Colonel E.J. Jenkins was one of the foremost men in Concordia. He was an earnest, untiring worker for the advancement of Cloud county. He was a native of Ohio, but came to Donovan county, Kansas, in an early day, where he practiced law and represented that county in the Kansas legislature with distinction, both as a senator and member of the lower house.

He was prominent in political and social circles and all public enterprises. He did much for Concordia and personally was immensely popular. He was one of the pioneers of Kansas and was the faithful receiver of the Republican valley land office from its creation in 1870 until a short time before its removal. He was acknowledged to be a man eminently fitted for the position, hence his continued service with the government.