David Jenkins and His Work.
TO THE OHIO STATE JOURNAL:
Just at this time, while colored people are rejoicing in the triumph of right, something should be said about Mr. David Jenkins and his doings in behalf of the colored people of Ohio for the last thirty years.
More than thirty years ago David Jenkins came to Columbus from Virginia. Coming from a slave State he had neither education nor money. He found the condition of the colored people here little better than it was in Virginia, and though circumstances were against him, he commenced in earnest his labors looking to the elevation of his people.
There was at that time but one colored church and one colored school in the city, and few were there to come to Mr. Jenkins’s assistance. Later he had many co-workers in the good cause in such men as Poindexter, Booker, Tyler and others.
The first public meeting of colored people ever held in Columbus was held at the house of Mr. Jenkins, on Front street, in a small 10 by 12 room. The meeting was a small one, but David Jenkins there commenced his career as a public man. He organized a debating society, which lived for a long time and flourished.
The next move of Mr. Jenkins was for a State Convention of colored people. This met with much opposition among his own people, and many said the Jenkins movement would result in the destruction of the lives and property of the colored people in Ohio.
The convention was called in 1843 or 1844, was very well attended, and was the beginning of a new era in the history of the colored people of Ohio, and brought to them untold blessings. Mr. Jenkins attended all succeeding conventions, whether State or national, and everywhere was his influence felt, and his time and money freely given.
In addition to this Convention work Mr. Jenkins is well known as the oldest and most regular lobby member of the Legislature. For the last twenty-five years, every session saw Jenkins in his place, and old and new members learned to know and respect him. His presence there meant labor for his people, and it had the desired effect. When questions in which interests of colored people were at stake came up he was always present to shape the current right as far as his influence could shape it.
He has lived to see his fondest hopes realized and all that he labored for accomplished. Few men can say as much, and measured by the common standard the life of David Jenkins has been a grand success. For all that he has done in their behalf will the colored people ever honor him. J. P. WARD.