Legislator Details

Image of Bela W. Jenks
Image Description:
Portrait captured from Find-a-GRave.com 5/10/2025

Bela W. Jenks
AKA:
Number of sessions served 2
Sessions served
Gender: Male
Age at election: 55

Vital Records Information:

Birth
Date: 7/18/1849
City: Schroon Lake, NY
County: Essex County, NY
Country: US
 
Death
Date: 7/19/1930
City: Harbor Beach, MI
County: Huron County, MI
Country: US
Type of Burial:
Burial
Date: 7/21/1930
City: Harbor Beach, MI
County: Huron County, MI
Country: US
Cemetery: Rock Fall Cemetery

Marital Information:
married Allie [ or Alma] E. Stafford, dau. of Henry B. & Abbie R. Stafford, in Richmond, Macomb Co., MI, 7/18/1871; children: 5, Howard S., Allie (Mihlethaler), Minnie Blanche (Carmichael), Bela Walton and Hazel S. (Carter)

Number of Children: 5

Background

Religion:
Military Service:
Occupation: businessman, banker
Race: Caucasian or White

Education:
public schools of St. Clair

Biographical Sketch:
Son of Jesse L. and Mary Jane (Miner or Manor) Jenks. Moved to St. Clair, MI at 11; moved to Sand Beach Township, 1870. At 16 he worked as a clerk in the St. Clair Post Office; moved to Rock Falls the next yr. In 1874, he became a member of the firm of J. Jenks & Co., was secretary and treasurer of J. Jenks & Co., Inc., from 1882-1902, secretary of the Huron Milling Co., and treasurer of the Mihlethaler Co., Ltd., from 1902-??. He was township treasurer of Sand Beach for 7 years and trustee of Sand Beach village..

Notable Facts:

Sessions Served:

Forty-Fourth Legislature, 1907-1908
Chamber: Senate
Party: Republican
Committees Served On: Agricultural College , Finance and Appropriations , Insurance , Mechanical Interests , Railroads , Saline Interests
Postions Held:

City of Residence: Harbor Beach
County of Residence Huron
District: 20
District Description: Counties of Huron and Sanilac

Date Elected: 11/6/1906
Date Sworn In: 1/2/1907
Date Left Office:

Reason for Leaving Office: N/A
End of Term Status: Departed

Maritial Status: Unknown
Notes: Chair of the Committees on the Agricultural College; and Insurance
Forty-Third Legislature, 1905-1906
Chamber: Senate
Party: Republican
Committees Served On: Elections , Finance and Appropriations , Geological Survey , Immigration , Public Buildings , School for the Deaf , Soldiers' Home
Postions Held:

City of Residence: Harbor Beach
County of Residence Huron
District: 20
District Description:

Date Elected: 11/8/1904
Date Sworn In: 1/4/1905
Date Left Office:

Reason for Leaving Office: N/A
End of Term Status: Re-elected

Maritial Status: Unknown
Notes: Chair of the Committees on Geological Survey; and School for the Deaf

Bibliography:

Chapman (HU)p.400-1; Manual 1905 p.742; Michiganology; USCen 1910; Find-a-Grave.com, includes portrait; MIMarRec 1867-1952
View Bibliographical Sources