REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
MARION COUNTY, OHIO
1907 HISTORY
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W. M. JACKSON, general agent of the Equitable Life Insurance Company for North, Central Ohio, who also conducts a loan and brokerage business at Marion, where he has been established since 1898, is one of the representative and leading business men of the city.
Mr. Jackson was born in Richland County, Ohio, where he was reared and educated. Early in life he entered the insurance business at Mansfield, Ohio, where he remained until 1898, when he came to Marion as superintendent of agents for the Mutual Life Insurance Company, of New York, and later became general agent of the Equitable Life Insurance Company for North Central Ohio, his territory covering 12 counties. Mr. Jackson, is also interested in mining and other enterprises, which are mostly located outside of the city.
Mr. Jackson was married December 15, 1902, to Lettie M. Rubins, of Marion, and they have two children: Merrill Rubins and Helen Hunt. Mr. Jackson is a member of the Knights of Pythias. He belongs to the Presbyterian Church.
CHARLES W. JACOBY, M. A., M. D., physician and surgeon, who is engaged in the practice of his profession at Morral, was born in Richland township; Marion County, Ohio, June 24, 1866, and is a son of Michael and Catherine (Emery) Jacoby. Extended mention of this prominent Marion County family will be found elsewhere in this work.
Charles W. Jacoby's boyhood was spent on his father's farm, his education being secured in the district school near his home, where he prepared himself for teaching, entering this profession at the age of 18 years. He taught one term in District No. 4, Richland township, two terms in District No. 2, and three terms in Waldo township, where, before he was 21 years old, he capably managed the Jones district school.
About the time he attained his majority, he entered the Ohio Normal University, at Ada; where he spent two terms and then entered the Ohio Wesleyan University, at Delaware, where he took a full five-years' course, spending one year in the preparatory department. In 1895 he was graduated in the classical course, and in the fall of that year entered Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, where he was graduated in medicine in 1898. In 1899 the degree of Master of Arts was conferred on him by the Ohio Wesleyan University. In 1898 Dr. Jacoby entered upon practice at Morral, where he still continues.
Dr. Jacoby was married on September 4, 1898, to Mary Zeig, a daughter of Justus Zeig, of Pleasant township, and they have one child,, Leslie E.
Fraternally Dr. Jacoby belongs to Salt Rock Lodge, No. 883, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of which he is the present recording secretary, and to Morral Lodge, No. 739, Knights of Pythias, of which he is past chancellor. He is prominent in town affairs also, is a member of the Board of Education and of the Morral Village Council. He is one of the leading members of the Marion County Medical Society.
JOHN WILBUR JACOBY, M. A., (PICTURE) senior member of the law firm of Jacoby & Donithen, at Marion, was born December 23, 1871, on the old family homestead in Richland township. He is a son of Michael and Catherine (Emery) Jacoby, and a grandson of Michael and Elizabeth (Worline) Jacoby.
The Jacoby family was founded in Marion County by the great-grandparents of John Wilbur Jacoby. Michael Jacoby, Jr., his father, was reared on the farm in Richland township, where he still resides. He married Catherine Emery, who was a daughter of John and Catherine (Harter) Emery, and who died August 25, 1894. The children of Michael Jacoby, Jr., were the following: Charles W., who is engaged in the practice of medicine at Morral; Henry Walter, deceased at two years; John Wilbur; Florence Daisy and Virginia Elizabeth, both of whom reside at home; and Mary Jewel, who is a popular teacher in Richland township.
The subject of this sketch attended the district schools of Richland township until he was 17 years of age. In the fall of 1889, in company with his brother, Charles W. Jacoby, he entered the academic department of the Ohio Wesleyan University, at Delaware, Ohio. In 1891 he left the university and taught school for several terms in his home district, returning the following year to the university, from which he was graduated in the classical course, with his brother, in 1895. The summer of 1896 was spent in Chicago, as agent for the Springfield Switch & Frog Company, but the most of his summers were spent on the farm, assisting his father. During the last years of his college course, he borrowed law books and received friendly encouragement and instruction from Judge William Z. Davis. In June, 1897, he graduated from the Cincinnati Law school with honors, both in competitive examinations and in forensic discussion. While in college he was editor of the college paper; The Transcript. In 1899 his alma mater conferred on him the degree of Master of Arts.
Mr. Jacoby began the practice of the law in Marion in July, 1897, and on January 1, 1902, entered into partnership with Hoke W. Donithen. In 1899 he was elected city solicitor served two terms, being reelected in 1901. He is connected with some of Marion's principal business institutions, and is director of The Marion Savings Bank and the Citizens' Building and Loan Company, both of which institutions he helped to organize.
On August 8, 1900, he was married to Edna Leora Bird, a native of Covington, Kentucky, and they have two sons: Wilbur Bird, born July 16, 1903; and Robert, born July 2, 1906
Politically, Mr. Jacoby is a Democrat and is serving as chairman of the Marion County Democratic central and executive committees and was the nominee of his party for prosecuting attorney in 1904. He is now a member of the Board of City School Examiners. Mr. Jacoby has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church since he was eight years old. Fraternally he is a Mason, Elk, Odd Fellow and Knight of Pythias.
