The Jones Families of Washington County, Iowa

James Jones is engaged in business as a dealer in lumber and building materials in the village of Brighton, which enterprise his industry and good management have so extended until the volume of trade he handles makes the concern one of the largest and most prosperous of the kind in this part of the state. He was born in Clay township, this county, January 2, 1862, a son of John Wesley and Melissa Jane (Davidson) Jones. His father, a native of Washington county, Pennsylvania, came here about 1856, locating in Clay township, where he resided until 1885, and then removed to Linn county. Missouri, where he pursued general agriculture until death called him, Julv _'7, 190S, being laid to rest in that place. The family came originally from Wales and he belonged to the third generation in this country. Politically he was a republican, having voted for Abraham Lincoln, and after making his first ballot was always loyal to the candidates of his party and an ardent admirer and supporter of Theodore Roosevelt for the chief executive office of the land. His wife, who was born in Hardin county, Ohio, near Bellefontaine, where they were united in marriage, still survives, residing at Tarkio. Atchison county, Missouri. In their family were twelve children, namely: Margaret, deceased, who was the wife of George Hyde and the mother of eight children; Arabella, the widow of A. H. Waterhouse, whose farm lies five miles west of Brighton; Mary Ella, the wife of D. H. Hosick, of Jennings, Oklahoma: James; John C.. who departed this life in 1901; Anna Matilda, the wife of William Neal, residing in Linn county, Missouri; William Elmer, who passed away in infancy; Emma, deceased; Helen, who married E. W. Wise, of Tarkio, Missouri, and died April 9, 1909, leaving a son two years old who now makes his home with our subject; Eddie, who passed away in infancy; Hester Agnes, the wife of Ralph McCormick, residing on a farm in Linn county, Missouri; and Isaac Wilfred, who died in his fourteenth year.

James Jones was reared to agricultural pursuits, acquiring his education during his boyhood days in the district schools. He resided upon the home farm, assisting in its various duties, until he was married, at which time his capital consisted of but two dollars. He rented a farm for about four years and during that time his incessant application and enterprise won him the success that enabled him to lay by sufficient means with which to buy eighty acres of land in Penn township. Jefferson county. This he still owns and was actively engaged in its operation until six years ago, when he removed to the village of Brighton, where he purchased the lumberyard formerly owned by R. H. Pringle. At once he turned his energies toward developing the business and his trade grew so rapidly that he was compelled to seek larger quarters. He purchased his present location in 1907, to which he moved his entire stock of lumber, having razed the sheds and other buildings which were originally on the property and constructed new ones, at the same time erecting for himself an elegant residence in which he lives. His business has proved very profitable, and since commencing the enterprise his accumulations have gradually increased until now he owns two fine dwelling houses, the property upon which he conducts his business and a number of valuable building lots. Moreover, he possesses a half interest in the old homestead in Missouri and owns a farm of eighty acres in Penn township, Jefferson county, Iowa. He conducts his business under the firm title of the Jones Lumber Company, which is the only enterprise of the kind here, and he carries a full line of building materials for inside and outside work and various kinds of roofing and fencing materials.

In 1885 Mr. Jones was united in marriage to Miss Sarah A. Baldersen, a native of Lincolnshire, England, who came to Washington county with her parents when she was five years of age. To them have been born two children, Linna Rha, the wife of Albert C. Saunders; and Bertha, deceased.

Mr. Jones has been a life-long supporter of the republican party, finding in its principles those policies which he deems fully adequate to enhance and promote the business interests of the country, and since casting his first vote has always been a loyal supporter of its candidates. He belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he is a leading member, serving on the board of trustees, and as a business man he is entitled to honorable mention as a representative citizen of the community.

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

EDWARD L. JONES.

An accident of the past year which brought poignantly- home tu the people of Wellman the uncertainty of man's life, was that which was the occasion of the death of Edward L. Jones. He and his son were driving a friend to the train, when the team took right at some stumps by the roadside and started to run at such a speed that the occupants of the carriage were thrown from the vehicle, as it turned a corner. Mr. Jones had three ribs broken, one of them piercing his lungs, and experienced other internal injuries, all of which combined resulted in his death, despite the best medical attention and constant efficient nursing. His last two days were filled with pain and suffering, which he sustained with the courage and fortitude that had distinguished him in his assumption of life's burdens.

