William R. Jones, farmer, Sec. 28; P. O. Mattoon; owns 726 acres; born in Harrison Co., Ky., Aug. 14, 1808; came to this township in 1834 and made a crop; then went to Kentucky and worked four years on his mother’s farm, his father having died when he (the subject of this sketch) was 23 years old; he then returned to this county in company with his mother and a sister, and settled where he now resides. He was married to Eliza P. Threlkeld (daughter of the late Rev. Thomas Threlkeld) Oct. 18, 1853; she died Dec. 31, 1856; had two children by this marriage-Thomas T. (born Oct. 12, 1854) and William (born Nov. 21, 1856); both are now living; his second marriage was to Elizabeth Ewing, March 25, 1862; she was born Dec. 28, 1829; this union they have one child-Sarah Louisa, born April 7, 1866. Mr. J. was the first Supervisor in the township and held that office three terms. Mr. J. was formerly a Henry Clay Whig, after which he became identified with the Republican party, the principles of which he is a strong supporter; Mr. J. has never had but two homes-the place where he was born in Kentucky and his present home; he is an extensive farmer and raises large quantities of stock and grain. Mr. J. was a warm friend of the soldiers during the late war; a more kind and benevolent man to the poor probably does not exist in Coles Co.