MICHAEL JACOBY, SR., one of the pioneers of Richland township, was born March 30, 1809, in Pine Grove township, Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania. His parents, John and Catherine, and his grandparents on his mother's side were likewise natives of the same township. His mother's people came from Holland and settled along the Delaware. His great-grandfather, Gideon Myers, attained the remarkable age of 104 years. The Jacoby family also came from Holland and were early settlers of Long Island. Five brothers, James, John, Bartholomew, Andrew and Christian, served in the army during the Revolution. Bartholomew returned to Long Island after the war, and, disposing of his property, went to Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania. He was the father of a number of girls and two sons, named John and Peter. In the early part of the 18th century, Bartholomew with all his children except John, who was then married, moved to Yazoo County, Mississippi, where the name was changed to James, being the English of Jacoby. Peter James became a minister in the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. He at one time owned 30 slaves and operated an extensive plantation. He visited his relatives in this county, in 1859, and preached at the Emery Methodist Episcopal Church, but not without vehement protests by those opposed to slavery. At the time he owned 12 slaves.
John Jacoby, the oldest son of Bartholomew, married Catherine Gamby. They continued to reside in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, until the fall of 1819, when they removed with 10 of their children to Fairfield County, Ohio, where they resided for one year and then came on to Marion County, settling on the east bank of the Olentangy on the farm now owned by the heirs of Daniel Waddel, deceased. Three years later, in February, 1824, they "squatted" on the southwest quarter of section 28, Richland township. Three daughters, Mrs. Sigfred, Mrs. Hembaugh and an unmarried daughter, remained in Pennsylvania. Those children who accompanied their parents to this county were: Mrs. Eva J. Sult, Mrs. Mary J. Cramer and Mrs. Magdalene J. Knifong, and John, Jonathan, Daniel, Michael, Jacob, Joseph and Elias. These names indicate the strong religious characters of the parents, who were members of the German Reformed Church.
On section 28 the family erected a log cabin which is still standing and in use, and a few years later entered the land, paying the government $1.25 per acre. The sons and sons-in-law likewise entered a quarter of a section each in the same vicinity. At first there were no schoolhouses, and the schools were held in the cabins of the settlers, but in 1832 a log
schoolhouse was erected by voluntary contributions. Afterwards, when the township became prosperous, the money was refunded and John Jacoby, who had contributed his services as a carpenter, received $25 for his services. His wife, Elizabeth, in that early day when doctors were not to be had, was sent for by the settlers for miles around to administer to their ailments. She died in 1837, aged 63 years. The father and husband died April 9, 1844, aged 72 years. Both are buried in the cemetery of St. Jacoby's Church, located on the farm of C. F. Berringer. Michael Jacoby, their fifth son, was married to Elizabeth Worline, daughter of Henry and Catherine Worline, November 1, 1832. The next day he voted for General Jackson for his second term for the presidency and during all his days continued in the Democratic faith.
The parents of Elizabeth Worline were Henry and Catherine ( Cline) Worline. Henry Worline was born in Pennsylvania, June 28, 1785. He and his brother John came to Delaware County, Ohio, in 1811, and the same year the oldest daughter, Elizabeth, was born where the Delaware City Hall now stands. The following year they bought land on the east side of the river and in 1817 sold out to William Sweetser, father of the celebrated and somewhat notorious attorney, Charles Sweetser. They then moved farther north in the county. The father saw service in the War of 1812, as did almost every able-bodied man in his community. As soon as the Indian lands north of the Greenville Treaty line were thrown on the market, he entered the 80 acres known now as the Jacoby homestead and an other 80 directly across the Olentangy. Here on the river in 1821 he built a dam and constructed a sawmill on the west side of the river, it being the first in the county, and the following Year moved his family to his new home. He petitioned for the first road from this point to Marion in March, 1823. Early in 1824 he started to build a grist-mill, and had the frame completed when death, on September 30, 1824, stayed the hands of this enterprising pioneer at the early age of 38 years.
Upon his marriage with Elizabeth Worline, in 1832, Mr. Jacoby moved upon the Jacoby homestead and took charge of the sawmill which he operated until 1838, when it was torn down. Thereafter he devoted his entire energies to farming and to raising his large family of 10 children. They were: Catherine (deceased), who was the wife of Samuel Waddell; Mary, widow of Daniel Myers; Henry, a lieutenant in the Civil War, killed at Gettysburg; James, a lieutenant in the Civil War, now living in Toledo, Ohio; Michael, Jr.; John, a resident of Marion; Elizabeth, widow of Morris J. Aye; Margaret, wife of John E. Waddell; Elias, an attorney of Indianapolis, Indiana, associated in the practice and business with vice-president, Charles W. Fairbanks; Maria (deceased), who was the wife of E. C. Smith.
Mr. Jacoby became an extensive landowner, at one time owning 700 acres stretching for a mile and a half along the river. He raised fine stock and paid particular attention to the cultivation of corn and potatoes. The latter he made to yield as much as 400 bushels per acre. He owned the first mowing machine in Richland township and during his life cleared 500 acres of land. Soon after the war, he was injured by a runaway team attached to a mowing machine, which ran over him. This injury, added to many years' exposure incident to pioneer days, brought on rheumatism, and he is remembered now as a stockily built old man with two canes, with the aid of which he got over the ground at a rapid rate. He continued to superintend and work his lands until the time of his Lifers death, November 10, 1887, when he turned over their management to his son Michael. His last years he spent in Marion with his daughter, Mrs. Elizabeth Aye, where he died May 11, 1891, in his 83rd year.
His wife was noted for her loving, Christian disposition and the Jacoby home became the stopping place of the circuit preachers. Soon after their marriage Mr. Jacoby, who belonged to the German Reformed Church, and Mrs. Jacoby, who was a Lutheran, joined the Methodist Episcopal Church. In 1879, when a new church was to be built, they gave the site for St. James Church on the northeast corner of the Jacoby farm and $1,000 for the building. For years any deficit in the minister's salary was made up by them. Family worship was a standing pule in their home. Thus by practice and by precept they reared a large family of sons and daughters, no one of whom but has been a credit to their pious, yet energetic parents.
