Isham A. Jones

As printed in 1906

SHAM A. JONES, proprietor of the “Lone Elm Farm,” a fine 344-acre estate, located four miles west of Circleville, on the Darbyville turnpike, is one of the prominent farmers and extensive stock-raisers of Jackson township, as well as one of her representative citizens. He was born in Logan County, Illinois, August 27, 1850, and is a son of Stephen and Ariadna (Ware) (Flam) Jones.

Stephen Jones, who was a native of Pennsylvania, settled in early manhood in Logan County, Illinois, among the pioneers there, and as he was a man of sterling worth he soon became one of the prominent men there. He was a farmer by occupation and was also a shrewd business man and accumulated an ample fortune. He served as a captain in the War 01 I 1812 and received a land warrant for his sere-

,r[, ices. He became a purchaser of the warrants which other soldiers were willing to sell, some of these being in the possession of our subject at the present time. Stephen Jones left an estate aggregating some 800 acres. In politics and in religion he was a man of firm convictions, voting with the Democratic party and supporting the Methodist Church. He married Mrs. Ariadna (Ware) Ham, who had one son, Jason. She died aged 48 years.

Isham A. Jones, who was the only child born to his parents, has been an orphan since childhood, his father dining when he was only three years old and his mother one year later. He lived with relatives until he reached his majority, and obtained his education in the local schools. For some years he carried on farming near Waynesville, Illinois, and then embarked in a hardware business at YV aynesville, where he resided some seven years and then returned to farming, on the 120-acre farm he had purchased before moving to Waynesville. The coming of Mr. Jones to Pickaway County, in 1885, was on account of Mrs. Jones having inherited a tract of 400 acres in Jackson township, which was a part of the old McArthur estate, which had long been in the courts. Mr. Jones found the property in a neglected condition but with his characteristic energy he soon made many changes. The old log buildings gave way to handsome, substantial frame ones, and he built a beautiful residence on a favorable location which makes it one of the most attractive rural homes of the township. His land is managed carefully and he pays attention to the raising of grain and the growing of stock, making specialties of Shorthorn cattle and Poland-China hogs.

The “Lone Elm Farm” takes its name from a historic old elm tree, 15 feet in circumference, which stands in front of Mr. Jones’ residence. It has survived all its forest companions, and has seen generations of those who have rested beneath its shade pass away.

Mr. Jones was married December 12, 1872, to Effie McArthur, who was born September 22, 1844, and is a daughter of Allen C. and Olive (Whitney) McArthur, and a granddaughter of Gen. Duncan McArthur, who was an officer in the regular army and was subsequently elected Governor of Ohio. Mr. Jones' father served under General McArthur during his army service. Her father was born in Ross County, Ohio, and her mother in the State of New York.

The children of Mr. and Mrs. Jones are: Flora T., wife of Frank Anderson, residing near Williamsport; Susie Van B., who married Joseph Shortridge, lives five miles north of Mr. Jones and has two daughters — Mary Isham and Lillian Josephine; Stephen A., who married Carrie Trimble, a daughter of James Trimble, of Circle ville, lives on the home place and has these children — Arthur Trimble, Richard Edward, Dorothy Emily and McArthur Atchison.

Mr. Jones has been a lifelong Democrat and has always been a prominent factor in political circles. Ever since locating in Jackson township, he has been connected with school affairs and is now serving as a very efficient member of the Board of Education. He is a man of wise public spirit and is ever ready to promote agencies working for the ultimate good of the township. He gives liberal support to the churches in his neighborhood, but is an attendant of the Presbyterian Church. Socially he belongs to the Knights of Pythias.

situated in section 7. and has been identified with this township for almost a half century. He was born in Washington township, Pickaway County, November 8, 1834. and is a son of Benjamin and Mary (Zeimer) Metzger.

Benjamin Metzger and wife were both natives of Washington township, where they were reared and married. In t S57 they removed to Pickaway township, settling on the famous Pickaway Plains. Benjamin Metzger was a man of excellent business capacity and became possessed of 900 acres of land. He

As printed in History of Pickaway County, Ohio and representative citizens (1906). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.