Biography - Jacob N. Jones
JACOB N. JONES, who is the head of the firm of Jones and Sons, merchants
in Windsor, Shelby County, this State, was born in Muskingum County, Ohio,
March 27, 1828. He was reared on a farm where he remained until seventeen
years of age, at which time he left home and started out to make a fortune
for himself. When he was but three years of age his father removed to
Clermont County, Ohio, and there they lived until our subject left the home
roof. With the sanguineness of youth he felt that the world lay before him
to conquer as he would, and he was eager to try his strength with its
difficulties and hardships.
On leaving home, he went to Cincinnati, Ohio, and learned to make counter
scales. He served a short apprenticeship to this business and then worked at
it for about two years and for some time after he was engaged in
daguerreotyping, and in 1854, came to Stark County, this State, and at once
launched into farming on his own account. This he continued for ten years
being successful in his chosen calling. In the latter part of 1863, however,
he removed to Moultrie County, this State, and purchased a farm which he was
engaged in improving for a period of less than one year. He then removed to
Windsor and was employed as clerk in a store. From that time he launched
into mercantile business for himself, and since then he has been in
partnership with different persons. In 1881 he founded his present
partnership, by admitting his son, Wilbur H. into the business, and in 1890,
his son Jacob was added to the firm. They carry on an extensive business
both in the town and in the neighboring agricultural region.
Mr. Jones was married in Clermont County, Ohio, to Mary Myser, who was also
a native of the county in which she was married. Their marriage was
celebrated June 4, 1857, and Mr. Jones died October 1, 1887. They were the
parents of five children whose names areas follows: Wilbur H., Susan B.,
Willie, Jacob and Frank. The young men are all ambitious and energetic, and
their entrance into their father's business has been to the advantage both
of themselves and the firm.
Our subject is a Democrat in his political preference. Religiously he is a
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and has filled the office of
Trustee for some time. Mr. Jones is the owner of considerable property in
various parts of the county. He owns one hundred and seventy-two acres of
land in Windsor Township, and valuable property in the village of Windsor.
Our subject's father was John C. Jones, who was born in Jefferson County,
Ohio. His mother's maiden name was Isabella Williams, a native of Washington
County, Pa., and was born near Brownsville. She died in Stark County, Ill.,
when about sixty-three years of age. Her husband passed away in Windsor,
Ill., at the advanced age of eighty-five years. They were the parents of
twelve children, seven sons and five daughters. Of these our subject was the
second in order of birth.
The young men who have been taken into partnership with their father, have
made homes for themselves. Wilbur H. has placed over his domestie life, Miss
Mollie Moberly. They were married October 19, 1881, and have a pleasant home
in the village. Jacob married Miss Caddie Russel, and makes a model husband.
Our subject is a thorough business man, and his credit has never been
impaired by carelessness or misjudgment. He has a good store with a
carefully and well selected stock of goods. Their residence is a comfortable
and commodious place, not too good for the enjoyment of everything in and
around it, by the members of the family.
Extracted 05 Feb 2020 by Norma Hass from 1891 Portrait and Biographical Record of Shelby and Moultrie Counties Illinois, pages 655-656.