MICHAEL JACOBY, JR., who is a representative citizen and successful agriculturist of Richland township, resides on his valuable farm of 136 acres, which is situated in section 29, and owns 74 additional acres in the same township. Mr. Jacoby was born on his father's farm in Richland township, Marion County, Ohio, May 24, 1843, and is a son of Michael and Elizabeth (Worline) Jacoby.
The parents of Mr. Jacoby were old settlers in Marion County, where they became the heads of a large family, many members of which now occupy positions of prominence in various communities. After long and useful lives they passed away and were laid to rest not far distant from the home they had founded in what was then almost a wilderness. The mother died on November 10, 1887, aged 77 years, 1 month and 12 days. The father then removed to Marion, where his death occurred on May 11, 1891, at the age of 82 years, 1 month and 11 days. They had 10 children, namely: Catherine, Mary, Henry, James, Michael, John, Elizabeth, Margaret, Elias and Maria. Two of the sons, Henry and James, served in the Civil War. Henry Jacoby enlisted in Company D, 82nd Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., and for gallantry was promoted from the ranks to a lieutenancy, and fell on the battlefield of Gettysburg, on July a, 1863. James Jacoby, the next younger brother, also enlisted as a private, entering Company K, 66th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., and for personal bravery was promoted to the rank of 1st lieutenant. He was captured by the confederate forces and was confined for two months in Libby Prison, being later transferred to Belle Isle. He survived the rigors of this imprisonment and served until the end of the war. He married Elizabeth Virginia Able and they reside at Toledo, Ohio. John Jacoby, the third brother, works in the carpenter's department in the steam shovel shops and resides in Marion. He married Eliza Van Brimer. Elias, our subject's (youngest) brother, is one of the leading members of the bar at Indianapolis, Indiana. He was educated at the Ohio Wesleyan University, at Delaware, and after graduating in 1881, entered the Cincinnati Law School, where he completed the course. Following this preparation, he then entered into partnership with Hon. Charles W. Fairbanks, now Vice-President of the United States, and this partnership continued uninterrupted until Mr. Fairbanks was elected to the United States Senate. On account of his large practice, Mr. Jacoby declined the position of private secretary to Mr. Fairbanks, preferring the laurels to be won in his profession, to those a political future might bring him. He married Julia Eaton, a former classmate at the Ohio Wesleyan University.
Of the sisters of our subject, Catherine became the wife of Samuel Waddell and is now deceased; Mary resides at Marion, Ohio, and is the widow of Daniel Myers; Elizabeth also resides at Marion and is the widow of Morris J. Aye; Margaret is the wife of John E. Waddell, of Marion; Maria, now deceased, was the wife of E. C. Smith.
Michael Jacoby was a child of six months when his parents settled on the farm on which he still resides. His father purchased the place from the Worline heirs. At the time it was almost covered with the native growth of timber and game was very plentiful, deer and wild turkeys being mainly depended upon to fill the family larder. Although Mr. Jacoby was so small that he was carried to his present home in a sugar-trough cradle, conditions were still so unchanged in the surrounding neighborhood at the age when he was entrusted with a gun, that he remembers spending many days roaming through the woods in the vicinity of his home and returning at night with more game than he could easily carry.
Michael Jacoby continued on the home farm, giving assistance to his father while his brothers went into the army, performing his duty just as fully as they. With his brothers and sisters he had many of the rough experiences which served to make pioneer children strong and hearty. Among the many interesting recollections he still retains, one of interest concerns the old-time, log schoolhouse. In the winter time the snow often blew through the cracks between the logs so that there was no doubt about its excellent ventilation, more perfect than is ever secured through the expensive systems introduced into modern buildings. The benches upon which the pupils sat were of hewn logs, with wooden pegs for legs. The desks were built around the room and the children sat with their backs to the center of the apartment. Here was usually placed a huge stove and the teacher's desk. A long window, 10 by 2 feet, was built on opposite sides of the room and provided the necessary light. This description gives a fair picture of the schoolhouse in sparsely settled regions of Ohio, about 1847-48. At a later date Michael was a student in a better building, which fortunately burned down, for after that the township authorities provided a snug frame building for the accommodation of the school children. Although three of his brothers and one sister became school teachers, Mr. Jacoby never used his knowledge in that way, in fact always taking more interest in agricultural pursuits than in anything else.
On September 7, 1865, Mr. Jacoby was married to Catherine Emery, a daughter of John and Catherine (Harter) Emery, old settlers here. Mrs. Jacoby died on August 25, 1894, having been the devoted mother of six children, namely: Charles W., engaged in the practice of medicine at Morral, who married Mary Zeig and has one son, Leslie E.; Henry Walter, who died aged two years; John Wilbur, a member of the law firm of Jacoby & Donithen, at Marion, who married Edna Leora Bird and has two sons--Wilbur Bird and Robert; Florence Daisy, who resides at home; Virginia Elizabeth, also residing at home; and Mary Jewel, a very talented young lady, who is a graduate of the Marion High School in the class of 1906, and is now a popular teacher in Richland township. Mr. Jacoby has always been deeply interested in educational progress, has given his children many advantages and has cheerfully served for many years on the School Board, during a part of the time being its chairman.
