My Genealogy Hound

Below is a family biography included in The History of Smith County, Tennessee published by Goodspeed Publishing Company in 1887.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

* * * *

James B. Jones, one of the leading farmers and tobacco dealers of the Twelfth District, was born one mile from where he now resides, in 1833. He is the fourth of eight children born to Jefferson and Nancy (Haynes) Jones. The father was a native of Tennessee, born about 1804, a son of Banks Jones, an early pioneer of Smith County. Jefferson received a good common-school education, and spent nearly all of his life as a tiller of the soil. He was a man of ability and influence, and for several years a magistrate. He died in 1851. The mother was born in Sumner County, and departed this life June, 1884, at the age of about eighty-two. Both were members of the Missionary Baptist Church. Of their children, four are living. Our subject’s educational advantages were limited, as his parents were poor. He remained on the farm with his mother until 1861, when he married Miss Susan, daughter of John and Virginia Hughes. Mrs. Jones was born in Smith County, in May, 1846. Nine children have been born to them; those living are James F., William W., Nevada Lou, Cornelia, Susan, Virginia, and Thurman. Mr. Jones remained on the old homestead until 1880, when he purchased the farm upon which he now lives. It consists of 202 acres of land, well cultivated, with a fine and commodious dwelling. The place lies two and a quarter miles southwest of Dixon Springs. Our subject started in life a poor man, and has accumulated his possessions by industry and judicious management. He gives his children the best educational advantages, is charitable and honest. He and his wife are active and esteemed members of the Missionary Baptist Church. Mr. Jones is a Democrat, and cast his first presidential vote for Millard Fillmore in 1856.

* * * *

This family biography is one of 62 biographies included in The History of Smith County, Tennessee published in 1887.  The History of Smith County was included within The History of Sumner, Smith, Macon & Trousdale Counties of Tennessee. View the complete description here: History of Sumner, Smith, Macon and Trousdale Counties of Tennessee

View additional Smith County, Tennessee family biographies here: Smith County, Tennessee

Use the links at the top right of this page to search or browse thousands of other family biographies.