Thomas L. Jones

As printed in 1914

THOMAS L. JONES.

Since 1892 Thomas L. Jones has been identified with business interests in Boone and since 1896 has concentrated his efforts upon real-estate dealing. He has been agent for many property interests here and has negotiated many important realty transfers. In all that he does he is actuated by a spirit of enterprise that enables him to overcome difficulties and obstacles and work his way steadily upward to success.

Iowa claims Mr. Jones as a native son, his birth having occurred in Story county, November 18, 1866, his parents being Richard and Henrietta (Ross) Jones, who were married on the 20th of May, 1860. The father is a native of Wayne county, Indiana, while the mother's birth occurred in Porter county, that state. Richard Jones came to Iowa in 1855, settling in Johnson county, where he lived for a year, and then removed to Story county, where he carried on general farming, bringing his fields to a high state of cultivation and developing a splendid property. Year after year he raised good crops and in due time had acquired a handsome competence, which enabled him to put aside further business cares, so that he is now living retired. He has made his home in Boone county since 1892. He was a soldier of the Civil war, responding to the country's call for troops on the 29th of July, 1862, when he joined Company A of the Twenty-third Iowa Infantry, of which he was made second corporal. On the 17th of May, 1863, he was wounded in the battle of Black River Bridge, Mississippi. In June, 18(14, 'le was made first sergeant and with that rank served until the close of the war, when he was mustered out July 26, 1865, at Harrisburg, Texas. His was a creditable military record, covering three years of active service, in which he participated in a number of hotly contested engagements. He was honorably discharged at Davenport, Iowa, August 11, 1865, but he still maintains pleasant relations with his old army comrades through his membership in the Grand Army of the Republic. To him and his wife were born four children: Thomas L.; Edward W., whose home is in Crookston, Minnesota; James F., who studied medicine and engaged in practice in Arizona to the time of his death on the 12th of March, 1909: and 'wilbur G., who is traveling auditor for the Rothschilds of Chicago.

Thomas L. Jones was reared in the usual manner of farm lads who spend their time and youth in the middle west. From the time of early spring planting he would assist in the work of the fields and was thus engaged until after crops were harvested in the autumn. The winter seasons were devoted to the acquirement of an education and in 1890 he took up the profession of school teaching, being then a young man of twenty-four years. He proved capable in imparting readily and clearly to others the knowledge that he had acquired, and the schools under his control made substantial progress. The summer seasons were devoted to farm work. In 1892 he removed to Boone and in 1893 he established a music store, which he conducted successfully until 1896. He then turned his attention to the real-estate and loan business, handling property both for himself and others and making loans on farm lands. He has become widely and favorably known in this connection and he is thoroughly informed concerning realty values and knows exactly the property that is upon the market.

On the 27th of April, 1890, Mr. Jones was united in marriage to Miss Bertha A. Jones, a native of Indiana, and to them have been born three children; Bernice R., whose natal day was March 11, 1891; Ethel L., born May 29, 1892: and Edith L., born on the 30th of March, 1894. The family occupies an enviable position in the social circles of the city, the hospitality of the best homes being freely accorded all of the representatives of the Jones household. The religious faith of the family is that of the Christian church, and Mr. Jones also holds membership in the Royal Arcanum and the Woodmen of the World. His political support is given the democratic party and upon its ticket he has been elected to several offices. He served for four years as city assessor, has also been city clerk and for three years was a member of the city council, during which period he exercised his official prerogatives in support of many progressive public movements and needed reforms and improvements. He has at all times been loyal to the best interests of the community, and his worth both as a man and citizen is widely recognized.

As printed in History of Boone County, Iowa (1914). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.