Vernon Leonard Jenks was born in Rapid City, South Dakota on April 24, 1895. He came to Alberta with his dad, William Jenks, and arrived in Nobleford about 1914. He found employment with William George, a farmer. While working there he met Mae Kathaleen George and they were married June 15, 1915.

Vern, as he was known, took up a homestead in the Del Bonita country about 1918. He and his wife Mae farmed and ranched there until their passing in March 1959.

Mae Kathaleen George was born in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario on October 20, 1895. She came to the Nobleford district with her parents in 1908. Mae and Vern had ten children, nine girls and one boy. Their daughter, Ruth Jenks, passed away when a baby.