The Jones Families of Allen County, Ohio

THOMAS H. JONES, the efficient treasurer of Allen County, is one of the best known and most popular public officials of the State. Mr. Jones was born February 18, 1835, in North Wales, a country which has contributed largely to America’s good citizenship. His parents were Josiah and Mary (Hughes) Jones.

Josiah Jones was a large woolen manufacturer prior to emigrating with his family to America, in 1850. He settled in the town of Gomer, Allen County, Ohio, where he engaged in an undertaking business and also carried on farming to some! extent. His death occurred there in 1887, at the age of 81 years, his wife surviving him until 1889. They had a family of eight children.

Thomas H. Jones was 15 years of age when Ohio became his home. After four months of school attendance at Gomer, he became a clerk in a village dry goods store and later worked in the same capacity at Columbus Grove, Ohio, where he was living at the time of his enlistment for service in the Civil War. He entered Company F, 118th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., in which he served until his honorable discharge on July 9, 1865, after a service of three years, a portion of which time he was quartermaster of his regiment. Mr. Jones then returned to Gomer, where his parents were living, and, in September following, accepted a position as clerk and bookkeeper for William Ashton & Company, at Lima, and thus continued with their successors, W. K. Boone & Company, who purchased the business in 1867. Subsequently he became an active partner in this firm, and remained in this connection for a period of 40 years.

Ever since attaining his majority, Mr. Jones has shown his devotion to the principles of the Republican party, and at various times has been called upon to fill positions of responsibility. In 1903 he was elected treasurer of

Allen County, a position in which his sterling integrity and close and careful attention to duty have won him the confidence of his fellowcitizens in the highest degree. On November 7, 1905, Mr. Jones was reelected county treasurer by a majority of 906 votes. He has always shown himself to be a public-spirited citizen, and on many occasions has thrown the weight of his influence in support of measures for the public welfare. He was elected a member of the Board of Education of Lima and served for six years, being president of that body for three years of this period.

In 1862 Mr. Jones was married to Susan Francis, a daughter of Ellis Francis, and they have five children, two of whom are also county officials, viz: Harry, who is deputy county treasurer, and Mrs. G. J. Pence, assistant county treasurer. Although Mr. Jones is in his 71st year, the infirmities of age seem to have no hold upon his vigorous faculties; in fact, with valuable experience, he combines the alert business qualities of far younger men, while his cheerful personality and thorough kindness of heart have won him the affectionate cognomen of “Uncle Tommy.”

Mr. Jones is an elder in the Market Street Presbyterian Church. He has always been interested in Sunday-school work, and frequently gives lectures before various bodies, which are very popular. He belongs to the Mart Armstrong Post, No. 202, G. A. R. of Lima, and finds a hearty welcome awaiting his attendance. His fraternal connection is with the Odd Fellows. Mr. Jones has a comfortable home at No. 519 West North street.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

LLEWELYN JONES, funeral director and undertaker at Gomer. and also engaged in farming in Sugar Creek township, resides on his farm of 65 acres located in section 32, 45 acres of which belong to the old Jones homestead. Mr. Jones was born on this farm, March 17, 1856, and is a son of Josiah and Mary (Hughes) Jones.

Josiah Jones, whose portrait is shown on ti% iC/.'n*., -.Tsh r bn-

[This passage is too damaged in the scanned book to reproduce. See the original book.]

