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biography from Portrait & Biographical Album of Mahaska Co., Iowa, 1887
JOSEPH JONES. In 1856 the subject of this biographical notice established a business in the city of Oskaloosa which still exists, and is at this writing, the oldest of its kind in the city or county. The business which he so successfully conducts is that of manufacturing phaeton buggies and spring-wagons, his office and works being located on West Main street. He employs in his business from twelve to fourteen hands, and from 100 to 150 vehicles, besides doing a large amount of repairing annually. It is but just to state that his success in business is attributable to his own energy, good judgment and perseverance, for he has never been the recipient of a legacy. Joseph Jones was born in Wales, March 27, 1833, and is a son of Elias and Jennette (Davis) Jones. Our subject emigrated to the United States in 1851, and located at Milwaukee, Wis. He learned his trade in that city, and after spending three years there went to Chicago, where he worked as a "jour" for some time. He then went to Lowell, La Salle Co., Ill., where he spent a short time, and May 1, 1856, came to Oskaloosa. Arriving in this city he started a blacksmith-shop, which he operated until 1861, when he merged into the carriage business. He has increased his business as the development and increase in population has permitted, and has succeeded most admirably. Mr. Jones was united in marriage, Jan. 8, 1857, at Oskaloosa, to Miss Catharine, daughter of William and Susan Gilmore. She was born in Union County, Ind., and has borne our subject twelve children, six sons and six daughters, all born at Oskaloosa, and nine of whom are living. They are Joseph, working with his father; Susan, wife of De Roy Carriel, who resides at Minneapolis; William, a telegraph operator working for the N. P. R. R.; Edwin and Franklin died at the age of eighteen years; Alice; Nellie; Ida; Grace; Ernest died aged one year; Cecil C. and Owen. Mr. and Mrs. Jones are members of the Congregational Church. In politics our subject votes with the Republican party. Socially he is a member of the I. O. O. F., holding fellowship with Mahaska Lodge No. 16.
Portrait & Biographical Album of Mahaska Co., Iowa, 1887
Mahaska County, Iowa Genealogy