Osborne Jenkins (c1803) and Ann --- of Onslow Co, NC

Osborne Jenkins was born ca 1802/1803 in NC, presumably in Onslow County, in the area that later became Stump Sound Township.

Although I show his name as "Osborne" it was spelled differently nearly every time it was written ("Ozen", "Anza", "Ausborn", "Ousza", "Auza"). I'm not sure what his actual name was, but to be consistent, I'll use "Osborne" throughout, except when quoting records that spelled it differently.

Using the 1810 and 1820 census as clues, I find several possible candidates for his parents.

On the 1810 Onslow County census, Osborne would have been about 7 years old, so he should be in the "under 10" age group (born ca 1800/10). John Jenkins (c1770/75) had a son that age; and Lewis Jenkins (c1770/74) (and wife Sarah Beasley) had a son that age. Either of the above could be his parents. I'm partial to Lewis Jenkins at present.

The 1820 census provides additional clues. Osborne should have been about 17 then, so he should be enumerated in the 16-25 age group (born ca 1794/1804) and possibly further enumerated in the 16-17 sub-category (born ca 1803-04). Lewis Jenkins still had a son that age; John Jenkins still had a son that age as well. These two are the prime candidates, since no others seem to be qualified (based only on the 1810 and 1820 census records). Both of these were also listed on the 1830 census, and by that time their son this age had gone. So that fits as well, as Osborne was married by then.

Osborne Jenkins married Ann --- before 1829 in Onslow Co, NC. I didn't find a marriage record for them, and so far, I have no clues as to her maiden name. As with her husband, I'm not totally sure what her given name was, for it was spelled differently on different records, suggesting it could be Amy instead of Ann.

Osborne Jenkins was listed on the 1830 census in Onslow Co, NC. His wife didn't seem to be listed with him, possibly a mistake, or evidence that Ann wasn't his first wife. If true, then his first wife had died before 1830, and he married Ann after that. In 1830, They were next door to John Jenkins (1770/75) who certainly could be Osborne's father, or perhaps his Uncle. Lewis Jenkins Sr was just 3 houses away, and he is a strong candidate for Osborne's father, or possibly an Uncle.

On 24 Apr 1835 "Auza Jenkins" witnessed a deed between Benjamin Jenkins (c1798) and Thomas Edens. (Onslow Co, NC Deed Book 21 Page 146).

I've long suspected that Benjamin was a brother of Osborne's. In fact, I'm fairly sure of it, based mainly on association, and the fact that Benjamin named one of his sons "Auza".

Osborne was listed on the 1840 census in Onslow Co, NC. At this point, his wife Ann seemed to be with him, though her age isn't a perfect match. There was also an older woman living with them (born ca 1770/80) who is most likely Osborne's mother or mother of his wife Ann. It should be noted that both Lewis and John Jenkins were gone by 1840, so either of them could have died in the 1830's, leaving a widow who wound up with son Osborne. The age of this woman with Osborne is a better match for Sarah Beasley Jenkins, wife of Lewis, opposed to John's unknown wife who was born ca 1780-90, though with census records you can never be too sure of anything!

On 26 Nov 1847 George H. McMillan deeded something to Ausborn Jenkins. I don't have the details of this deed yet. (Onslow Co, NC Deed Book 25 page 490)

On 20 Feb 1850 John Whitehurst deeded something to Ausa Jenkins. I don't know which Auza was being referred to. Was it Osborne Jenkins (he used "Auza" also)? Or was it Auza Jenkins (c1830). I don't have the details of this deed yet. (Onslow Co, NC Deed Book 26 page 241)

The family was listed in Stump Sound District in Onslow County, NC on the 1850 census. There were several Jenkins families nearby. In fact, most of the Jenkins in Onslow in 1850 were within 50 households of Osborne in 1850.

