J. M. Jones

J. M. Jones, son of Asbury and Hannah Jones, natives of New Jersey, was born in Guernsey county, O., in 1836. There his parents settled at an early date, and there both died. The boyhood days of Mr. Jones were passed on the farm. About 1850 he was apprenticed to a harness-maker at New Philadelphia, O. In 1851-2 he traveled some in the east, worked principally in Pennsylvania until 1857, when he first came to Lafayette. In 1859 he located permanently here and established his harness and saddlery house, which has since been successfully conducted by him. As a workman and straight dealer he is unequaled, as those long years of business testify. He was a charter member of the Masonic Blue Lodge, of Lafayette, from which he was demitted. For years he has been prominent in Odd Fellow circles as told in the history of Lafayette Lodge. and is also a member of the Galva Encampment. Up to 1884 he affiliated with the Republican party; but in that year cast his fortunes with the prohibitionists, he being an earnest advocate for temperance. A reference to the political chapter of the general history, as well as to the sketch of Lafayette, will portray the part taken by Mr. Jones here since 1857. He was married February 14,1, l860, to Miss Kathern S. Atherton. They are the parents of two children, Miss Nellie M. one of the successful school teachers of the county, and Francis Asbury, station agent of the California Southern R. R. at Temecula, Cal.