Biographical Sketch of

James L. Jones

Transcribed by Sandra Boudrou



Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin, 
published 1890 by Acme Publishing Co., Chicago, Pages 562 - 563 


James L. Jones is engaged in farming on section 13, in the town of Oxford, Marquette County.  Few citizens 
of the county have so long been residents of this community as our subject, and it affords us great pleasure 
to present a record of his life to the reader of the Album.  He was born on the 23rd of June, 1818, in Wales, 
and is a son of Lewis Jones who continued to reside in that country until his death.  He was one of a family 
of eight children and in his native town Llanddwyn, in Mirwnthshire, he grew to manhood, being reared to the 
occupation of farming.  In 1848 he led to the marriage altar Miss Eleanor Lewis, daughter of John Lewis, and 
on the 5th of April, 1849, the young couple embarked for America, having determined to make their future home 
in this country.  They boarded the sailing vessel "Higgerson," at Kalnaryon, and after a few weeks arrived 
safely at New York on the 1st of May.  On the next voyage of the "Higgerson," however, she sank to the bottom 
of the Atlantic.  Mr. Jones and his wife at once proceeded by steamer to Albany and thence to Buffalo, by way 
of the Erie Canal, then by the lakes to Milwaukee and on to Racine where they remained about two weeks with 
friends.

During that time, Thomas Henry, who had lately made a claim in the town of Oxford, Marquette County, engaged 
Mr. and Mrs. Jones to work for him for a year, their wages to be $150.  They continued in his employ for two 
years, but the day after their arrival in Marquette County Mr. Jones entered a claim for himself, upon which 
he built a log cabin.  When two years had elapsed he began the improvement of his own land and has now one of 
the best farms in the community.  At the time of his arrival in Wisconsin there was only an Indian trail to 
guide the travelers to their destination.  The red men were much more numerous in the settlements then the 
white inhabitants, and they often visited the homes of the pioneers, sometimes committing serious depredations.  
Only a few months after the arrival of our subject, he and Mr. Henry went to a tract of timber land some 
distance from the cabin, leaving Mrs. Jones alone in the cabin.  It was still quite early in the morning and 
the men were busy at work, when a band of six Indians noticing how intent they were upon their duties, stole 
suddenly up to the cabin and covering Mrs. Jones' head with a blanket so that she could make no outcry or give 
alarm, begain searching the house and freely helped themselves to any thing which suited their fancy including 
food, knives, spoons and other articles.  They also took the greater part of the barrel of pork which had been 
brought all the way from Racine.  When they had completed their work of plundering they released Mrs. Jones 
and left the house with their spoils.  In the month of March, following,  Mr. Jones also met with an interesting 
experience with the natives when they again visited his house, but that time departed after appeasing their 
appetites.  Aside from such scenes and difficulties, many hardships and trials incident to frontier life were 
to be endured and he and his wife bore their full share but at length prosperity began to shine upon them and 
as the result of their united efforts, the enterprise and perseverance, they now have a pleasant home, surrounded 
by the comforts and many of the luxuries of life.  Forty years have passed since they settled on their farm in 
the town of Oxford.  And it is no wonder that they take a deep interest in the welfare and progress of the county 
with which they so long have been identified.

Five children have been born to that worthy couple, three of whom are yet living--Jennie, who has been a successful 
teacher of the county for twenty years; Catherine, who also followed teaching, is now the wife of Benjamin Smith, 
of Kossuth County, Iowa; and Lewis married Miss Martha Gifford, the adopted daughter of John Kelsey, and is engaged 
in farming.  John died at the age of seventeen and Jennie, the first, died in infancy.

Mr. Jones is the owner of a fine farm of 160 acres and his son owns a 120 acre tract which was given him by his 
father.  Well known throughout the community, he and his wife are numbered among its most highly esteemed citizens 
and have a wide circle of friends and acquaintances.  Their lives have been well and worthily spent.  Mr. and Mrs. 
Jones are members of the Presbyterian Church.






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