In all that pertains to good citizenship, Mr. Jacoby has long been highly and justly estimated. As an agriculturist he is very prominent and for over 15 years he served as a member of the Marion County Agricultural Society, in which his judgment is consulted and his advocacy of certain methods carries weight. In his political affiliation; he has always been a Democrat and, as one of the representative men of his community, he has frequently been called upon to serve in office. He has been constable, township clerk, coroner for three years and has administered the law as justice of the peace. He is stanch in his opinions but is a man of such regularity of life and such calm judgment that his opinions are generally right ones for all concerned. He is one of the leading members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he has served as recording steward since 1876; he has also been class leader and has held other offices. He resides in the substantial old residence which was built about the year of his birth, so strongly built, with old-fashioned honesty of material and construction, that the storms of 63 years have made little impression.
ARTHUR E. JOHNSON, assistant cashier of the Prospect Bank and one of the leading and highly respected business men of the village of Prospect, was born on a farm in Delaware County, Ohio, February 19, 1873, and is a son of George W. and Catherine (Webber) Johnson, who came to Delaware County, Ohio, from Pennsylvania in childhood, with their respective parents. George W. Johnson died February 7, 1907, aged 69 years, 8 months and 2 days.
Arthur E. Johnson was reared on his father's farm three miles east of Delaware until his seventh year, in 1880 coming to Prospect township with his parents. After attending the schools of Prospect township, he took a teacher's course at the Ohio Normal University at Ada, after which he taught school during the winter months and farmed in the summer. In 1895 he formed a partnership with his brother Albert and engaged in operating a bakery and restaurant under the firm name of Johnson Brothers. He continued in this business for one year, then sold his interest to his brother and in July, 1897, became assistant cashier of the Prospect Bank. where he has continued ever since. Mr, Johnson also has other business interests, representing several fire insurance companies as their local agent.
Mr. Johnson was married July 14, 1895, to Rose Crawford, a daughter of George W. and S. A. (Monnasmith) Crawford, of Waldo. Two children have been born to them : Harold L. and George A. Mr. Johnson has always been a Republican. He is at present treasurer of the Board of Education of the village. He is a member of Durward Lodge, No. 155, K. of P., of Prospect, in which he has held the office, of keeper of records and seals and master of finance; he is also representative to the Grand Lodge. He is also a member of Camp No. 4102, Modern Woodman of America, of which he has been clerk for the past seven years. He and his family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he is treasurer and recording steward; he is also assistant superintendent of the Sunday-school.
R. H. JOHNSON was born June 18, 1819, in Richmond, Virginia, and came to Marion in 1842. In 1846 he married Sarah H. Reed, a sister of James S. Reed. Soon after coming to Marion he entered the mercantile business, and later successfully engaged in the banking business. He was one of the organizers of the Marion County Bank. In 1870 he became its cashier and later its president, which position he held at the time of his death. His only child, Catharine E., married W. B. Fisher. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson were influential members of the Presbyterian Church.
ALBERT C. JOHNSTON, deputy sheriff of Marion County, and the owner of two fine farms, aggregating 260 acres, was born in 1855 in Green Camp township, Marion County, Ohio, and is a son of James C. and Elizabeth (Walker) Johnston.
The father of Mr. Johnston died when the latter was a boy of 12 years. He had been one of the early settlers in Green Camp township, where he married the daughter of Jesse Walker, who was one of the pioneers of this section, having located in the township in 1824, When the mother of our subject was but eight years old.
After securing a good, common-school education, Mr. Johnston entered the Ohio Normal University at Ada, where he passed two years and then became a student at Ridgeville College, where he remained for the same length of time, and then spent the following 12 years in teaching school in Marion County. He has always taken a deep interest in educational affairs, is now a member of the School Board, and at various times he has served as clerk, treasurer and president of this body. He resided on the home farm until 31 years of age and then accepted a position as bookkeeper for a milling company at Agosta, subsequently buying the plant and operating it for 10 years.
After selling his mill to Mr. Bamthouse, Mr. Johnston resumed farming, which he continued until January, 1906, when he assumed the duties of deputy sheriff, to which position he had been appointed by Sheriff Easton E. Drown, of Marion. Prior to this he had filled many public offices of trust and responsibility. For 18 years he was a notary public, served two terms as assessor of Green Camp township and two terms as assessor of Montgomery township, was a justice of the peace, and for seven years was mayor of the town of Agosta. His faithful and conscientious performance of every duty assigned him has made Mr. Johnston friends and admirers in every class and he is in the enjoyment of the continued respect and esteem of all law-abiding citizens.
In 1883, Mr. Johnston was united in marriage with Clara J. Mitton, daughter of Joshua Mitton, and they have three children, namely: Pearl V., Otis Lee and Vena J., all at home.
Fraternally, Mr. Johnston is a Mason and an Odd Fellow, and also belongs to the Encampment of the latter organization.
W. H. JOHNSTON, a leading citizen of LaRue, proprietor of the W. H. Johnston Grain Elevator, was born May 20, 1876, in Smith township, Mohoning County, Ohio, and is a son of W. F. and Sarah (Stairley.) Johnston.
W. F. Johnston was born in Smith township, Mahoning County, Ohio, in 1851, and is, now a resident of Carey , Wyandot County, Ohio, where he is engaged in the coal and grain business. He was for many years a dairyman and stock-raiser of, Mahoning County, after which he moved to LaRue, where he was for three years engaged in the grain business, removing then to Carey. He is a son of William and Phoebe (Morris) Johnston, both natives of Pennsylvania, who came to Mahoning County, Ohio, at a very early period and located on a farm that is now included in the town of Sebring, where they continued to live until their deaths. W. F. Johnston is a member of the Masonic order and also, the Knights of the Maccabees. Three children were born to W. F. Johnston and his wife, whose maiden name was Sarah Stanley, namely: T. M., a locomotive engineer residing at Chicago Junction, who married Rosa Phillips he. is a member of the Masonic order, Knights of the Maccabees and also of the B. of L. E.; LeRoy, who died in 1905, aged 21 years; and W. H. The maternal grandparents of our subject were Thomas and Matilda (Beck) Stanley, who resided all their lives in Columbiana County, Ohio. The mother of our subject, Mrs. Sarah (Stanley) Johnston, died April 2, 1907, aged 54 years.
