William A. Jones

William A. Jones, the son of James T. and Elizabeth (Gum) Jones, was born in Madison county, November 18,1859. The parents were natives of Virginia and migrated to Madison county in an early day.

James T. Jones was the son of James and Pernina (Jordan) Jones, both of whom were natives of Virginia. The parents moved to Madison county about 1831, at a time when the son James, was but two years of age. Here Mr. Jones entered land and built a home for himself and family. He died in the county some years later. James T. Jones received his education in the public schools of Madison county. After completing his education he engaged in farming and followed that occupation until his death October 29, 1904. Elizabeth Jones died on April 16, 1878.

James T. and Elizabeth Jones were the parents of nine children, three sons, William A., Charles and Thomas J., now living, the six daughters having died. After the death of his first wife, Mr. Jones married Martha Elsbury, and to this union three children were born: Jesse, James Edward and Effay. Mr. Jones and family were members of the Methodist Episcopal church. He was an active Democrat and was for a time assessor of his township.

William A. Jones received his education in the common schools of Madison county. After leaving school he became a farmer in his home county, where he remained until 1896, at which time he purchased his present farm in Green township, consisting of one hundred and twenty acres. He also owns eighty acres in Madison county. It has been by his own efforts that he has succeeded, for he received no assistance at all from his parents. He began life in a humble way, but by constant application and hard work he has made a success of life. His farm is well improved and under a high state of cultivation. He aims to keep it one of the best in the community. The farm buildings have all been remodeled and modernized.

On September 8, 1886, William A. Jones was united in marriage to Maggie L. Hiday, of Green township, Madison county. To this union the following children have been born: James W., Samuel A., Chester S., Lottie Blanche (deceased), Alice Marie (deceased), and Warren. James W. married Pearly Smith and they live in Madison county and have one boy named Earl. Chester S. married Bernice Pritchett and they live in Madison county.

Mr. Jones has devoted his life to his work as a farmer and stock raiser. He has never aspired to office, yet he is interested in assisting the best men to office. Mrs. Maggie (Hiday) Jones died on October 14, 1914, and was interred in Mendon cemetery.

Transcribed from History of Hancock County, Indiana, Its People, Industries and Institutions by George J. Richman, B. L., Federal Publishing Co., Indianapolis, Indiana, 1916. Page 1059-1060.

Submitted by Sylvia (Rose) Duda, Laingsburg, MI November 8, 2001.

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