Frances C. Jenkins

Frances C. Jenkins (, Wiles; April 13, 1826 – December 14, 1915) was an American evangelist, Quaker minister, and social reformer, involved in the temperance and suffrage movements of the day. While in Illinois, she served as a vice-president of the state's Woman's Christian Temperance Union (W.C.T.U.). She came to Kansas City, Missouri about 1880 and was active in church and club work there. It was chiefly through her influence that the Friends' Church at 30th Street and Bales Avenue was organized in that city in 1882. Several times since 1890, Jenkins was pastor of this church. In Kansas City, she was the first president of the Federation of Women's Clubs and was also president of the first equal suffrage organization in that town.

Early life and education Frances Clanton Wiles was born in New Castle, Indiana, April 13, 1826. Her father, Luke Wiles (b. 1796), was of Welsh descent; her mother, Rhoda (Davis) Wiles (1804–1853), came from an English family.

Both parents being educators, Jenkins' home was always a school. Jenkins was especially successful as an evangelist and temperance worker. She was among the first crusaders against the liquor traffic. As a result of her work, many saloons were closed in the town where she lived, and many surrounding towns received a like benefit. The proprietors of numerous saloons gave up saloon-keeping and engaged permanently in other business. For several years, she was one of the vice-presidents of the Illinois W.C.T.U.

She was an appointed delegate to the Biennial Bible-school Conference (Philadelphia, November 1875).

Jenkins went to England early in January, 1888, where she remained 15 months, engaged in evangelical and temperance work. Thereafter, she continued to be engaged most of the time in work along the same lines.

From about 1880, Jenkins made her home in Kansas City, Missouri. She died there, December 14, 1915, and was buried in Wabash, Indiana.