JENKINSON, WILLIAM ARTHUR, wholesale grocer of Jacksonville, Morgan County, Ill., was born in North Allerton, Yorkshire, England, November 30, 1854, the son of Thomas and Mary (Appleton) Jenkinson, both of whom were born in that town - the father, in January, 1821, and the mother, in 1820. There Thomas Jenkinson was engaged in the wholesale and retail grocery business until the time of his death in 1888.

William A. Jenkinson received his mental training in the grammar schools of his native country. At the age of fourteen years he was employed in his father's grocery, where he received careful instruction after the thorough English custom. In May, 1880, he came to the United States, locating immediately at Jacksonville. In the following month, together with his brother, Henry, he established a retail grocery store, which continued until 1888. At that period the wholesale grocery firm of W. A. Jenkinson & Co., was formed, and has since transacted a prosperous business.

In September, 1885, Mr. Jenkinson was united in marriage with Ellen H. Clayton, daughter of Joseph and Urania (Taft) Clayton, of Jacksonville.

Mr. Jenkinson is an independent in politics; in religion is a zealous Congregationalist, and all-in-all is one of the most capable, upright and successful merchants of Jacksonville.