Llewelyn Jones has always lived on the homestead farm and for the past 35 years has carried on undertaking. He is the only funeral director in Sugar Creek township and his calls come from all over the northern portion of Allen County and from neighboring counties as well. A part of the present farm of 45 acres belonged to the old homestead and Mr. Jones and his sister Martha bought 20 acres additional in section 33. They reside together, neither having married, and in the old home keep up many of the old Welsh customs of their parents. The large family has been reduced to three members. All are well and favorably known and are among the leading members of the Welsh Congregational Church of Gomer, of which the subject of this sketch has been a member since be was 12 years of age. He has never taken a very active part in politics, but votes with the Republican party.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

RICHARD E. JONES, M. D., whose portrait accompanies this sketch, may be apply referred to as the “Grand Old Man.’ When this title is bestowed, it is conferred on one who is not only eminent in one or more direction, but whose life, achievements and character appeal to all that is best and highest in human nature. Hon. Richard E. Jones, M. D., is the “Grand Old Man” of Gomer, where, for half a century he has gone in and out among his fellow-men, ministering to them in sickness, advising them in trouble, defending them with ripe judgment in business complications, representing them with dignity and fidelity in the Legislature, and setting them a high example in his interpretation of Christian life and fellowship. Dr. Jones is not an American by birth, but he is one by development. Although in accord with American ideas and _ institutions, his heart still fondly turns to the homestead at Tawelfan, Llanbrynmair, Montgomeryshire, North Wales, where he was born on April 19, 1834. His parents were William and Mary (Evans) Jones, names familiar to every Welshman.

William Jones, the father, was born at Tymayr, North Wales, and lived to be 90 years old, dying in Allen County, Ohio, a man generally respected and esteemed. In April, 1848, William Jones decided to emigrate to America with his little family, and hence took passage on the sailing vessel bearing the friendly name of “William Penn.’ After a more or less trying voyage of eight weeks on the Atlantic Ocean, the strangers were landed at Philadelphia, with a long journey by rail, river and canal still before them ere they could reach their destination in Allen County. In time the father acquired a half-section of land and throughout his entire active life was an agriculturist. He was interested in the founding and supporting of the Welsh Congregational Church at Gomer, and for many years was one of its deacons. He married Mary Evans, who was born in North Wales, and survived her husband but two years, dying at the age of 79. The three children of this union were: Richard E.; William, a resident of Lima; and Mary, who died unmarried.

Richard E. Jones was a bright, intelligent youth of 14 years when the family reached Sugar Creek township and settled on the selected farm, some seven miles north of Lima. He readily recalls the pioneer surroundings and the wild state of the country between Delphos and Gomer, wagon tracks taking the place of roads, this condition of affairs making transportation during bad weather almost an impossibility. He remained with his father for about two years, assisting on the farm until the second son could take his place, and then turned his attention to the study of medicine, an ambition he had long cherished. About 1851 he became a student under Dr. Monroe, at Vaughnsville, and under his direction continued his professional reading through some four years, afterward attending the medical lectures and pursuing the course at Miami Medical College, Cincinnati, from which he was graduated in February, 1856.

The year of 1855 was one of unusual sickness in this locality and, in dating the beginning of his practice, Dr. Jones may justly name this year, during which he probably was kept as busy in visiting patients all over the township as for any like period in his career. Dr. Jones has always been a general practitioner and a close student, having been very active in the diffusion of medical knowledge. He was one of the early promoters of medical societies in the county, is a member of various medical organizations throughout the State, and for a number of years served as president and secretary of the Northwestern Ohio Medical Association. Outside of his profession, he has served on many civic bodies, and has taken a prominent part in business and social life. For

=o SS es Eee ee a long period he has been one of the directors of The First National Bank of Lima. When the Elida Pioneer Society was organized 12 years ago, he was naturally chosen as its president. It is probably the largest organization of the kind in the State, having an attendance of about 10,000 at its annual meetings, which are looked upon in the light of most enjoyable events. The Elida Pioneer Society held a notable meeting on August 11, 1904, and in the list of its officers may be found the names of the leading men of importance in Allen County, beginning with the president, Dr. R. E. Jones.