W. H. Johnston was reared in Mahoning County and attended the district schools, after which he took a business course at Mount Union College. He worked at various occupations until he moved to LaRue in 1902, when he entered the grain business with his father, in which he has since been most successfully engaged. The elevator was purchased from the Davis Milling Company, of Shelby, Ohio, the business having been established some years before. A large share of the grain sold in LaRue, amounting to about 75,000 bushels annually, is handled by the W. H. Johnston grain elevator. Mr. Johnston is one of LaRue's foremost business men and enjoys an enviable reputation for honesty and business integrity.
Mr. Johnston was united in marriage October 6, 1906, with Lillian Raub, a native of Marion County, Ohio, and a daughter of Hon. William L. and Jane (Baldwin) Raub, prominent residents of Bowling Green township. Mr. Raub, who, is one of the leading citizens of the county, operates a large farm and is president of the LaRue Bank. Mr. Johnston is a member of LaRue Lodge, No. 463, F. & A. M., at LaRue, and also of the Knights of the Maccabees' tent, at Beloit, Ohio.
ANDREW J. JONES, (PICTURE) a prominent, farmer and representative citizen of Bowling Green township, whose portrait accompanies this sketch, was born November 24, 1849, in Montgomery township, Marion County, Ohio, near Agosta, and is a son of John and Elizabeth (Lynch) Jones, and a grandson of London and Margaret (Jackson) Jones, the latter of whom was a cousin of President Andrew Jackson.
John Jones, father of Andrew J., was born in Sussex County, Delaware, October 2, 1816, and died at LaRue, Ohio, August 13, 1905, in his 89th year. He started out in life a poor boy with no capital except plenty of energy and abundant health. In New York State, in young manhood, he worked on the canal and at getting out ties for the first railroad that handled the United States mail between Washington and Baltimore. He could recall the time when there was a great contest between those who wished to take the contract for handling the mails with horses and those who desired the new railroad to carry them. When the trial of speed was made, he was one of the flag men engaged to drop the flag. Although the horsemen had relays stationed 10 miles apart, the superior speed of the railroads was easily proved. In his boyhood silver dollars were not so very often handled by those of his age and the first three he ever earned he kept until his death. They are still carefully preserved by his grandchildren.
When he first came to Marion County, in 1837, John Jones settled in Bowling Green township, where he lived. until 1853, with the exception of two years spent in Indiana. In the period of his residence in this township, he and his family lived in pioneer fashion in a log cabin, the furniture of which he constructed himself. In 1853 he moved to Montgomery township and settled on a farm near the present town of Agosta. In the journey from one township to the other, he had to go ahead of the wagons and cut the brush out of the way, so that a passage could be secured through the forest. He made money by clearing land and selling timber to the railroads. His land was located on the river and there, in 1857, he built the house in which he lived until he removed to LaRue. He was assisted in this by a nephew who spent a year with him and who dressed the lumber by hand. Later Mr. Jones sold his old farm near Agosta and purchased the place on which his family was reared, where he carried on farming and stock-raising for many years. His home farm included 333 1/3 acres, to which he continued to add until he had acquired 1,500 acres. Mr. and Mrs. John Jones lived on the home farm until 1887, when they retired to a comfortable home at LaRue, where they spent the rest of their lives.
In 1841 John Jones was married to Elizabeth Lynch, who was born in Sussex County, Delaware, in 1826, and died at LaRue, Ohio, December 11, 1905, aged 79 years. Until attacked by the illness which terminated their lives, both parents were in unusual health for venerable age, remarkably preserved in both mind and body. The maternal grandparents of Andrew J. Jones were Jeremiah and Mary (Dutton) Lynch, both of Irish extraction. Jeremiah Lynch was born in Delaware, December 15, 1791, and died in that State in 1833; his wife was also born in Delaware, in October, 1790, and died in 1872, at the age of 82 years.
The children born to John and Elizabeth (Lynch) Jones were the following: Jeremiah, resident of Bowling Green township, born in Montgomery township in 1842, who married Maggie C. McLean; Josephine, who died in infancy; Mary Jane, who married (first) Marshall Robison, and (second) Robert Bonner and resides at La Rue; Andrew J.; John Wesley, residing on what is known as the "Sand" turnpike, in Bowling Green township, who married Mary A. McNeff, a daughter of Thomas McNeff; Josephine (2), who married William Thomasson and resides in Bowling Green township west of her brother, Andrew J. Jones; and Emma who married William Gaston and resides in Bowling Green township. All the surviving sisters and brothers, with the exception of Mrs. Bonner, are neighbors, residing in the same township.
Andrew J. Jones was reared on his father's farm and in his boyhood did his part in clearing and developing the home property. He was educated in the local schools and has always devoted himself to agricultural pursuits as an occupation,
On April 22, 1873, Mr. Jones was married to Catherine Price, who was born in Union County, Ohio, March 12, 1855, and is a daughter of John and Ethlinda (Blue) Price. The father of Mrs. Jones was born near Essex, in Union County, in 1829, and resides retired at LaRue. Her mother died January 26, 1872, aged 39 years. Mr. Price married (second) Catherine (Pfeiffer) Whitman. The children of the first marriage were Catherine (Mrs. Jones) ; Nellie, wife of James Bonner, of LaRue; Jonah, of Essex, Ohio; and Joseph and Edith, both deceased. The children of the second marriage were: William, Minnie, Susan, Blanche and a babe that died in infancy.
