Joseph Jenckes Jr.

Joseph Jenckes Jr. (baptized October 12, 1628January 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. Early life Joseph Jenckes Jr. was baptized October 12, 1628, in Colnbrook, Buckinghamshire, England. He was the eldest of two children born to Joseph Jenckes Sr. (1599–1683) and Joan Hearne (1607–1635).