My Genealogy Hound

W. A. Jones, merchant, Wynne, Ark. Among the prominent business houses of Wynne, one deserving of special mention in connection with the dry goods and grocery line, is the firm of Smith, Graham & Jones. This firm has assumed a position in the mercantile community creditable to themselves, and of benefit to the city. Mr. Jones was born on his father’s farm, known of old as the William Strong Place, a fine farm in the southern part of Cross County, on the St. Francis River, in 1854, and is the only living member of a family of six children born to William A. and Mary J. (Granbery) Jones, natives of Virginia and North Carolina, respectively. The father came to Tennessee in youth, clerked for a few years, and then bought an interest in the same store. He continued at this business until perhaps thirty-six years of age, when he moved to a farm near Memphis, and tilled the soil for a few years, then, with the proceeds of the sale of this farm, he bought a fine piece of property partly in each St. Francis and Cross Counties, on the St. Francis River, and consisting of about 1,200 acres. This is one of the historic places of this neighborhood, being situated on the old military road running from Memphis to Little Rock, and was conducted as an hotel by Mr. Strong. At the time of Mr. Jones’ purchase, Mr. Strong had about completed a large house, which Mr. Jones immediately proceeded to finish, and it stands today as one of the best houses in the county. Early in the settlement of the place, Mr. Strong had conducted a large store, and for some time it was the county seat of St. Francis, while Arkansas was still a Territory. Mr. Strong was the first postmaster, and this was the only post-office for miles around. Mr. Jones purchased this place in 1848, and immediately instituted extensive improvements in the way of clearing land and farming. At the time of his death, which occurred in December, 1860, he was the owner of about 500 acres under cultivation, over 300 of which he had cleared himself. Mr. Jones was a member of the legislature, from St. Francis County, and a member of the State senate from this district, at the time of his death. He introduced a bill to form a new county; this was passed, the new county was added and named Craighead, while the county seat was named Jonesboro in his honor. While a citizen of Tennessee he was also a member of the legislature of that State, and after becoming a resident of Arkansas he was one of that State’s worthy and esteemed citizens. He was a self-made man, and, although his educational advantages were limited, he carved his way to social and political eminence, and leaves a name and memory that is revered by all. His son, W. A. Jones, passed his youth on the farm, attending country schools, until about sixteen years of age, when he went to Tennessee, where he attended school for eighteen months. After this he returned and assumed the management of the farm, which he conducted successfully until 1886. The mother died in 1887. His sister, Mollie C. (Jones), wife of L. N. Rhodes, had been living with him, and died in 1883. Mr. Jones left the farm in 1887 and engaged with Hamilton, Smith & Co., at Wittsburg, for the benefit of the experience to be derived. On January 1, 1888, the firm of Smith, Graham & Jones was formed, and in February they moved their business to Wynne. This firm carries a large stock, and has a well-assorted class of goods, with a rapidly increasing business. Mr. Jones is a member of the K. of H. and Levesque Lodge No. 52, K. of P. His life is another example of the self-made men of this section; his father dying when he was young, and the demoralizing effect of the war, through which he passed his youth, it would certainly seem to have some influence over his future; but when he assumed charge of the large farm and the heavy incumbrance that he paid off in two years is the first exhibition of his inherited business qualifications. Since that time his life has been one of success, and now, sound and substantial, he takes his place among the leading merchants of the county.