The History of Hendricks County (Chicago: Interstate Publishing, 1885)--Lincoln Township, page 663
William M. Jenkins was born in Guilford County, N.C., Oct. 15, 1833, a son of John and Rebecca Jenkins, early settlers of Hendricks County. He was reared on a farm, receiving a good education in the public schools. He remained at home till April, 1861, when he enlisted in Company A, Seventh Indiana Infantry, and served three months. In February, 1862, he enlisted in the Sixty-third Indiana Infantry and served till the following August, when he was discharged on account of ill-health. He then returned to Hendricks County, and has since devoted his attention to agriculture. He has a good farm of seventy-five acres on section 22, Lincoln Township, all under cultivation. Mr. Jenkins was married in January, 1863, to Hannah L. Reed, who died in March, 1867, leaving two children--Luella W. and John L. In November, 1876, he married Elizabeth J., daughter of James W. and Rachel Townsend, of Fountain County, Ind. To them have been born three children--George M., Katie A. and Susan L. Mrs. Jenkins is a member of the Presbyterian church.