Dr. Jones has always been identified with the Democratic party, casting his first presidential vote for James Buchanan. For 42 years he served as treasurer of Sugar Creek township, during 40 years of this period being obliged to contend with a large Republican majority in the township, but his personal popularity has always been so great that in any contest where he has been concerned party lines have been entirely ignored. He served two terms in the General Assembly, demonstrating there his ability as a statesman, and but adding to the confidence and trust which his fellow citizens already reposed in him. For 57 years he has been a member of the Welsh Congregational Church at Gomer and has been one of its most liberal supporters and useful members. During the erection of two church edifices and the remodeling of one, he has served on the building committee, his care and judgment being the means of obtaining the best results through the least possible expenditure.

Dr. Jones has never married; seemingly he has so given his life and energies to those who have needed his services as to ignore the possible possession of a domestic circle of his own. While he has acceptably filled many positions, he has always been first and foremost a physician, and as such has borne many of the heaviest burdens of the community for more thas two-score years. Between him and those to whom he has ministered so faithfully exists a sentiment much deeper than confidence and esteem; for his faithfulness in times of trouble and distress, his heroic efforts to save life, or to prolong it, and his deep, warm sympathy when all his skill, experience and learning could not combat disease, are so well known that herein lies the feeling with which his fellow townsmen regard him. Admired as he is as a physician, he is beloved and reverence as a man. In him the weak and friendless, the humble and the obscure, have found as true and faithful a friend and physician, as have those whose lives of affluence and ease have not prevented the inroads of disease or the grip of affliction. That Dr. Jones, with his multitudinous interests, his private friendships and public tasks should have remained the same kind, unobtrusive, gentle-mannered citizen, accessible to everyone—ready to freely give himself, his time, his money, his skill—might surprise a stranger, but to those who know him best, this is but an example of what they have always found and is one reason why he is the “Grand Old Man.”

On June 11, 1904, dawned the sun on the 70th birth year of Gomer’s best beloved citizen. The day and its significance had not escaped him, but he had no conception of the manner in which it was to be celebrated by his fellow-citizens and friends, even in far-off Wales. It has been the editor’s privilege to peruse the glowing accounts published in the Ohio journals, and it seems but a fitting close to this imperfect biography to speak at length of the interesting events of that notable day.

Dr. Jones has a beautiful home, set in handsome grounds surrounded by shrubbery and, in season, by beautiful flowers, cared for by Edith Jones, the admirable lady who presides here— her uncle’s homemaker and often his almoner. When his birthday was approaching, Miss Jones, with Dr. Davis, a partner of 42 years, and several very near and dear friends, began to plan a little surprise for the beloved Doctor, with the intention of offering some entertainment at his home to those of his closest friends who would be delighted with an opportunity to do him honor on his natal day. By the time Miss Jones, and those with whom she consulted, had remembered 1,500 names, the project had assumed such proportions that the original idea was changed and the elaborate, celebration was planned which later took place. An honorary committee composed of these citizens undertook the task of sending out invitations: Dr. S. A. Baxter, Lima; A. M. Bushey, Gomer; Rev. R. Lloyd Roberts, Gomer; Dr. Frank D. Bain, Kenton; Hon. S. D. Crites, Elida; Dr. C. B. Stemen, Fort Wayne, Indiana; Thomas H. Jones, Lima; Samuel T. Griffith, Cincinnati; Alexander Shenk, Delphos; Judge J. M. Pugh, Columbus; Hon. J. G. Roberts, Elida, corresponding secretary. This committee sent out 1,200 invitations; out of this number, only 64 letters and telegrams of regret were received, and they came from admiring friends in different sections of the United States and from across the Atlantic.

