In the book's own words, not ours, with obvious scanning errors fixed. Families often supplied these stories to the publisher, so check key dates.
Born 1833
From Portrait and biographical album of Henry County, Iowa, containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county, together with portraits and biog (1888)
HOMAS JONES, a retired railroad man, and a resident of Mt. Pleasant since 1862, was y born in County Wicklow, near Dublin, Ireland, Feb. 15, 1833, and is the son of James and Mary (Keougli) Jones. He emigrated from Ireland to America in 18.51, and located in New Jersey, where he served his time at the millwright trade. In 1856 he came to Iowa, and engaged in railroad work with the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railway Company. He was employed in bridge-building from Burlington to what is now known as Gladstone, Ill. He worked at first as an employe, but soon began taking contracts, and continued in that way, sometimes working for wages, and sometimes on contract, till 1886, when he retired from active duty. His connection with the company continued without interruption feu a period of thirty-one years. During all these 3'ears he never h.id an accident resulting from his work, and proved himself a capable and faithful man in whatever duty he undertook. He has probably built more bridges than any other man in the company's employ, and it is only fair to Mr. Jones to say that this assertion is not based on any information given by him.
Mr. Jones was married, in the autumn of 1862, to Miss Kate Mackinson, daughter of John and IMary RL'dickinson. Mrs. Jones was born in County Cavan, Ireland, and emigrated to America in 18.02. They have five children, one son and four daughters— ftLarj A., Theressa Y., Ettie E., James C. and Kate L. Mr. and Mrs. Jones are members of the Catholic Church. Mr. Jones is a Democrat in politics. He came to this country in very limited circumstances, and unaided and without influence, bey'ond that of intelligence, persevering industry, and a thorough knowledge of his business, he has acquired a fine property, consisting of three city lots and a fine residence, situated on one of the finest streets in the city, and twelve lots situated in the northwestern part of the city.
As printed in Portrait and biographical album of Henry County, Iowa, containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county, together with portraits and biog (1888). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.
The printed record stops around 1888. We trace your line from there down to you, with every source cited.