On 20 Feb 1853 Enoch and Deliah Foy deeded something to Auza Jenkins. I don't know which Auza was being referred to. Was it Osborne Jenkins (he used "Auza" also)? Or was it Auza Jenkins (c1830). I don't have the details of this deed yet. (Onslow Co, NC Deed Book 27 page 81)

On 16 May 1853 Harvey Cox deeded something to Auza Jenkins. I don't know which Auza was being referred to. Was it Osborne Jenkins (he used "Auza" also)? Or was it Auza Jenkins (c1830). I don't have the details of this deed yet. (Onslow Co, NC Deed Book 27 page 117)

Osborne Jenkins died in February 1856. His estate records are on file at the NC Archives in Raleigh under the name "Auza Jenkins" and "Osborne Jenkins". They are in two different folders, and would lead one to believe that "Auza" and "Osborne" were two different people, though it is clear from the evidence that they are one and the same person.

An estate sale was held on 27 Mar 1856, and purchasers included his widow, as well as Benjamin Jenkins and Lewis Jenkins and others. (Onslow Co, NC Loose Estates, NC Archives)

Also in March 1856, a Widows allotment was given to "Anna Jenkins" widow of Osborne Jenkins. (Onslow Co, NC Loose Estates, NC Archives)

In September 1856, the heirs of Osborne Jenkins were named, including: Amia Jenkins, widow, James Jenkins, Elizabeth Cannady, Sarah Parker, Lewis Jenkins, Auza Jenkins, Henry Jenkins and Milly Jenkins, the last three minors (under 21). The same document listed his death as "1852", which disagrees with the next document. (Onslow Co, NC Loose Estates, NC Archives)

On 4 Jun 1857, the heirs were named again, though the spelling was slightly different for some of them: Anne Jenkins, widow, James Jenkins, Elizabeth Canady, Sarah Packer, Lewis Jenkins, Auza Jenkins, Henry Jenkins and Milly Jenkins, the last three minors (under 21). This document gave Osborne's death as February 1856. (Onslow Co, NC Loose Estates, NC Archives)

Ann Jenkins, widow of Osborne, was listed on the 1860 census in Onslow Co, NC as head of household. Several other Jenkins families were nearby. This was Stump Sound District, as before. Her widowed daughter Sarah Jenkins Watson was living with her.

Ann --- Jenkins died 20 May 1862 in Onslow Co, NC (her death date was given in her estate papers). Her estate records are on file at the NC Archives in Raleigh.

In her estate file was a paper dated June 1863, naming the heirs. William R. King was administrator of her estate (a possible relative perhaps!). Heirs named were: James Jenkins, Sarah Jenkins, Uzza Jenkins, William H. Jenkins, Milly Prescott, wife of William Prescott and William Ellis Jenkins, Infant (under 21). This paper gave Ann's death date of 20 May 1862. (Onslow Co, NC Loose Estates, NC Archives)

I don't know who William Ellis Jenkins was, as named in the estate. He was probably a grandson, child of a son (or daughter) who had died before then.

Another paper was found dated 12 Sep 1864 which was an order for the sale of the land of Anna Jenkins, deceased. (Onslow Co, NC Loose Estates, NC Archives)

The above records (estate records and census records) show that Osborne and Ann owned land, but I haven't found any deeds for them so far, so I'm not sure how they obtained their land. They may have inherited it from parents or received it some other way that was not recorded in the deed books.

Children

Osborne Jenkins and Ann seemed to have quite a few children, in fact, several more than were named in their respective Estate files. I have a strong feeling that Osborne Jenkins was married twice, and that the children by his first wife were not mentioned in his estate records (this was actually fairly common), though they certainly could have all been dead by then as well. The 1850 census shows one son John, born ca 1829 (which, based on the 1830 census, would be a son of his first wife, who died before 1830). This son was not mentioned in the estate records, though he was with the family in 1850. Of course he may have died before his parents did.

Unknown Son born ca 1820/25. With Osborne Jenkins for the 1830 census, but gone by 1840, so probably had married, or died before then.