Gomer is essentially a settlement of Welsh pioneers who brought either their habits of frugality and industry, their high ideals of right and wrong and their religious convictions. Here they have multiplied and flourished and, in large measure, retained the leading characteristics of their native land. From Gomer have gone out many men and women who have taken an honorable part in the country’s affairs. On the day mentioned, all Gomer was in gala attire and the whole town was interested in the celebration about to take place. The reception committee was composed of Miss Edith Jones, Mrs. Dr. John Davis, Mrs. William Price, Rev. R. Lloyd Roberts, Dr. C. B. Stemen and Hon. S.D.Crites. A bountiful feast had been prepared by hundreds of willing hands and after it had been enjoyed, Dr. S. A. Baxter, himself an honored and beloved citizen of Allen County, called the meeting to order as presiding officer. Then followed poems, speeches and the presentation of numberless beautiful gifts, all in such generous profusion, that the good Doctor’s eyes filled with moisture, and when his time came to speak to this great concourse which represented only a part of his friends, he found that his ready wit, his easy speech and confidence of manner, which had never deserted him before critical bodies in public and business life, failed him, to a degree, in the presence of a seemingly boundless affection. Restraining his emotion, however, he heartily thanked those who had met to do him so much honor, his closing remarks being:

“You will pardon me if I am overwhelmed with emotion at seeing so many old and young friends. There are but few here, but those I know intimately. To these and to those who send regrets from all over this broad land, the land of my adoption, and schoolmates and friends of my boyhood days in my native land, my heart goes out to overflowing. The tokens of your esteem will be highly prized as long as I live, and this day will never be eliminated from my memory. May God bless you all.” Dr. Baxter presented many notable people present, all of whom spoke at some length, expressing beautiful sentiments of admiration, appreciation and good will. Among these were? ions S, os; Wheeler, EX B) Walkup) Dr: Beardsley, Dr. William Enslen and Hon. John G. Roberts. The last speech on the program was a sincerely eulogistic one, made by an old friend and colleague of Dr. Jones, Dr. C. B. Stemen, of Fort Wayne, Indiana. Then with a touching prayer by Rev. I. ° J. Swanson and the singing of “Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow,’ this remarkable demonstration was officially at an end. The remainder of the beautiful day was spent in visiting and social reunions of a most agreeable character. Much _ beautiful music was rendered during and after the exercises. Dr. Jones possesses musical ability himself, as do almost all native Welshmen, and Was an appreciative listener. The Republican Gazette, of Lima, spoke of Dr. Jones editorially as “one whose life has impressed itself indelibly upon the character of the community and indirectly upon the whole country. His life has been one worthy of emulation. The splendid demonstration was the legitimate and spontaneous outburst of gratitude from his friends and neighbors, in recognition of the beautiful life he has spent among them.” The Times- Democrat was no less eulogistic, the Columbus Grove Clipper also giving a long and interesting account of the celebration, with words of just praise. Among the beautiful gifts brought by friends and relatives as tokens of the day, may be mentioned: A handsome silk umbrella, a gold cane, a leather chair, a gold having mug and brush, a handsome chair of unique design in leather and rattan, a 24-section book-case, a clock, a filing case, a chair and a beautiful golden oak office desk of old English pattern. It was estimated that about 2,000 people participated in this celebration.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

EVAN H. JONES, farmer and engineer, P. O. Delphos, was undoubtedly the first child of Welsh parentage to come into the world in Marion Township, born on the farm which is his present home, January 15, 1844, son of Daniel and Martha (Jones) Jones, who were parents of eight children: Evan H., Elizabeth A. (wife of John R. Williams, in New Straitsville, Ohio), Mary J., Martha (wife of Evan D. Thomas, in Putnam County, Ohio), Hannah (wife of Thomas W. Evans, in Putnam County, Ohio), Richard (deceased), Margaret (deceased wife of John G. Evans, family in Putnam County, Ohio), Robert D., in Putnam. County, Ohio. The father died October 2, 1862, highly respected by the entire community. His widow, who now resides with her son, was born April 13, 1817, in Montgomeryshire, North Wales, Great Britian, daughter of John and Elizabeth (Hughs) Jones, both of whom came to America in 1843, and here died. The subject of this sketch received an indifferent education, remaining with his father until August 21, 1862, when he enlisted in Company F, One Hundred and Eighteenth Regiment, Capt. Rudolph Reul, of Delphos. He was in the engagement at Resaca, through the Georgia campaign, at Atlanta, Franklin, Tenn., Nashville and Fort Smith, N. C. He was bruised by a solid shot, this being his only wound, and was discharged June 24, 1865, and returned home where he engaged in farming. Mr. Jones was married January 11, 1870, to Mahala Myers, who was born in Fairfield County, April 22, 1848, daughter of Isaac J. and Leah (Houser) Myers, who came to Sugar Creek Township, in 1848. Our subject and wife have had four children: Martha L., Daniel E. and Sarah E. (these two died in childhood), and Augusta. Mr. Jones, outside of farming, is engaged in civil engineering. Politically he is a Republican. He and his family belong to the Congregational Church.

