Jacob Jones, Sr.

JACOB JONES, SR.

Mr. Jones, one of the pioneers of Union Township, was born October 18, 1794; died in Oregon, 1870. He married Elizabeth Calvert; born March 4, 1793; died January 1, 1829. They were married May 9, 1812, in Green County, Penn; Mr. Jones moved to Boone County in 1833; settled on the Michigan road a short distance south of Northfield, where he resided till the year 1852, when he, with most of his family, moved to Oregon. He was a grand old man and pioneer, just the man for a frontier life, strong and active, who knew no such a word as fail. Honest in everything that word means. He helped develop Boone County from a wilderness to a comparatively fine country. He raised a large family, named as follows: Sarah, born in 1809; John, born in 1813; Jacob, born in 1814; Isaac, born in 1816; Abraham, born in 1818; James, born in 1821; Lewis, born in 1823; Samuel, born in 1825; Margaret, born in 1827; Henry, born in 1835; George, born in 1837; Harvey, born in 1839. Most of this family are dead. Samuel was drowned in Oregon; one daughter died on the plains in 1852, en route to Oregon.

Jacob Jones, Jr., and third son, is the only one now living in this county; resides on the Michigan road, where he has lived most of his life. He was about eighteen years of age when his father came to the county; owns a fine farm, and is regarded as a No. 1 man. The Jones family will be remembered in time to come as one of the prominence in the county. The elder Jones kept public house on the Michigan road many years, and where the old “stage coach” stopped at and exchanged horses. Samuel Jones drove the old coach teem for many years, and I believe Jacob Jones, Sr. was the contractor. He was a large man, very square built, florid complexion, light hair. Many who read this imperfect sketch will call to mind Jacob Jones, among the best men who ever lived in Boone County. He was the second time married, and three children were born to him, who reside in Oregon. Their names are: Mark D., Mahala and Howard; their birthdays are not given.
 

Source: "Early Life and Times in Boone County, Indiana," Harden & Spahr, Lebanon, Ind., May, 1887, pp. 312-313
Transcribed by: Julie S. Townsend - June 28, 2007