There was a Benjamin Jenkins born ca 1820/25 listed on the same page with Osborne on the 1840 census. This could be the one. In 1850 there was a Benjamin Jenkins age 22 (c1827/28) just three houses from Osborne. This same Benjamin was age 34 in 1860 (born ca 1825/26). I don't know if the 1850 and 1860 Benjamin is the same as from 1840. But he is a strong suspect for this son of Osborne.

There was a "James Jenkins" named as an heir of Osborne in his estate papers, and I have not been able to find anything on him. This could be him.

Unknown Daughter born ca 1820/25. With Osborne Jenkins for the 1830 census, but gone by 1840, so probably had married, or died before then.

Unknown Daughter born ca 1825/30. With Osborne Jenkins for the 1830 census, but gone by 1840, so probably had married, or died before then.

Unknown Daughter born ca 1825/30. With Osborne Jenkins for the 1830 and 1840 census, but gone by 1850, so probably had married, or died before then.

John Jenkins was born ca 1828/29 in Onslow Co, NC, presumably in Stump Sound Township. He seems to be home with his parents in 1830 (age "under 5", born ca 1825/30), and still home in 1840 (age 10-14, born ca 1825/30).

I found a marriage record for a John Jenkins and Miranda M. Dennis dated 7 Mar 1858 in Onslow Co, NC. I don't know if this marriage is for this same John Jenkins or not, but it seems likely.

I didn't find them listed on the 1860 census, nor was John named in the 1856-1857 estate papers of his father nor the 1862-1863 estate papers of his mother Ann. This could mean that he was dead before then (and therefore the marriage in 1858 was another John) or that he was just left out for some reason. He could also be the one named as "James Jenkins" in the papers.

Sarah Jenkins was born ca 1830/31 in Onslow Co, NC, presumably in Stump Sound Township. She seems to be home with her parents in 1840 (age 5-9, born ca 1830/35).

Joseph Watson obtained a marriage bond on 28 Jan 1851 in Onslow Co, NC to marry Sarah Jenkins. Joseph Ennett was the bondsman. I don't know if Ennett is related to either of them or not.

We know this marriage is for this same Sarah Jenkins because she was back home with her mother for the 1860 census, both of them widowed by that time.

Joseph Watson apparently died shortly after their marriage, for they only had one child (born 1852).

Sarah was named in her father's Estate papers (1856 and 1857) as "Sarah Parker" in September 1856, and as "Sarah Packer" on 4 Jun 1857. I don't know why she was listed with those surnames, for the 1860 census showed her still as a Watson.

In 1860 Sarah Watson was living with her widowed mother Ann Jenkins in Onslow Co, NC (see census abstract above). Her 8 year old son William H. Watson was with them.

Sarah Jenkins Watson married George H. Jenkins on 14 Sep 1862 in Onslow Co, NC. He was undoubtedly a cousin, though much older than Sarah. (See his page for more on him).

I didn't find Sarah Jenkins, nor her husband George on the 1870 census, nor any other record of them.

Lewis R. Jenkins was born ca 1833/34 in Onslow Co, NC, presumably in Stump Sound Township. He seems to be home with his parents in 1840 (age 5-9, born ca 1830/35). He was home with his parents for the 1850 census ("Lewis" age 16).

He was named in his father's estate papers in Sep 1856 as an heir "... Lewis Jenkins ..." and again on 4 Jun 1857.

On 30 Mar 1857 Lewis Jenkins obtained a marriage bond to marry Elizabeth Coston.

Lewis R. Jenkins enlisted for the Civil War on 13 May 1861 in Company E, 3rd North Carolina Infantry as a Private. He was 25. He was killed on 3 May 1863 at Chancellorsville, Virginia.

Lewis Jenkins was not named in his mother's estate papers (June 1863), though "William Ellis Jenkins" infant (under 21) was named, though relationship was not stated. This was Lewis' only child.