As printed in the source². Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

R. C. JONES, proprietor of the “Cambrian House,” Lima, was born August 18, 1841, in Jackson County, Ohio, son of John and Mary (Jones) Jones, natives of Wales, and who came to Ohio in 1841, settling in Jackson County, where they both died. (John Jones was formerly a sailor, but in later life a farmer.) They were parents of five children, three of whom are now living: Daniel (in Jackson, Ohio), Mrs. Mary Evans (in Jackson, Ohro), and R. C. Our subject was united in marriage, in 1866, with Mary, daughter of John Evans, of Gomer, Ohio, and by this union there are two children: John C. and Mary E. Mr. Jones, who for some years kept boarders and clerked in a grocery store, opened a first-class hotel in the Holmes Block on Main Street, Lima, near the court house, and the “Cambrian House” bids fair to become one of the leading hotels of Lima.

As printed in the source². Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

ISAAC JONES, who resides on a welles y was born in 1841, in Carnovanshire, North Wales, and is a son of Isaac and Jane (Thomas) Jones.

The parents of Mr. Jones were also natives. of North Wales, and there the father died. The venerable mother, now almost 95 years old, continued to make her home in her native neighborhood. The two survivors of their family are: Isaac and his sister, Mary. Mary married (first) John Jones, the name being a very common one in Wales, and married (second) John Williams. They reside in Wales.

In June, 1867, Isaac Jones emigrated to America and came to Lima, Ohio. He then settled on a farm in Sugar Creek township, from which he moved in 1882 to his present farm in German township. He has always. lived in Allen County since coming to this part of the United States, and is one of the intelligent, good citizens of German township, where he has lived in harmony with his neighbors. for 23 years. He is a Republican in his political convictions, and in 1904 was elected township trustee, the first one of his party ever so honored in German township.

Mr. Jones was married February 27, 1871,. at Gomer, Ohio, to Mary Jones, who is a daughter of Edward Jones, a native of Wales. who upon coming to Ohio settled first in Butler County, removing to Allen County in 1861. Our subject and wife have three children, viz Edward H., born at Gomer, July 21, 1872, who was married April 12, 1898, to Delia Wilson and is connected with the Buckeye Pipe Line Company; Ellen, born June 19, 1874, residing at home; and Lewis Thomas, born October 20, 1876. The last named resides at home engaged in farming. He was married July 27, 1904, to Lulu Patterson, a daughter of William H. Patterson, a farmer living near LaFayette.

cultivated farm in German township, See

Mr. Jones is a deacon in the Welsh Congregational Church, of Gomer. In 1904 he gave himself the pleasure of a trip to his native land to visit his aged mother. It was a delightful renewing of old ties and recalling of old associations.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

JOHN R. JONES,* who is living in retirement near Gomer, this county, after many years of business activity, was born August 21, 1835, in Llanbrynmair, Wales. He is a son of Richard and Anna (Roberts) Jones, both natives of Llanbrynmair, where the father became a prosperous farmer and lived until his death, at the age of 67 years. Mrs. Jones died when our subject was five years old, being then in the 43rd year of her age.

