The History of Hendricks County (Chicago: Interstate Publishing, 1885)--Washington Township, pages 744-745
Lotan W. Jenkins, a prominent farmer and stock-raiser of Washington Township, was born in Randolph County, N.C., Nov. 3, 1823, a son of John and Rebecca Jenkins. In the fall of 1833 his parents moved to Hendricks County, Ind., and after several removals, finally, in 1838, made a permanent settlement in Washington Township, on the farm now owned by our subject. John Jenkins was a fair representative of the pioneers of Hendricks County, a sturdy, noble race of men, the results of whose toil and perseverance have proved a blessing to their descendants. He died in September, 1842, his wife surviving him till September, 1882. Their family consisted of nine children, but four of whom are living-- Lotan W., William M., Mary D. and Elizabeth V. The deceased are--Laura A., Louisa, Jane M., David W. and Rachel. Lotan W. Jenkins was reared in Hendricks County, receiving a good education. After leaving school he taught about nine years in the winter, working on the farm in the summer. In August, 1862, he enlisted in Company K, Seventy-ninth Indiana Infantry, Army of the Cumberland. He was captured at Chickamauga, Sept. 20, 1863, and was taken to Richmond and confined six weeks in Libby and Smith & Pemberton prisons; was then transferred to Danville, Va., thence in May to Andersonville, and in October to Miller Prison, Ga., where he remained till Nov. 19, 1864, when he was taken to Savannah and exchanged. He was then sent to Annapolis, Md., and after a month's confinement in the hospital was granted a furlough for thirty days. At the expiration of his furlough he reported for duty at Camp Chase, Ohio, where on account of his enfeebled condition he was in the hospital a month, and was then detailed a clerk in Major Warren's office, remaining there till his discharge in June, 1865. After his return home he settled on the homestead with his mother, which he now owns. His home is one of the pleasantest in the township, and contains 280 acres of valuable land. In 1870 he was elected Clerk of Hendricks County, assuming the duties of his office in July, 1872, and served four years with efficiency. He has also served his township as Trustee and Assessor. In politics he is a Republican. Mr. Jenkins was married Aug. 4, 1874, to Sarah Dennis, who was born Aug. 12, 1844, a daughter of Burr P. and Nancy Dennis. To them have been born four children--David W., born Aug 4, 1876; Mary L., July 4, 1879; Annie L., July 13, 1882, and Lotan D., Aug. 27, 1884. Mr. and Mrs. Jenkins are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.