Mr. and Mrs. Jones have had seven children, namely: Alfred Wesley, Ida Belle and Zoa May, living and four deceased. Alfred Wesley was born March 29, 1874. He operates a farm of his own in Bowling Green township and also looks after that of his father. On July 16, 1898, he married Anna Belle Blue, a daughter of Levi and Sarah (Carter) Blue, and they have had three children: Andrew Vernal, Herbert Levi and a daughter that died in infancy. Ida Belle, who was born in 1876, was married (first) to James D. Sagers and (second) to Samuel O. Bell and resides in Bowling Green township. She has a daughter by her first marriage, Marjorie D., a bright little maiden of 11 years, and one by her second marriage, Ethel Elizabeth, who is two years old. Zoa May, born in 1879, was married in 1901 to Hamer P. Baker, who is engaged in a photographic business at Marion. They have two children-Dorothy Catherine, aged two years, and Andrew James, aged five months.
Mr. Jones is one of the large land-owners of Marion County and an extensive cattle-raiser. He owns over 500 acres in Bowling Green township and also 84 acres in Dudley township, Hardin County. He breeds Aberdeen-Angus cattle, Percheron horses and Duroc-Jersey hogs, it being his theory that it is not only more profitable but also more creditable to raise only the best stock; his example is being followed by many of his neighbors. In 1905 one of his barns was destroyed by lightning and three fine horses in the near pasture were killed a few weeks earlier. Since 1903 he has devoted the most of his attention to the careful breeding of his stock and at the present writing has 22 head of fine horses on hand. He finds a local market, the demand having so far made it unnecessary to ship. His two substantial barns have generous dimensions, one being 121 by 40 feet, and the other 40 by 84 feet. The handsome residence which was erected in 1880, is situated less than one mile south of LaRue and is an attractive home, modern in every particular. Mr. Jones' farm is well equipped with modern machinery. he has three flowing wells and two wells operated by wind engines, which supply water all over the estate.
Politically Mr. Jones is a Democrat; for 12 years he was a justice of the peace and has also served as township trustee. He is interested in some local enterprises, owning some stock in the LaRue Telephone Company.
Fraternally, Mr. Jones belongs to. Walter Scott Lodge, No. 214, K. of P., and Day Lodge, No. 328, I.O.O.F., both of La Rue. Mr. Jones possesses a very pleasing personality and his frank and genial bearing wins him friends on every side. He is a very popular and esteemed citizen of Bowling Green township.
FRED W. JONES, a successful farmer and raiser of thoroughbred stock, manages his father's agricultural interests in Bowling Green township and owns a half interest in 110 acres of valuable land. He was born on his father's farm in Bowling Green township, Marion County, Ohio, March 29, 1874, and is a son of Andrew J. and Catharine (Price) Jones, old and prominent residents of this section. A sketch of Andrew J. Jones appears elsewhere in this work.
Alfred W. Jones first attended the district schools and later the schools at LaRue and was graduated with credit at the LaRue High School in the class of 1893. After teaching for two terms, he engaged in farming, entering into partnership with his father. He has been very successful and is numbered with the representative farmers and stock-raisers of Bowling Green township.
On July 16, 1898, Mr. Jones was married to Anna Belle Blue, a daughter of Levi and Sarah (Carter) Blue. The father of Mrs. Jones died in 1903, at the age of 47 years, but her mother still survives, being aged 48 years. Mr. and Mrs. Jones have had three children, the two survivors being: Andrew Vernal, who was born October 26, 1899; and Herbert Levi, who was born May 29, 1904. A daughter died in infancy.
Politically, Mr. Jones is a Democrat and has always, been a hearty worker for his party. Fraternally, he belongs to, Walter Scott Lodge, No. 214, K. of P., and Day Lodge, No. 328, I.O. O.F., both of LaRue.
Personally, Mr. Jones is a very popular member of his community. He is a man of fine appearance and possesses the genial nature which easily commands friendship.
JEREMIAH JONES, who has long ranked with the prominent citizens and men of ample fortune in Bowling Green township, has spent many years since in successful agricultural activity his return from serving his country during the Civil War, bringing with him scars which tell of faithful performance of dangerous duty. Jones was born in Montgomery township, Marion County, Ohio, not far distant from Agosta, April 21, 1842, and is a son of John and Elizabeth (Lynch) Jones.
The paternal grandparents of Mr. Jones were Loudon and Margaret (Jackson) Jones, and the maternal grandparents were Jeremiah and Mary (Dutton) Lynch, the latter of whom was born October 10, 1790, and died in 1872, in Bowling Green township. Jeremiah Lynch was born in Delaware, December 15, 1791, and died in Delaware in 1833.
John Jones, father of Jeremiah, was born in 1816 in Sussex County, Delaware, and died August 13, 1905, in his 89th year. He married Elizabeth Lynch who was born in Sussex County, Delaware, in 1826, and died December 11, 1905, aged 79 years. John Jones worked on the canal, in New York State, in his younger years. He came to Marion County in 1837 and settled first in Bowling Green township with his sister Margaret, on the place now occupied by Jacob Canouse. About this time he moved to Indiana, where he lived for two years, returning to Marion County on the very night of the great overflow of the Scioto River, which made it necessary for members of the family to be taken from the house in a boat. They subsequently found a refuge in the home of Willlam Carey.
