John Jenkins was also moderator of the "ADJOURNED MEETING" of the settlers of Westmoreland held August 8, 1775, when it was "voted, as this town has but of late been incorporated and invested with the privilege of the law, both civil and military, and now in capacity of acting in conjunction with our neighboring towns within this and other colonies, in opposing ye late measures adopted by Parliament to enslave America; also this town having taken into consideration the late plan adopted by Parliament of enforcing their several oppressing and unconstitutional acts, of depriving us of our property, and of binding us in all cases without exception, whether we consent or not, is considered by us highly injurious to American or English freedom; therefore do consent to, as acquiesce in, the late proceeding of the Continental Congress, and to rejoice that those measures are adopted, as so universally received throughout the continent; and in conformity to the 11th article of the association, we do now appoint a committee to observe attentively the conduct of this town touching the rules and regulations prescribed by the Honorable Continental Congress, and will unanimously join our brethern in America in the common cause of defending our liberty. Voted the Mr. John Jenkins, Joseph Sluman, Esq., Nathan Dennison, Esq. (see more of whom later), Mr. Obediah Gore, Jr., and Lieutenant Buck, be chosen a committee of correspondence for the town of Westmoreland."

And this is an account of the building of Jenkins Fort (actually a fortification of the Jenkins Home):
In the reprint of the William A. Wilcox Historical Address at the dedication of the "Jenkins' Fort Monument," Wilcox states that the land the fort stood on was inherited by Thomas from his father, Judge John. From Thomas it passed to Thomas' grandson, Amos York Smith, the son of Dr. John Smith and his wife, Mehitable Jenkins (Thomas' daughter). Mr. Smith owned it until 1857 when it became the property of Mr. Ralph D. Lacoe and others, and from them, Mr. Lacoe, Mr. Theodore Strong and the estate of R. J. Wisner, the DIAL ROCK CHAPTER, DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION gained title by gifts.

After the August 24th meeting, John Jenkins built a stockade fort around his dwelling for the protection of his family and neighbors. Notice the location marked on the map of West Pittston. The site is presently at the intersection of Exeter Avenue and the Susquehanna River and is marked by a stone monument.

It was situated about fifty yards above the west end of the bridge. The area of the borough contains 323 acres. The residence of Mr. Carr on the corner of Wyoming and Luzerne Avenues, is one of the old original farmhouses built when this was a part of Exeter Township. Two railroads and the Wyoming Valley Traction Streetcar Line all had offices and depots in West Pittston. In 1860 its population was 590. It had 4 bakers, 5 blacksmiths, Vulcan Iron works, 1 bookbinder, 4 cabinet makers, 6 carpenters, 2 carpet weavers, 1 cigar dealer, 2 confectioners, 4 druggists, 1 fancy goods, 1 fish and oysters, 1 florist, 1 plumber, 2 general stores, 7 grocers, 1 furniture, 1 hay and feed, 1 house furnishing, Luzerne Knitting mills, 1 cracker factory, 1 lime and plaster, 7 meat markets, 4 milk depots, 1 miner supplies, 1 private school, 1 livery stable, 1 stoves and tinware, 3 wagon makers.