Google Books provides a more detailed list of those that were present when William Kemmler, the first legalized electrocution case was performed at Auburn Prison at Auburn, NY.
Witness List
Dr. J. M. Jenkins of Auburn was in deed present.
Dr. James Morris Jenkins and his wife Dr. Nettie Jenkins were early physicians at Port Byron. They may be the earliest husband and wife team to provide medical services to our community. They only practiced at Port Byron for about 3 years. Thanks to Kim Nolan for sharing that some of their descendants continued to live at Port Byron, where Nettie may also be our first woman doctor.
Dr. James Jenkins was also a permanent member of the State Board of Examiners:
Jenkins elected to State Board of Examiners
I also found a wonderful family history on Dr. Jenkins:
Dr Jenkins, a descendant of John Boution, a native of France
Readers are welcome to start discussions regarding Port Byron history by visiting my Facebook Page called Port Byron History.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Dr.'s James and Nettie Jenkins
Thank you Kim Nolan for sharing your comment on Dr's James and Nettie Jenkins.
(See Pioneer Physicians Posted 4/2/2009)
It is always nice to learn that part of this family remained in our community. Your question about the Jenkins being involved in the first electric chair execution in America at the Auburn Prison is very interesting.
Newspaper accounts indicate that a Dr. William Jenkins of New York was one of the physicians who performed the autopsy on William Kemmler, the inmate that was executed:
Autopsy of William Kemmler
History of the electric chair
It is difficult to determine the exact role of your Dr. James Morris Jenkins from newspaper accounts. It does appear that he was a witness:
Dr. James Jenkins listed as a witness
There is another article that mentions a Dr. Morris M Jenkins which may be James Morris Jenkins:
Dr. Morris M Jenkins interview
(See Pioneer Physicians Posted 4/2/2009)
It is always nice to learn that part of this family remained in our community. Your question about the Jenkins being involved in the first electric chair execution in America at the Auburn Prison is very interesting.
Newspaper accounts indicate that a Dr. William Jenkins of New York was one of the physicians who performed the autopsy on William Kemmler, the inmate that was executed:
Autopsy of William Kemmler
History of the electric chair
It is difficult to determine the exact role of your Dr. James Morris Jenkins from newspaper accounts. It does appear that he was a witness:
Dr. James Jenkins listed as a witness
There is another article that mentions a Dr. Morris M Jenkins which may be James Morris Jenkins:
Dr. Morris M Jenkins interview
Friday, October 16, 2009
Municipal Historians of New York State
For readers that are from other areas of the Country, New York State is blessed with incorporating local historians into the laws of New York State. Historians are governed by Section 57.13 of the Arts and Cultural Affairs Law. You can read more about the history of New York's Historian Law by visiting the following website:
Historian's Law of New York State
This site also contains a searchable list of all historians for the entire State of New York.
Historian's Law of New York State
This site also contains a searchable list of all historians for the entire State of New York.
