Union County, Ohio Biographies Project - Thomas Jones
THOMAS JONES
Thomas Jones for a number of years a prominent citizen
of Union County, was born in Wales July 29, 1823. When eight years of
age, his parents, John and Winifred Jones, emigrated to the United
States and settled down in Columbus, Ohio, where they both died. Mr.
Jones spent his early life in Columbus, and was educated in the public
schools of that place. In 1852-53, he came to Union County and
purchased 207 acres of land, to which he added by subsequent purchase
till his farm contained 300 acres. He also owned a farm of 186 acres on
Darby Plains, Madison County. Mr. Jones was a leading and influential
citizen, and as a fine stock-raiser was second to none in the county.
He was especially engaged in keeping thoroughbred short-horned cattle
and French Norman and Clydesdale horses. He was the first man to
introduce French horses in the county, and owned one of the first
Norman Stallions (Pleasant Valley Bill) that was imported to the United
States. In 1857, he bought the Norman mare Doll-the third one of the
Norman stock that was imported into America. Mr. Jones was successfully
engaged in the fine stock business till he removed to his farm near
Delaware, since which time his sons, Charles M. and Albert N., have
succeeded him in his useful enterprise. He was married, November 10,
1847, to Mariam Newton, who was born in Madison County April 22, 1824.
Their union was blessed with six children-Naniet N., wife of Dr. J. D.
Jones, of Cleveland, Ohio; Charles M., Albert N., Ellsworth E. and
Winifred; Ann, is deceased; Charles M., was born June 9, 1850, and
Albert N., November 20, 1850. They reside on the homestead near Plain
City.