WILLIAM JONES
William Jones, farmer, Delavan Township, was born in Richmond, Vt., March 18, 1842, the son of Nathaniel and Sarah (Robinson) Jones. The father, born in Ireland in 1810, died in Tazewell County in 1865; the mother, born in Ireland in 1812, died in 1871. Mr. Jones’ maternal grandparents were James and Rebecca Robinson; the paternal grandfather, William Jones, was a native of Scotland. Nathaniel Jones, the father, came to this country when ten years old, the family settling in Vermont, where after reaching his maturity he engaged in farming until 1854, when he removed to McHenry County, Ill., and there resumed his occupation as a farmer. There were seven children in his family.
William Jones obtained his education in the public schools, and coming to Tazewell County September 8, 1863, at once took up farming as his life-work. His place, comprising 160 acres, is located a mile and a half west of Delavan. It is provided with fine farm buildings and in a high state of cultivation. He has served as School Trustee and Road Commissioner and stands high in the esteem of his community.
Mr. Jones was married in Prairie Creek Township, Logan County, February 28, 1866, to Miss Sarah R. Nichols, who was born in Elm Grove, Tazewell County, September 22, 1837, the daughter of John and Mary (Gordon) Nichols, who were natives of Washington County. N. H., the father born in 1797 and the mother in 1801. They were farmers, and removed to Logan County, where the father died in 1871, the mother passing away four years later. Nathaniel Gordon, Mrs. Jones’ grandfather, was born in New Hampshire in 1769, and died in 1826. His wife, Millie (Rand) Gordon, born in 1764, died in 1833. Mr. and Mrs. Jones have had two children, one of whom, Alfred G., is deceased; the other, Hermon C., is at home, and is managing the farm for his parents.