Mr. Jones was born in Washington county, September 11, 1855, the son of J. C. and Maria ( L'harris ) Jones. The father was a native of Ohio and the mother of New York, and they came to Washington county, Iowa, after their marriage. This was in 1854, before the days of adequate railway transportation, and the little party, which numbered thirteen, including an adopted son, traversed the distance in a canvas-covered wagon. It was an experience replete with stirring reminiscences, of the kind which have now passed into history. The family were among the pioneers of Washington county and did their share in the development of its resources. The mother, it would seem, has had more than her share of hardships and sorrow, for in the past few years those who were dearest to her have been taken suddenly. Her first trial was in witnessing the death of her eldest son: this was followed, after only a short interval, by the death of Dan Jack, the adopted son pre-

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previously referred to. The death of her husband made an even greater demand upon her faith and fortitude, and now her son's death crowns her measure of sorrow.

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On the 29th of November, 1877, Mr. Jones was united in marriage to Miss C'arrive Darling, who bore him six children: Mrs. liertha I'.ower, Springfield. Illinois; Giles, of Wellman; Glyn, of Kalona; Edward Forest, Omer and Lester L., at home. Mrs. Jones died April 8, 1901, and on the 30th of December, 1903, Mr. Jones married Miss Georgiana Folger, of Washington, Iowa. Of this union there have been born three children, Mary Margaret. Frank Folger and Edward L.

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

E. C. JONES.

E. C. Tones, who is numbered among the younger representatives of agricultural interests in this section of the county, was born in Lime Creek township, November 7, 1880, and is a son of F. C. and Elida (Sherman) Jones. The father, a native of Licking county, Ohio, came to Iowa with his parents in 1853. when but one year of age. The family home was established in Lime Creek township, Washington county, and on this farm F. C. Jones spent almost his entire life, passing away here October 15, 1900, at the age of forty-seven years. His wife still survives, however, at the age of fifty-three years and makes her home in Wellman. In their family were four children: E. C, of this review; H. J., a practicing physician of Keokuk county, Iowa; F. A., of this county; and Alice M., residing in Wellman.

In the common schools of Lime Creek township E. C. Jones acquired his education. remaining at home until he had attained his majority. At this time he rented a farm, which he operated for three years, at the expiration of which period he purchased the farm upon which he now resides. It consists of eighty-five acres on section 27, Lime Creek township, and is a well improved property. He has devoted his time and energy to the further improvement and cultivation of this land, while he has carried on his agricultural pursuits along strictly up-to-date and modern methods. Aside from his farming interests he has also had time to follow other lines of activity, being well known in the business circles of his township as a director of the Hawkeye Telephone Company.

On the 12th of November, 1902, Mr. Jones was married to Miss Ina McAvoy, who was born in Washington county, March 30, 1880. She is a daughter of John W. and Margaret E. (McAvoy) McAvoy, who were distant cousins. The father, a native of Ohio, is still living although the motJKT, born in Ireland, died in May, 1884. In their family were five children, which number included Mrs. Jones who, after leaving the high school, engaged in teaching school for four years prior to her marriage. She is a member of the Baptist church and a lady whose good traits of character have won for her many warm friends in the community.

Mr. Jones holds membership in Dayton Lodge, No. 149, A. F. & A. M., having filled all of its chairs, and is now worshipful master, while he and his wife are members of the Eastern Star. He is a republican in politics and is at present filling the position of township assessor. He is also serving as secretary of the school board, the cause of education finding in him a stalwart champion. His public duties have ever been discharged with a sense of faithfulness and fearlessness, combined with an appreciation of the responsibilities that rest upon him, and although he has not yet reached the thirtieth milestone on life's journey, he has nevertheless won the respect and confidence of his fellowmen and is recognized as one of the progressive and representative citizens of the township.

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