Ed L. Jenkins Papers, 1974-1992

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Summary

Creator:
Jenkins, Edgar Lanier, 1933-2012
Date:
1974-1992
Extent:
201 box(es) (197.25 linear feet and 97 audiovisual items)
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

Ed L. Jenkins Papers, Richard B. Russell Library for Political Research and Studies, The University of Georgia Libraries, Athens, Georgia.

Background

Scope and content:

The Ed L. Jenkins Papers documents the political career of United States Congressman Ed Jenkins who represented Georgia's Ninth District (Northwest Georgia) from 1977 to 1992. This collection is primarily comprised of constituent mail and legislative files. In particular, a significant portion of the constituent mail and legislative files relate to Congressman Jenkins activities as a member of the Ways and Means Committee, which is the chief tax-writing committee of the House of Representatives.

This collection also includes both personal and political correspondence from other members of Congress; speeches, including floor remarks and speeches from various events; press releases and files from Jenkins press staff; administrative files documenting the activities of Jenkins congressional office; and files pertaining to Jenkins committee assignments.

Biographical / historical:

Edgar Lanier Jenkins was born in Young Harris, Towns County, Georgia on January 4, 1933. Jenkins graduated with an Associates of Arts degree from Young Harris College in 1951 and served on the United States Coast Guard from 1952 to 1955 before completing his college studies on the G.I. bill and graduating from the University of Georgia Law School in 1959.

After being admitted to the Georgia state bar in 1958, Jenkins practiced as a trial lawyer in Jasper, Georgia (Pickens County) as well as working with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Jenkins also worked as an assistant to U.S. Representative Phillip M. Landrum from 1959 to 1962.

In 1976, Jenkins was elected as a Democrat to the 95th Congress representing the 9th Congressional District (Northwest Georgia) in Georgia. While serving in Congress, Jenkins was active in the Ways and Means Committee where as a member of the Trade Subcommittee he supported and passed several bills related to taxes, trade, textiles, and land and mountain preservation. Jenkins also served as chairman of the Congressional Textile Caucus and as deputy Whip in the House. He served two terms on the Budget Committee where he was appointed chairman of the Community Development and Natural Resources Task Force. Jenkins also served on the Ethics Committee as well as the House Select Committee to Investigate Covert Arms Transactions during the Iran-Contra Hearings in 1987.

Jenkins retired from Congress after serving for sixteen years. In 1992, a large mountain tract in North Georgia was designated the "Ed Jenkins National Recreation Area." Following his retirement from Congress, Jenkins served on the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia where he served as Chairman of the Board. Jenkins was also a partner in the consulting firm of Winburn & Jenkins in Washington, D.C.

Ed Jenkins passed away on January 1, 2012. He is survived by his wife, Jo Thomasson, and two daughters, Janice Jenkins Anderson and Amy Jenkins Dotson.

Processing information:

Thermofax paper has been photocopied onto bond paper for protection of content. Oversize material and audiovisual materials have been separated for preservation purposes.

Arrangement:

This series is organized into six series: I. Political, II. Legislative, III. Speech/Press, IV. Constituent Services, V. Office/Administrative, and VI. Audiovisual Materials.

Access and use restrictions

Terms of access:

Before material from collections at the Richard B. Russell Library may be quoted in print, or otherwise reproduced, in whole or in part, in any publication, permission must be obtained from (1) the owner of the physical property, and (2) the holder of the copyright. It is the particular responsibility of the researcher to obtain both sets of permissions. Persons wishing to quote from materials in the Russell Library collection should consult the Director. Reproduction of any item must contain a complete citation to the original.

Library acts as "fair use" reproduction agent.

Preferred citation:

Ed L. Jenkins Papers, Richard B. Russell Library for Political Research and Studies, The University of Georgia Libraries, Athens, Georgia.