Lewis' widow Elizabeth married Edward Perkins as her second marriage. The marriage bond was dated 9 Nov 1863.

They were listed on the 1870 census in the household of Brice Williams (who is he?), and son Ellis Jenkins was with them. Kesiah Green and probable son Rowan Green were also with them. He (Rowan Green) later married one of Milly Jenkins daughters.

Ellis was still with the Perkins for the 1880 census in Onslow County. They were in Jacksonville Township at this time. This census also lists Mr. Perkins as being born in Maine.

Unknown Daughter born ca 1830/35. With Osborne Jenkins for the 1840 census, but gone by 1850, so probably had married, or died before then.

Zilpha Ann Jenkins was born ca 1836/37 in Onslow Co, NC, presumably in Stump Sound Township. She seems to be home with her parents in 1840 (age "under 5", born ca 1835/40). She was not home with her parents in 1850 but was listed several households away with the Elijah Beasley family (perhaps a close relative).

She was named in her father's estate papers in 1856 and 1857 as an heir "Elizabeth Canaday". I'm told by Colette Hicks that Zilpha Jenkins is the person in question here. Zilpha's death certificate lists her father as Osborne Jenkins. Zilpha Jenkins married Uriah Canaday sometime ca 1855 (no marriage record found).

They were listed on the 1860 census in Onslow County, next door to brother Lewis Jenkins.

Uzza Jenkins was born ca 1837/38 in Onslow Co, NC, presumably in Stump Sound Township. He seems to have been home with his parents in 1840 (age "under 5", born ca 1835/40).

He was home with his parents for the 1850 census ("Uza" age 12). He was named in his father's estate papers in Sep 1856 as an heir "... Auza Jenkins ..." and again on 4 Jun 1857.

He was with his mother for the 1860 census ("Uzza" age 22). He was also listed again with a Yopp family, though it is possible this is someone else, but I don't think so.

Uzza Jenkins enlisted for the Civil War on 13 May 1861 in Company E, 3rd North Carolina Infantry as a Private. He was 21. His record shows he was wounded several times, first at Gettysburg, PA on 3 Jul 1863, and on 27 Nov 1863 at Mine Run, Virginia, again on 5 May 1864 at Wilderness, Virginia. He became a Corporal on 3 Sep 1864, and was capture on or before 6 Apr 1865. He was confined at Newport News, Virginia until he took the Oath of Allegiance on 27 Jun 1865.

I found a marriage record dated 22 Jan 1867 for "Uzzy" Jenkins and Betsy Everett. She was an apparent widow, or perhaps a single mother, for she had an Everett child born ca 1861. I did find a marriage record for a Reuben Everitt and Betsy Ennett dated 2 Aug 1858. This could be the same Betsy, for she did name her only child from that marriage "Reuben".

William Henry Jenkins was born ca 1839/40 in Onslow Co, NC, presumably in Stump Sound Township. He seems to have been home with his parents in 1840 (age "under 5", born ca 1835/40).

He was named in his father's estate papers in Sep 1856 as an heir "Henry Jenkins" and again on 4 Jun 1857.

He was with his mother for the 1860 census ("William H." age 20). In her estate papers (June 1863) he was named as "William H. Jenkins".

William H. Jenkins enlisted for the Civil War on 13 May 1861 in Company E, 3rd North Carolina Infantry as a Private. He was 21. His record shows he was captured and wounded on or around 17 Sep 1862 and was confined at Sharpsburg, MD. He must have escaped or been exchanged or paroled, for he was promoted to Corporal on 4 May 1863. He was wounded again on 27 Nov 1863 at Paynes Farm, Virginia. He was promoted to Sergeant shortly after that.

I found a marriage record dated 20 Mar 1861 for Henry Jenkins and Henrietta Edens. She was born ca 1844/45, and is a daughter of Edward and Ann (---) Edens (based on me finding her with them on the 1850 census).

