J. W. P. Jenks Explained

John Whipple Potter "J. W. P." Jenks (1819–1894) was an American school principal, zoologist, taxidermy collector, and museum curator.^[1] He taught in the South for a few years before marrying into a prominent family and heading Pierce Academy in Middleborough, Massachusetts. After he retired from there he returned to his alma mater, Brown University, established a natural history museum there and taught zoology.

Jenks' book Huntings in Florida recounts his at times arduous expedition to Florida shooting birds, collecting eggs, hunting game, and encountering wildlife including the Carolina parakeet, sawfish, wild cats, mosquitoes, and many gators.^[2]

John Cassin acquired some of his collection. Jenks's "lost" museum was recreated and put on display at Brown University.^[3]

Writings

• Hunting in Florida in 1874^[4]
• "English History" in Short Stories
• Autobiography, unpublished 1891 manuscript^[5]
• Popular Zoology, co-author^[6]
• ”Report on the food of the Robin”^[7]

Notes and References

1. Web site: Memorial address on the late John Whipple Potter Jenks : Professor of Zoology emeritus and curator of the museums : delivered before the faculty and students of Brown University, in Savles Memorial Hall, February 6, 1895. Reuben Aldridge. Guild. July 27, 1895. Providence, R.I. : Casey Bros.. Internet Archive.
2. Book: ...Hunting in Florida in 1874 . 1874 . Self-Published.
3. Web site: Inside the Lost Museum. library.brown.edu. April 4, 2024.
4. Web site: [FLORIDA] JENKS, JOHN WHIPPLE POTTER. Hunting in Florida in 1874]. doyle.com.
5. Book: Jenks, J. W. P. Autobiography. July 27, 1891. 1056169733 . Open WorldCat.
6. Book: Popular zoology. Joel Dorman. Steele. J. W. P. Jenks. July 27, 1887. Chautauqua Press, C.L.S.C. Dept.. 3673344 . Open WorldCat.
7. Web site: Jenks, J. W. P. 1819-1894 (John Whipple Potter) [WorldCat Identities]].