At the age of 21 years, John R. Jones set sail for America, landing in New York City, July 7, 1856, after a voyage of five weeks and three days. Remaining in that city but a few days, he made his way to Cincinnati, Ohio, and thence to Allen County, where he remained a short time. He then resided three years in Tennessee, superintending a tract of land, which he and a party of his friends had previously bought. They had purchased some 100,000 acres in that State, of which about one-third, rich in oil and mineral deposits, remains in the possession of Mr. Jones and a brother at the present time. At the end of three years our subject returned to Gomer and purchased a general store of W. W. Williams, which he conducted successfully for 20 years, when he sold to Dr. C. A. Evans, of Delphos. Since that time Mr. Jones has resided on a farm, making his home with a cousin, William G. Jones, a prominent farmer whose homestead is located near Gomer.

Mr. Jones has never married. He is well known throughout this section, and has long been a member of the Welsh Congregational Church at Gomer. In politics, he has been an ardent Democrat and has held some minor offices, although he has never sought political preferment.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

[This passage is too damaged in the scanned book to reproduce. See the original book.]

The early years of our subject were spent on a farm in his native county, where he later engaged in farming for himself, at the same time buying and selling live-stock, greatly to his pecuniary advantage. In 1889 he came to Lima and immediately secured work with the Lake Erie & Western Railroad, remaining im tsh'iw,Skkii ni

5H the freight department of that road for about nine years. For two years he conducted a grocery store and then resumed work in the railroad office for a short time. Then he and his brother bought the grocery store on the corner of North and Jackson streets, which they conducted under the style of Jones Brothers. Later they disposed of that stock and opened another store in the Masonic Temple, which they sold in 1902. They then invested their money in the oil business, their first venture being in the Beaver Dam field. Mr. Jones is a producer and contractor, with interests in the Cylinder Oil Company, of Joliet, Illinois, whose official board is as follows: Julian Barnes, president; John H. Savage, secretary; and George H. Munroe, treasurer. He is also connected with the Eagle Petroleum Company, of Cleveland, Ohio, the officers of which are: T. M. Marks, president; A. P. Hammond, secretary; and H. J. Brooks, treasurer, all of Cleveland. In addition to having an interest in these organizations, he has charge of the Euclid Oil Company, and the Dr. Charles E. Lawton Company.

Mr. Jones was married November 17, 1893 to Addie M. Johns, daughter of Samuel Johns, of Pulaski County, Indiana. They have two children — Frederick and Mary Helen. Mr. Jones is a member of the Church of Christ and is also affiliated with the Knights of the Maccabees.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

ARTHUR L. JONES, M. D., physician and surgeon at Lima, and the city’s careful and capable health officer, was born at Manchester, England, August 20, 1871, and is a son of Lloyd and Mary (Burbeck) Jones.

The parents of Dr. Jones are of English birth and rearing. The father brought his family to America during the youth of our subject and settled at Fort Wayne, Indiana, where he was engaged for a number of years in a mercantile business, and where he now resides retired. His family consisted of 10 children.

Arthur L. Jones was mainly reared and educated at Fort Wayne. From his boyhood he was interested in medicine. In order to hasten the time when he could enter medical college,, he taught physical culture and engaged in an electric business. His medical studies were completed at the Fort Wayne Medical College, where he was graduated in the class of 1897. He those Lima as his field of practice and established himself in this city in April, 1897. He belongs to all the leading medical associations of the State, thus keeping in touch with the latest medical thought, and is practical enough to recognize the real value of many of the most widely heralded modern methods of practice. He has shown the skill and ability which have brought him a large clientele. His standing in the profession and known ability caused his selection as city health officer.

Dr. Jones was united in marriage with Harriet A. Wilson, who is a daughter of Walter B. Wilson, formerly of Fort Wayne, Indiana, but now of Lima, and they have one daughter, Mildred. Dr. and Mrs. Jones are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The family residence is situated at No. 418 West Spring street. Politically Dr. Jones is a Republican. Fraternally he is connected with the Masons and the Odd Fellows.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.