When John Jones settled in Montgomery township, he bought 333 1-3 acres of land and moved into two old log houses, which stood near together on the banks of the treacherous Scioto River. These cabins had puncheon floors and fire-places seven feet wide, made to accommodate the great back log which was the foundation of the fires in every pioneer home. Mr. Jones then built a house on what is now known as the "Sand" turnpike and in that house the family lived until he erected, in 1857, the one now occupied by a tenant. The old house is still standing. John Jones and wife lived in the new house until they retired to LaRue, where after a residence of about 20 years, they both died. They were typical pioneers and were known far and wide. All of their children were born in Montgomery township, with the exception of the youngest and six survive, one, Josephine, having died in Indiana in infancy. The parents remained on the farm until all of the children had married.
Jeremiah Jones was reared in Bowling Green township and assisted his father in the farming until he entered the Union Army in 1862, enlisting as a member of Company E, 121st Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., which became a part of the army under General Sherman. He participated in the battles of Perryville and that of Chickamauga, in the latter engagement being shot through the leg which disabled him for some time. He was then made a prisoner by the Confederates and was kept six months before being exchanged. He rejoined the Union Army in time to do his share of marching and skirmishing in the Atlanta campaign. He also took part in the battles of Franklin, Nashville, Bentonville and numerous smaller engagements. He remained in the service until the close of hostilities, at all times winning the approbation of his superiors in rank by his bravery and cheerful attention to duty. After being honorably discharged and paid off at Columbus, he returned to his father's farm and resumed agricultural operations. Later he started a grocery business at Richwood. In 1879 Mr. Jones moved to Kansas, but prior to this had been engaged in farming in Bowling Green township on the Winnemac turnpike.
When Mr. Jones moved to Kansas, he settled in Rice County, where his first purchase consisted of 160 acres of land. When he left that State, he owned 1,200 acres and had been engaged in farming and stock-raising on an extensive scale. At the time he settled there, every other section was railroad land. he remained a resident of Kansas until December, 1895, when he returned to Ohio and settled southeast of Gallon, trading a part of his Kansas property for 240 acres in Crawford County, where he remained four years. engaged in farming and, as Mr. Jones puts it, "picking stones off the land." He subsequently traded his land there for 600 acres in Big Island township, Marion County, and in March,1905, he settled on his present farm in Bowling Green township. He still retains a part of his Kansas land, also owns considerable real estate at LaRue, including a livery stable and various store buildings and also a second farm in Big Island township, his total acreage being about 800. He is not a man to take vulgar pride in his possessions, but it is gratifying for him to realize that he has acquired the larger part of his property entirely through his own efforts. He is one of the largest landowners in Marion County.
On October 16, 1867, Mr. Jones was married to Maggie C. McLean, who is a daughter of Neal and Catherine (McLain) McLean, residents of Union County, Ohio. The parents .of Mrs. Jones are natives of Scotland, both being born on small islands off the coast of that country They emigrated to Canada when approaching maturity and were married in the Dominion in 1852. Later they came to Marion, Ohio, where they resided, for a time and then removed to LaRue, where they lived for a few years, finally removing to Union County, where the father bought a small farm. He died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. McMorran, near St. Paris, Ohio, November 25, 1895, at the age of 98 years.. His, widow survived but a few months, dying March 17, 1896, aged 87 years. They had a large family and the following grew to maturity, namely: Magnus Nancy, Maggie C. (Mrs. Jones), Sarah, Christie, William, Mary, Flora, Neal, Americus and Elizabeth Ellen. Six still survive. The eldest was Hugh who died many years ago.
Mr. and Mrs. Jones have an adopted daughter Florence McLean Jones, who was born November 16, 1891, and is attending school at LaRue.
Mr. Jones has always taken a deep interest in educational matters and has served on the School Board ever since residing in Bowling Green township. Although he has spent some years in other portions of the country, no place has ever seemed to him so favored by Nature as Marion County and this section is his preferred home. He can remember when the country in this region was practically a wilderness and when each family knew every member of other families for miles in every direction. From the time of settlement here, the Jones family has been foremost in the agricultural development of this section and has acquired position and substance through its sterling characteristics.
Mr. Jones is, a member of the Masonic lodge at LaRue. A group picture of the family of John Jones, the father of our subject, accompanies this sketch, being presented on a foregoing page.
JOHN WESLEY JONES, (PICTURE) a representative farmer and stock-raiser of Bowling Green township, residing one and a half miles from LaRue, on the "Sand" turnpike, is the fortunate owner of some of the finest farming land in this section of Marion County, including 440 acres in Bowling Green and Montgomery townships. Mr. Jones was born in Montgomery township, Marion County, Ohio, March 16, 1852, and is a son of John and Elizabeth (Lynch) Jones.
John Jones, father of John Wesley, was born October 2, 1816, in Sussex County, Delaware, and was a son of London and Margaret (Jackson) Jones, the former of Welsh and the latter of Irish extraction, both of whom died in Delaware. Two of their children lived to venerable age, John and Nancy, the latter of whom married William McClurg, of Indiana. When 17 years of age, John Jones became entirely dependent upon his own resources. This was not a very unusual position for a young man, but the fact that in spite of it he became one of the wealthiest and most highly esteemed men of his section teaches a lesson that is interesting and' instructive. He sought and found work and in the family it is told how carefully he treasured the first three silver dollars ever paid him, keeping them until his death; they are still preserved by the family, For eight years he was employed as a laborer on a railroad and also on a canal-boat. In 1837 he came to Marion County and located in what in now known as the Imbody settlement near Longnecker mill. He spent the remainder of his life in Montgomery and Bowling Green townships, with the exception of two years in Indiana, in the meantime through industry and good judgment gradually acquiring and increasing his land until he owned 1,492 acres. He remained interested in his farming and stock-raising operations all through his active years and until his death was a man of strong mind and physical robustness. His death occurred August 13, 1905, in his 89th year.
