SAMUEL T. JONES. - Samuel T. Jones needs no special introduction to the readers of this volume, not only because at the present time he is serving as circuit clerk of Sangamon county, but also because he has been one of the leading representatives of stock-raising interests in Illinois. In this connection he has gained a very wide acquaintance and his reputation extends far beyond the boundaries of the state. He was born in Logan county on the 7th of March, 1860, but was only eleven months old when brought to Sangamon county by his father, John R. Jones, of Williamsville, who is represented elsewhere in this work. He acquired his education in the public schools of Williamsville and in 1877 spent nine months as a student in a normal school at Emporia, Kansas. At the same time he was also looking after his father's extensive sheep interests in the west. In 1879, in order to still further advance his education, he matriculated in the State University at Bloomington, Illinois, where he pursued a scientific course, covering four years. Thus well equipped for important and responsible duties in business life, he returned to Williamsville and entered the employ of J. F. Prather & Company, bankers, in the capacity of assistant cashier. There he remained for four years.

From that time Samuel T. Jones has been industriously and actively connected with stock business, the raising of both cattle and horses, and he is today considered one of the best judges of live stock in the state. When a mere boy he looked after his father's large live stock interests in this county and became familiar, not only with the different breeds of stock, but also their habits and the best methods for caring for domestic animals. In connection with his brother, M. E. Jones, he carried on a very extensive stock-raising business, making a specialty of fancy stock. They were breeders of registered shorthorn cattle and conducted a very large and profitable business. They made displays of their stock only at state ad national exhibits and at the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago they showed three different herds - and one grade herd - taking first prize in the two-year-olds, yearlings and calves, of grade cattle, and sweepstakes on yearlings and calves, grade cattle, besides grand sweepstakes, open to all ages and breeds, on the steer Banner-Bearer. All of these animals were bred on the Jones farm. Mr. Jones also bred the dam and granddam of Banner-Bearer. At the close of the Columbian Exposition in 1893 he sold his interest to his brother, who still conducts a large stock business. He left the bank when, in 1892, he was elected to fill out the unexpired term of E. D. Matheny as circuit clerk, and at this writing (1904) he is again a candidate for the office for the regular term, being nominated by the Republican party, though there is no opposition in either party.

On the 22d of January, 1884, in Williamsville, Mr. Jones was united in marriage to Miss Annabel Brittin, a daughter of Evans E. and Elizabeth (Ridgeway) Brittin. Her grandfather, Evans E. Brittin, Sr., was born October 28, 1791, in Bucks county, Pennsylvania, and lost his father in early boyhood. His mother afterward removed with her seven children to Virginia and from there to Ross county, Ohio, in 1800. Evans e. Brittin was married in Ross county, Ohio, September 18, 1818, to Mary J. England. They had one child and afterward established their home in what is now Sangamon county, Illinois, arriving here in the spring of 1820. They took up their abode in Fancy Creek township and there eight children were added to the family. Of this number Evans E. Brittin, Jr., was the fifth in order of birth. He was born November 26, 1829, and married Melissa Peeler, by whom he had two children. After her death he wedded Elizabeth Ridgeway, and unto them five children were born. Mr. and Mrs. Jones now have two daughters, Grace and Mabel, who are students in the Bettie Stuart Institute in Springfield. The family, however, still maintain their residence in Williamsville, where they have a very pleasant home.

Mr. Jones is a member of the Masonic fraternity at Williamsville, belonging to both the blue lodge and the Eastern Star and he is connected with the Modern Woodmen of America, the Court of Honor and the Yeomen of America, all of Williamsville, and the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks of Springfield. He has ever been reliable in business and throughout his business career he has followed progressive methods. The same characteristics have ben manifest in his official service and have made him one of the worthy representatives of the public affairs in Sangamon County.