Solicitor General: George A. Jenks

George A. Jenks was born in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania on March 25, 1836. He proceeded to graduate from Jefferson College, Pennsylvania in 1858. Two years later he married Mary A. Mabon, and they had one daughter. Jenks first worked as a lawyer before beginning a career as a judge and politician. He served as a Congressmen for Pennsylvania from 1875-1877, in the 44th Congress. Following his tenure in Congress, Jenks was nominated for judge of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania in 1880, before being selected as U.S. Assistant Secretary of Interior; a position which he held from 1885-1886.

From 1886-1889 Jenks served as United States Solicitor General, during President Cleveland’s first term. He was the Democratic nominee for governorship of Pennsylvania in 1898, as well as the Democratic senatorial nominee in 1899 during the Quay deadlock. Jenks died February 10, 1908 at his home in Brookville, Pennsylvania.