They were listed on the 1870 census in Stump Sound Township near various relatives.

They were listed on the 1880 census in Onslow Co, NC next to sister Zilpha Jenkins Canaday.

There is a Loose Estate File for "Henry Jenkins" in Onslow County dated 1888 at the North Carolina Archives. I did not check it to see if it is for William Henry Jenkins, but it certainly could be. Our William Henry Jenkins did die sometime in that time frame, so I'd bet it is him.

Milly A. Jenkins was born ca 1841/42 in Onslow Co, NC, presumably in Stump Sound Township. She was home with her parents for the 1850 census ("Milly" age 8.)

She was named in her father's estate papers in Sep 1856 as an heir "Milly Jenkins" and again on 4 Jun 1857.

In her mother's (Ann Jenkins') estate papers (June 1863) she was named as "Milly Prescott, wife of William Prescott". I found a marriage bond dated 12 Feb 1861 for William Prescott and Milly Jenkins. Their marriage date of 21 Feb 1861 was mentioned in the Weekly Wilmington Journal on 28 Feb 1861:

I did not find them on the 1870 census. There was a William Prescott, but his wife was listed as Sarah. This could be the same William if Milly died in the 1860's, and he married again before 1870. Or possibly "Sarah" is just a typo and should be "Milly", OR, this is a different William Prescott altogether.

James Jenkins was named in the Estate records of Osborne Jenkins in September 1856 and on 4 Jun 1857, both times at the top of the list, probably indicating he was the oldest heir. He was also named in the June 1863 Estate records of Ann Jenkins, also at the top of the list.

So far I have not been able to locate this James. The 1830 census did show Osborne with a son born ca 1820/25 who is otherwise unknown. Another possibility is the oldest son John Jenkins, born ca 1828/29. He could be "John James Jenkins", though I have no evidence of that. It is also possible that "John" was not his name at all, but a census error, and his name should be "James".

James Jenkins, if not the same as "John" may have moved away from Onslow County before 1850.

There was only one "James" head of household in Onslow in 1850, and that was James Jenkins (c1780), and he certainly could not be the James in question. There was a James T. Jenkins (c1845) with John A. Jenkins (c1824) in 1850.

In 1860, the elder James was dead, but James T. Jenkins (c1845) was still with his parents. Another James Jenkins (c1849) was living with a Canaday family, and a Susan Jenkins (c1847) was in the same household.

Researcher List

Persons researching this family (click here for data on how to get on or off of this list):

1. Osborn¹ Jenkins , born 1802/03 in Onslow Co, NC; died Feb 1856 in Onslow Co, NC. He married abt 1825 in Onslow Co, NC Ann (---) , born 1803/04 in Onslow Co, NC; died 20 May 1862 in Onslow Co, NC.

Children of Osborn Jenkins and Ann (---) were as follows:

2 i John² Jenkins , born 1828/29 in Onslow Co, NC. He married on 7 Mar 1858 in Onslow Co, NC Miranda M Dennis , born 1842/43 in Onslow Co, NC, daughter of John F Dennis and Charity (---) .

+ 3 ii Sarah² Jenkins , born 1830/31 in Onslow Co, NC; died aft Jun 1863 in Onslow Co, NC. She married (1) Joseph Watson ; (2) George H Jenkins .

+ 4 iii Lewis R² Jenkins Pvt , born 1833/34 in Onslow Co, NC; died 3 May 1863 in Chancellorsville, VA, Civil War. He married Elizabeth Coston .

+ 5 iv Zilpha Ann² Jenkins , born 1836/37 in Onslow Co, NC; died aft 1880 in Onslow Co, NC. She married Uriah Canaday .

+ 6 v Uzza² Jenkins Cpl , born 1837/38 in Onslow Co, NC; died aft 1880 in Onslow Co, NC. He married Elizabeth "Betsy" (---) .

