Longwood Central School District

David Jenkins grew up in Yaphank with his parents, David and Pricilla.  He was one of three children.  His brother, Horace, was a member of the 176th New York volunteer Infantry.

        Davie, as he was called by those who knew him, was mustered into Company D of the 47^th New York State Militia on May 27^th, 1862. This enlistment was for only three months, as many thought that this would be a short war and longer enlistments were unnecessary. He was 27 at the time of his enlistment, and was made a sergeant. The unit was officially mustered in at Fort McHenry, Baltimore Washington. The unit was commanded by Colonel Meserole. It served in the 3^rd Brigade, defenses south of the Potomac.  The unit was mustered out on September 1, 1862, at Brooklyn. Jenkins must have seen enough of army life, for he did not re-enlist for another tour of duty.

       Jenkins returned to Yaphank, where he married Augusta Homan. Jenkins moved from Yaphank, but returned when his wife stricken by cancer returned home to die. She passed away in 1878 and Jenkins erected a monument in the Yaphank Cemetery for her.