Francis A. JONES, b. 1845

Francis A. Jones. who owns and operates a good farm of two hundred and four acres on section 18, Pleasant Grove township, was born in Hendricks county. Indiana, February 19, 1845, his parents being James and Elizabeth (Gibbons) Jones, of whom mention is made in connection with the sketch of Robert M. Jones on another page of this work. He was eleven years of age when with his parents he came to Iowa and in the district schools he acquired his education. He continued to assist in the operation of the home farm until twenty-seven years of age, when he went to Missouri, where he purchased a farm, residing thereon for two years. He met with reverses, however, and lost his farm, after which he returned to Iowa. In 1883 he purchased the property upon which he now resides, becoming owner of two hundred and forty-four acres on section 18, Pleasant Grove township. The place was but little improved. There was a small house, sixteen by twenty-four feet, which Mr. Jones has since enlarged and remodeled, making it into a comfortable residence. He has also built a barn and other out buildings for the shelter of grain and stock. He has since sold forty acres of land but still retains possession of two hundred and four acres, constituting one of the valuable and productive farms of the county, the land responding readily to the care and cultivation which he bestows upon it. He carries on general agricultural pursuits, raising both stock and grain. He has always been a hard worker and in fact his close application and unfaltering industry have somewhat impaired his health. All that he possesses is due to his own efforts and his example should serve as a source of emulation and encouragement to others, showing what may be accomplished through diligence and perseverance. On the 2nd of June, 1875, Mr. Jones was united in marriage to Miss Maria Belle Foster, who was born in Davis county, Iowa, a daughter of Joseph and Nancy (Jones) Foster, the former a resident of Texas. The mother, however, died in Idaho. They came to Iowa in 1854, settling in Davis county, where they lived for many years. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Jones have been born thirteen children, of whom three are now living: Mary Susan, the wife of Lafayette Tolles, a resident of this township; Jennie May, the wife of John S. Small, of Pleasant Grove township; and Mary Melissa, at home. Ten died in infancy. In his political views Mr. Jones has always been a democrat but has never had a desire for office. He has served as school director and he and his family are members of the Baptist church. In manner he is unassuming but possesses sound judgment and is considered one of the substantial farmers of Pleasant Grove township.

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from Past and Present of Mahaska County, Iowa by Manoah Hedge The S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1906

Past and Present of Mahaska County, Iowa

Mahaska County, Iowa Genealogy

Iowa Genealogy

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