William R. Jones was born in the State of Georgia. His father’s name was John Jones, and the maiden name of his mother was Robinson. William R. came to Missouri in 1819, a single man, and settled in Montgomery County, where he was married the same year to Mary Whitesides, by whom he had John H., James H., Amanda, Mary M., Emeline, Nancy J., William R., Jr., Sylvesta M., Samuel A., Thomas S., and Perry S. All the children, except three, who are dead, live in Montgomery County. Mr. Jones was a Methodist preacher.