John P. Jones

As printed in 1903

JOHN P. JONES.

Among the prominent agriculturists of Keokuk county, there are few better known or more widely respected than Mr. Jones, the veterinary surgeon and horse dentist of Steady Run. Coming to this region in 1845, when a mere infant, he has grown up with the country, and having spent the greater part of his life on the farm, there are few, if any, who excel him in practical knowledge of agriculture. He was born in Jefferson county, Iowa, February 2j, 1844, and is the son of Alexander and Comfort T. (Ford) Jones.

Alexander Jones, also a veterinary surgeon and a prosperous agriculturist, was one of those strong, vigorous men who assisted in the opening up of this county to settlers. Born in North Carolina, August 8, 1800, he was, by his father, of Welch extraction and by his mother of English When a lad nine years old lie moved with his parents to a farm in east Tennessee, where he spent his youth and early manhood. In the schools of his neighborhood he received a fair education, and on the home farm practical training for his life work. At the early age of eighteen he rented a farm in his vicinity and started life for himself. At this same time he married Comfort T. Ford, who was born in Tennessee, July 31, 1800. and there grew to womanhood. Of this union there were seven children, the first three of whom were born in Tennessee—Henry, October 16, 1825; Mary. October 8, 1828; and Sarah, Ma) 16, 1831. William was born in Indiana, November 27, 1833; Cynthy Ann, February 24, 1836; John P. is mentioned below; and Alexander was born on the Steady Run homestead, September 29, 1846. Mrs. Jones was a sympathetic wife and mother and a great help to her husband. She died June 14, 1878.

Alexander Jones continued on the rented farm in Tennessee until he was twenty-seven years old, when he moved his family to Indiana, where he settled on a farm of his own. Here he put forth his strong many efforts 'in the opening up of the new country, and made his farm one of the most productive in his section. After eight years, however, he decided to cast his lot with the new settlers of Iowa, and moved with his wife and children to Jefferson county in 1841. Here he rented a farm upon which he remained until 1845. In the meantime he found in Keokuk county a hundred and twenty acre tract of new land which struck him as an excellent place for a permanent settlement, located as it was in the fertile district of Steady Run. Coming into possession of this in 1845, he moved here and spent the rest of his active life in clearing up and improving it. He had in time a very attractive place, and became one of the well-to-do farmers of this region. Besides attending to the active duties of his estate he was employed by farmers far and near as a veterinary surgeon. This profession he had learned from his forefathers, many of whom had practiced it for generations. Being very successful in this line he materially increased his income by his practice. He lived to the age of seventy-eight, and died December 3, 1884. His last days were spent in retirement. As one of the intelligent early settlers of the county Mr. Jones always had a great deal to do with public affairs. For a number of years he served as trustee of his town, and managed affairs with a wisdom and fidelity, which reflected great credit upon his integrity, and his remarkable business ability. He was one of the substantial members of the Methodist Episcopal denomination of his place, and assisted materially in the building of the church.

John P. Jones has spent the greater part of his life in Keokuk county. Coming here with his father when but one year old, he received his education in the schools of his neighborhood, which he attended at irregular periods until he was twenty-three years old. During this period of his life especially during the later years he assisted his father

GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL HiSTORY. 3ll in clearing up the farm, and also in his professional duties, becoming an adept in the last. At the age of twenty-three he assumed the entire management of the farm, which he has since continued. On September i. 1867, he married Martha J. Stubbs, who was born in Tennessee, November 1, 1837, and there grew to womanhood. In 1865 she moved with her parents, C. N. and Mary E. Stubbs, to a farm in Keokuk county, where she resided until her marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Jones have had seven children: Henry L., born June 7, 1868; Mary A., October 24, 1869; Sarah E., September 4, 1871; John W., August 26, 1873; Julia A., October 10, 1875; Lucie C, January 11, 1878; and Alexander June 22, 1880. All were born and reared on the family homestead. Mr. Jones has proved himself quite as able an agriculturist as his father was, and he has a farm of which he may well be proud. As a farmer, he is progressive and thoroughly up-to-date, and at the same time is extremely practical. Aside from his agricultural work, he has an extensive practice as a veterinary surgeon and horse dentist, at which he is very successful. He has made well out of his different lines of business, and is considered one of the well-to-do farmers of his county. As was his father, Mr. Jones is an ardent Democrat in politics and takes an active interest in public affairs. Reared in the Methodist faith, he is an earnest member of that church, of which he has held several offices and is now acting as trustee, performing his duties with fidelity and marked ability. He is well and favorably known and has hosts of friends throughout his county.

As printed in A genealogical and biographical history of Keokuk County, Iowa .. (1903). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.