Joseph Jenckes Jr. | |
|---|---|
| 2nd Speaker of the House of Deputies (now Representatives) in the Rhode Island General Assembly | |
| In office October 1698 – February 1699 | |
| Preceded by | Jonathan Holmes |
| Succeeded by | Benjamin Newberry |
| Assistant (now Senator) in the Rhode Island General Assembly | |
| In office 1680-1686, 1689-1691, 1695, 1696, 1698 | |
| Deputy (now Representative) in the Rhode Island General Assembly | |
| In office 1679, 1680, 1698, 1691 | |
| Constituency | Providence |
| Personal details | |
| Born | October 12, 1628 (baptized) Colnbrook, Middlesex, England |
| Died | January 4, 1717 (aged 88) Providence (now Pawtucket), Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations |
| Spouse | Esther Ballard |
| Children | 9 including Gov. Joseph Jenckes |
| Parents |
|
| Occupation | Forge and sawmill owner |
| Known for | Founder of Pawtucket |
Joseph Jenckes Jr. (baptized October 12, 1628 – January 4, 1717), also spelled Jencks and Jenks, was the founder of Pawtucket, Rhode Island, where he erected a forge in 1671.
After his mother and only sibling died in England, his father, Joseph Jenckes Sr., immigrated to New England. A few years later, in about 1647, Jenckes Jr. joined his father at his forge in Massachusetts Bay Colony and learned his father's trade. In 1661, Jenckes was jailed for treason, a charge that was later dropped.
Jenckes moved to the Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations where he became a successful businessman. He served many years in the Rhode Island General Assembly and was elected Speaker of the House. His son, Joseph, became the colony's governor.