railway carriages. Known for his generosity, Jenks was attached to the Darlington Street Wesleyan Church and gave financial support to the erection of ecclesiastical buildings. When he contributed towards the restoration of a study room at the Free Library it was fondly referred to as "Jenks' classroom". Manufactured at his own expense, he donated the Greek design badge and gold chain of office to the Council. Jenks supported the Liberal party and held the office of mayor fom 1872 to 1873. In 1874 he was made an alderman. He retired from Wolverhampton Council in 1880, and died at Rhyl on Sunday 29th January, 1888.

Jones's Mercantile Directory of the Iron District of South Staffordshire and East Worcestershire. 1865 (Jones & Proud, London) p.52
J Jones The Mayors of Wolverhampton Vol 1 (EJ Rowland, Wolverhampton)
Obituary Wolverhampton Chronicle 1st February 1888
Death Wolverhampton Chronicle 1st February 1888
See S Griffiths 1873 Griffiths' Guide to the Iron Trade of Great Britain (London) xxxviii p.70
WH Jones 1903 Municipal Life in Wolverhampton (Alexander & Shepherd, London) pp.184-186
Photograph Index - Y1/JEN, Y1/MAY/1 and OV/54, 55.