Isaac Jenks

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Isaac Jenks in his mayoral robes, Wolverhampton History & Heritage Website

Isaac Jenks (17 March 1816 – 29 January 1888) was an industrialist and ironmaster who served as Mayor of Wolverhampton (1872–73).

Iron and steel

Jenks started work at 12 years of age as an apprentice in a local ironworks founded four years earlier by the first Mayor of Wolverhampton, George Thorneycroft. After finishing his apprenticeship, he spent 20 years working in the local iron and steel industry and learned the value of a higher-end product. In 1857, he founded the Minerva Iron and Steel Works followed closely by the Beaver Works.

Capacity grew and in a little over 10 years it was estimated that 80 per cent of US steel imports from the UK came from these two sites, strategically placed on part of the Birmingham Canal Navigations, giving access to world markets. Brand names such as "Jenks" steel and "Beaver" iron appeared on advertising for both wholesale iron and steel and finished products, along with evidence of agents in London and New York. Little is known of Jenks & Co. after 1902 and by 1908 the works had been demolished and redeveloped as coal wharves.^[1]

Personal life

Jenks was born in Sedgley, Staffordshire in 1816. He was a Wesleyan Methodist and a generous benefactor who supported good causes and projects, particularly to do with his church and technical education. He married Rebecca Jones from Dawley, Shropshire in 1839. As he grew more wealthy he moved his family to new homes, finally living at Morley House, Dunstall Hill, north of the town, now a housing estate. He served as Mayor of Wolverhampton, 1872/73 and donated the gold chain and badge of office still in use today. He died in Rhyl, Flintshire, Wales on 29 January 1888.^[1]

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