Biographical Sketches
WILLIAM S. JONES
Is numbered among the pioneer settlers of Jackson county, dating his residence here from 1854. For many years he was connected with the agricultural interest, but is now living retired.
He was born in Mercer county, Kentucky, October 3, 1820, and belongs to one of the old Virginia families. His grandfather, William Jones, was a native of the Old Dominion, and in pioneer days removed to Kentucky. He served as a soldier in the Revolutionary War, valiantly aiding in the struggle for independence. The father of our subject, Joshua Jones, was born in Wayne county, Kentucky, and when a young man left home, removing to the western part of the state. He was married in Mercer county, to Nancy Sanders, a native of Fauquier county, Virginia, and a daughter of Olmond Sanders, who went to Kentucky in an early day and spent his remaining years there. Mr. and Mrs. Jones began their domestic life in Mercer county, and then removed to Washington county, but later returned to Mercer county, where the father died in 1857. He was a soldier of the War of 1812. His wife long survived him and passed away in December, 1892. She was a member of the Baptist church, and a most estimable lady. In their family were 5 children, namely: William S., Mrs. Martha Bull, Mrs. Sarah Robertson, Mrs. Lucy Huffman and James Harvey Jones.
Our subject was the eldest. He was born in Mercer county and spent his childhood days in that county and in Washington county. The common schools afforded him his educational privileges and after laying aside his text-books he learned the black-smith's trade, which he followed for several years. He also carried on agricultural pursuits, and in order to secure a home removed to Boyle county, Kentucky. As a companion and helpmate on life's journey, Mr. Jones chose Miss Jemima Best, and the wedding was celebrated in 1842. The lady was born in Garrard county, Kentucky, and was a daughter of Banks and Elizabeth (Heptonstall) Best, both natives of Virginia, and early settlers of Kentucky. Their last days were spent in Mercer county, where the father died in 1853, the mother in 1860. They had 13 children, but only 3 are now living, namely: John, Mrs. Jones and William. The grandfather, Caleb Heptonstall, was a soldier of the Revolution. Mrs. Jones was born February 20, 1824, and proved to her husband a faithful companion and helpmate. Their family numbered 5 children, who are yet living.
The record of the family is as follows: Mary E., the eldest, is the wife of Hiram G. Townsend, of Kansas City, and they have 2 children, Maud and Blanche. John W. married Eliza Ritter and lives in Prairie township. Ada, Wallace, Thornton, Lester, Walter and Marian are their 6 children. Nannie E. is the wife of Burwood Brown, of Washington township, and they have 4 children, Mabel, George W., Maud and Harrie. George Alfred wedded Mary Jones, and with their 3 children - William R., Minnie Lee and George A., -- they reside in Prairie township. Minnie Lee, the youngest of the family, is the wife of James Bengers, of Kansas City, and they have 3 children - Maud, Margy and James L.
After his marriage, Mr. Jones carried on farming in Boyle county, Kentucky, in 1854, when he came to Jackson county, Missouri. For 45 years he has lived either in Lee's Summit or within 3 miles of the town except during the period of the war. In the Fall of 1861 he joined Captain Duncan's company of Colonel Rosser's regiment and participated in the siege of Lexington. Being taken ill he was sent home on a furlough, after which he went to Upton Hayes' camp, and in the battle of White Oaks was wounded by a minie ball which entered the right breast, penetrated the right lung and came out under the shoulder blade. His wound forced him to remain at home until the next spring, at which time he was taken prisoner and sent to Kansas City, where he was incarcerated for some time. When he was given his freedom, as he could not stay in Jackson county, he went to New Mexico with a freighting train owned by George Bryant. While on this trip war order No. 11 was issued, and his family was obliged to leave Jackson county, Missouri, where they remained until the Fall of 1866. In December, 1863, Mr. Jones returned and after much search secured trace of this family. When he again returned to his farm he found everything in a dilapidated condition, for ruin and devastation had followed in the wake of the armies. He now owns 250 acres of valuable land in Prairie township, all highly cultivated, but during the past 6 years he has lived retired, leaving the development of his farm to others, while with a comfortable competence he is resting in the enjoyment of the fruits of his former toil.
Mr. Jones and his wife are members of the Baptist church of Lee's Summit, in which he has served as deacon and trustee, but has not resigned. Socially, he is connected with the Masonic fraternity, the Knights of Pythias and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. In politics he has always been a stalwart democrat and has served as school director. The greater part of his time and attention, however, have been devoted to his business interests, which well managed, have brought to him a handsome return. He is public-spirited and progressive, aiding as he can in those enterprises which are calculated to promote the general welfare and build up his community.
This page was last updated August 2, 2006.