+ 7 vi William Henry² Jenkins Sgt , born 1839/40 in Onslow Co, NC; died aft 1880 in Onslow Co, NC. He married Henrietta Edens .

8 vii Milly A² Jenkins , born 1841/42 in Onslow Co, NC; died aft 1861 in Onslow Co, NC. He married on 21 Feb 1861 in Onslow Co, NC William Prescott .

Generation 2

3. Sarah² Jenkins (Osborn¹), born 1830/31 in Onslow Co, NC; died aft Jun 1863 in Onslow Co, NC. She married (1) on 28 Jan 1851 in Onslow Co, NC Joseph Watson , born 1824/25 in Onslow Co, NC; died 1852/60 in Onslow Co, NC; (2) on 14 Sep 1862 in Onslow Co, NC George H Jenkins , born 1802/03 in Onslow Co, NC; died aft Sep 1862 in Onslow Co, NC.

Children of Sarah Jenkins and Joseph Watson were as follows:

+ 9 i William H³ Watson , born Mar 1852 in Onslow Co, NC; died aft 1900 in Columbus Co, NC. He married Mary Catherine Davis .

4. Lewis R² Jenkins Pvt (Osborn¹), born 1833/34 in Onslow Co, NC; died 3 May 1863 in Chancellorsville, VA, Civil War. He married on 30 Mar 1857 in Onslow Co, NC Elizabeth Coston , born 1834/35 in Onslow Co, NC; died aft 1880 in Onslow Co, NC.

Children of Lewis R Jenkins Pvt and Elizabeth Coston were as follows:

10 i William Ellis³ Jenkins , born 1860/61 in Onslow Co, NC; died aft 1880 in Onslow Co, NC.

5. Zilpha Ann² Jenkins (Osborn¹), born 1836/37 in Onslow Co, NC; died aft 1880 in Onslow Co, NC. She married in 1850/58 in Onslow Co, NC Uriah Canaday , born 1835/36 in Onslow Co, NC; died aft 1880 in Onslow Co, NC.

Children of Zilpha Ann Jenkins and Uriah Canaday were as follows:

11 i John Thomas³ Canaday , born 1857/58 in Onslow Co, NC.

12 ii James³ Canaday , born 1862/63 in Onslow Co, NC.

13 iii Amanda³ Canaday , born 1865/66 in Onslow Co, NC.

14 iv Jesse William³ Canaday , born Feb 1870 in Onslow Co, NC.

15 v Lula³ Canaday , born 1872/73 in Onslow Co, NC.

16 vi George B³ Canaday , born 1875/76 in Onslow Co, NC.

17 vii Agness A³ Canaday , born 1877/78 in Onslow Co, NC.

6. Uzza² Jenkins Cpl (Osborn¹), born 1837/38 in Onslow Co, NC; died aft 1880 in Onslow Co, NC. He married on 22 Jan 1867 in Onslow Co, NC Elizabeth "Betsy" (---) , born 1832/33 in Onslow Co, NC.

Children of Uzza Jenkins Cpl and Elizabeth "Betsy" (---) were as follows:

18 i Mollie³ Jenkins , born 1868/69 in Onslow Co, NC.

7. William Henry² Jenkins Sgt (Osborn¹), born 1839/40 in Onslow Co, NC; died aft 1880 in Onslow Co, NC. He married on 20 Mar 1861 in Onslow Co, NC Henrietta Edens , born 1844/45 in Onslow Co, NC, daughter of Edward Edens and Ann (---) .

Children of William Henry Jenkins Sgt and Henrietta Edens were as follows:

19 i Benjamin E³ Jenkins , born 1868/69 in Onslow Co, NC.

20 ii Della M³ Jenkins , born 1871/72 in Onslow Co, NC.

21 iii William H³ Jenkins , born 1873/74 in Onslow Co, NC.

22 iv Lula³ Jenkins , born 1877/78 in Onslow Co, NC.