William B. Jones

As printed in 1882

WILLIAM B. JONES, deceased, was a native of Campbell County, Virginia, and was born October 31, 1795. He was a son of James and Catherine (Stith) Jones, the former of Welsh descent, and a native of Virginia. The latter was also a native of the same state. William received a fair education in his native county, and was there reared, being endowed with more than an ordinary memory, on which he relied much in his business transactions during life. His boyhood days were passed on a farm, and he was engaged in agricultural pursuits, in Campbell County, till 1817. During the war of 18 12, he served for twelve months, from which he drew a pension, as does his widow at the present time, in 18 17, he moved to Kentucky, and located in Howard County, where he resided for one year, then moving to Breckenridge Count) where he was engaged at farming and dealing in merchandise, till 1865. In that vicinity he was one of the most prominent and respected citizens, and was an active member in the fair association. He was no office seeker, but held many minor offices, and was often solicited to accept others. In 1865, he came to Missouri, and located in Nodaway County, and, one year later, he came to Maryville, where he resided till the time of his demise, which occurred November 22, 1880. In all his business undertakings he was remarkably successful, and was noted by all who knew him for his exactness and truthfulness. When he thought he had gained enough of this world's goods to make himself and family happy during the remainder of their lives, he had no anxiety to make more, and had for several years been leading a retired life. During life, he was an active member of the M. E. Church, to which he had belonged since he was fifteen years of age. Mr. Jones was married March 27, 18 18, to Miss Mary W. Stith, a daughter of Benjamin and Phebe Stith, who were both natives of Virginia, and of French descent. Mrs. Jones was born in Bedford County, Virginia, June 10, 1802, and, when four years of age, her parents moved to Kentucky, where she was married. Mr. and Mrs. J. had a family of twelve children: Catherine, is now Mrs. Thomas Moorman; Phebe W. is unmarried and lives at home with her mother; James W. is a practicing physician in Arkansas; William R. is a lawyer, also in Arkansas, both learned men, and are doing a lucrative business; Mary A. is now Mrs. Geltham, who resides in Saline County, Missouri, and Theodore. Those not living are Lucy C. (Goode), Elizabeth A. (Board), Benjamin S., Charles H., Laura F. and Ellen. Since the death of Mr. Jones, Miss Phebe and Theodore have had the care of matters for the family. Mrs. Jones has been a member of the M. E. Church for many years. Though now in her eightieth year, she enjoys good health, and is very active for a person of that age.

As printed in The history of Nodaway county, Missouri, containing a history of the county, its cities, towns, etc., biographical sketches of its citizens (1882). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.