On April 10, 1841, John Jones was married to Elizabeth Lynch, who was born in Delaware, in September, 1826, and died December 11, 1905, aged 79 years, surviving her husband but a few months. She was a daughter of Jeremiah and Mary (Dutton) Lynch, the former of whom was of Irish and the latter of English descent; both, however, natives of Delaware. Jeremiah Lynch was born December 15, 1791, and died in 1833. His wife was born October 10, 1790, and died in 1872, at the age of 82 years. The children of John and Elizabeth Jones were as follows: Jeremiah, a resident of Bowling Green township, who married Maggie C. McLean; Josephine, who died in infancy; Mary Jane, who married (first) Marshall Robinson and (second) Robert Bonner and resides at LaRue; Andrew J., residing in Bowling Green township, who married Catherine Price; John Wesley; Josephine (2), who married William Thomasson and resides in Bowling Green township; and Emma, who married William Gaston and lives in the western end of Bowling Green township. John Jones was a Democrat in his political views and served as township trustee. He ascribed much of his success in life to his temperance in all things, never having used tobacco in any form during his whole life.
John Wesley Jones attended the district schools and the public schools of LaRue and later the National Normal University at Lebanon, Ohio. He then settled down to farming and stock-raising and has continued in these lines ever since. In 1886, soon after his marriage, he located on his present farm in Bowling Green township, where he has made many improvements. He built his comfortable home and in 1888 erected a substantial barn which later proved inadequate for his needs, forcing him to build a second one in 1905. If placed on the market, his property would command a very high price on account of its general excellent condition.
On August 25, 1885, Mr. Jones was married to Mary A. McNeff, a daughter of Thomas and Winnie (Gilrain) McNeff. Thomas McNeff was born in Ireland in 1838 and came to America in 1853, landing on the shores of a strange country, a boy of 15 years, with empty pockets. He came to Marion County and worked on a railroad for 12 years; he saved his money and thus was able to purchase a farm of 83 acres in Bowling Green township, which he improved and resided upon until 1897. In that year he moved to LaRue, where he lived until his death, February 12, 1904. He was married February 17, 1861 , to Winnie Gilrain, a daughter of Thomas and Mary (O'Harra) Gilrain, natives of Ireland. Thomas McNeff and wife had seven children, as follows: Michael and John, deceased in infancy; Mary A.; Sallie, who married Jacob Lersch and resides at Mansfield, Ohio; James, residing on the homestead in Bowling Green township, who married Celia Brady; Ella, who married Alfred Sagers and resides at Marion; and Maggie, who married Claude Gorrell and resides at Cleveland. The mother still survives at the age of 67 years. Mrs. Jones was reared in the Catholic faith.
Mr. and Mrs. Jones have had the following children: Mary Elizabeth, born August 25, 1886, who married Charles Allen and resides at LaRue Frances, born January 7, 1888, who died April 4, 1888; Harry, born August 1, 1893, and Nellie Pinkey, born November 15, 1895, who attend school at LaRue; and John Thomas (married Idella Jones), born February 5, 1899, who is attending district school. In politics Mr. Jones has always been identified with the Democratic party.
WILLIAM T. JONES, senior member of the well-known real estate and insurance firm of Jones & Wilson, at Marlon, was born in 1871 in Delaware County, Ohio, and is a son of Martin Jones, who is a prominent farmer living near Ostrander, Ohio,
Mr, Jones received a public school education, which he supplemented by a commercial course in the Delaware Business College, and then became a telegraph operator for the "Big Four" Railroad. After four years at the keys, he accepted a position as assistant cashier of a bank, at Ostrander, Ohio, where he continued for two and a half years, coming to Marion in 1895. A good opening for a life insurance business presented itself here at that time and for one year he gave his exclusive attention to representing the John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company. In 1896 he entered into partnership with J. V. Wilson, under the firm name of Jones & Wilson. This firm has become the leading one in the line of real estate and general Insurance in the city. Mr. Jones devotes his attention to the life and accident department, while Mr. Wilson manages the fire department. The firm represents the following reliable insurance companies: John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company, of Boston; General Accident Insurance Company, of Philadelphia; and the following fire insurance companies-Aetna and Phoenix (both of Hartford, Connecticut), Home (of New York), Fire Association (of Philadelphia), New Hampshire (of Manchester, New Hampshire), Commercial Union (of London), Scottish Union, Western (of Toronto) and 18 others.
The firm of Jones & Wilson also does all extensive real estate business, dealing exclusively in city property. They own the Perry, Jones & Wilson Addition; they purchased the land in 1905, platted it and built a number of houses for which they have found ready sale. The firm has just purchased another tract, which will be known as the Jones & Wilson Addition, which will be disposed of as the former one. They own all the property they handle. Mr. Jones is also interested in other enterprises.
In 1894 Mr. Jones was married to Flora R. Rhodes, a daughter of S. M. Rhodes, formerly of Coles County, Illinois, but now a resident of Marion. They have one daughter, Mildred. Mr. and Mrs. Jones are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Fraternally he belongs to the Masons and the Knights of Pythias.
