William Oscar Jenkins (1878–1963)[1] was an American businessman who made great wealth in Mexico. He was born May 18, 1878, in Shelbyville, Tennessee. He was originally a mechanic who moved to Mexico. He served during the Mexican Revolution as a minor consular official at Puebla, Mexico. While serving as consul, he was kidnapped by revolutionary forces and held for ransom. Once released he was arrested for allegedly arranging the kidnapping, but he was never convicted of such actions. He was active by turns in hosiery, sugar, theaters and banking.