Friends of Hastings Cemetery

Town’s Main Builder Dies

June 30, 1899

Mr Peter Jenkins, the prominent and popular local businessman and works contractor, died suddenly of burst blood vessel at his home in St Leonards on Tuesday 27 June.

“By dint of his own personal efforts and attention to business Mr Jenkins rose to the position of the largest employer of labour in the borough.  He was not born with the proverbial silver spoon and was the architect of his own position.  He came to Hastings about 30 years ago and began business in a small way.  During the latter part of this period Mr Jenkins has carried out many of the chief local contracts and has executed several big jobs for the Corporation, one of the first of which was the erection of the Marine Sea Wall from St Leonards Church to Bopeep, followed, some years later, by a continuance to Grosvenor Gardens.  He also erected the new Sanatorium and has also built much in connection with the waterworks.

Recently he completed the noble pile of the Theatre of Varieties in Marine Parade and at the time of his death had in hand the erection of the New Coastguard Station [in Sturdee Place], also reservoirs at Fairlight (for the Corporation) and the New Workhouse.

The late Mr Jenkins was widely respected as a good master. He was altogether a generous-hearted man.  In politics he was an ardent Liberal, and although he was seldom seen at public meetings, he had great influence at the time of a contest.”

The News said a few weeks later that he had died a rich man, with £160,000 in his will.

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BJ11 & BJ12

To the dear and blessed

memory of

Peter Jenkins,

Who fell asleep on

June 27th 1899,

Aged 60 years.

"The finger of God touched him and he slept"

Also of Mary Jenkins

Wife of the above

Who passed away May 5th 1922Aged 86 years.

"At rest".

In loving memory of

Edith Mary

Youngest daughter of the late

Peter & Mary Jenkins

of St Leonards

Who died on March 22nd 1904

"Until the day breaks, and the shadows flee away"

In loving memory of

Lizzie

Beloved wife of

Septimus Ticehurst

And eldest daughter of

Peter & Mary Jenkins

Who died at Ottawa Bank

Nov. 14, 1884

Aged 25 years

"Fear not, for I have redeemed thee.  I have called thee by name.Thou art mine.  Isaiah

Also their infant son

Claude

Did Jan 7 1885

Aged ?  weeks

In loving memory of

Alice Jenkins

Who fell asleep in Jesus

Feb.24 1886

Aged 20