My Genealogy Hound

JONES, JOHN. Among the officers of Greene County none are more worthy special notice than our worthy Sheriff, John Jones, a life-long resident of Greene County. He was born on the old homestead of his parents, Josiah and Elizabeth Jones, in 1839. The early years of his life were spent upon the farm situated near Wilmington, where he obtained a liberal education in the district schools of his native place, afterwards attending a graded school situated in the city of Jacksonville. Proceeding to Chicago, he there entered upon a course of classical studies. In the counties of Morgan and Sangamon Mr. Jones for some time followed the vocation of a school teacher. In 1865 he united his fortunes to Miss Minerva E. Patterson, a daughter of Lemuel J. Patterson, by whom he has five children: Minnie F., Norman L., Lucy M., Howard and Cora M. In 1866 Mr. Jones entered into a co-partnership business with L. J. Patterson and James Howard for the transaction of a general merchandise business, the firm name being Jones, Patterson & Co. In 1871 the firm dissolved by mutual consent, the senior member retiring to his farm, there following the duties pertaining to this independent calling until his appointment as County Superintendent of Schools and deputy sheriff. In the separate capacities he proved equal to the duties incumbent thereto, serving two years as deputy Sheriff under N. J. Andrews and two years under F. M. Bridges. In 1876 his ability was recognized and he became the popular candidate on the Democratic ticket for the responsible position of sheriff. He was elected by the largest majority ever polled for the sheriff’s position, and during the present year, by the earnest wish of his many friends here, he accepted the nomination again to serve in this capacity, being again elected and further notice will be given in the general history of this volume.