Polk County IA Archives Biographies.....Tone, Jehiel 1833 - 
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Joy Fisher http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00001.html#0000031 November 29, 2011, 6:52 pm

Source: See below
Author: Lewis Publishing Co. (1896)

JEHIEL TONE.—The study of the character of the representative American never
fails to offer much of pleasing interest and valuable instruction. It develops
an originality of thought, a peculiar mastering of expedients, which has given a
most wonderful result. Deeds are not crystallized; hence it is that in
estimating the worth of a man we instinctively ask, "What has he done?" for in
his work we expect to find a true index of his character. The life work of him
whose name heads this sketch is most worthy of record. A success which is so
rare is not likely to be the result of mere chance or good fortune: it is
something that must be sought and labored for. By patient perseverance, arduous
effort and well conceived and properly executed plans, Mr. Tone has worked his
way steadily upward in commercial circles until to-day he stands at the head of
one of the foremost industries of Iowa, being the senior member of the firm of
Tone Brothers, manufacturers and wholesale dealers in Rio coffees, spices and
baking powders, in Des Moines.

   Mr. Tone was born in the town of Berger, Genesee county, New York, May 11,
1833, and is the eldest son of William and Laura (Williams) Tone, who were also
natives of the Empire State, the former born in Cayuga county and the latter in
the town of Barry, Orleans county. The boyhood days of our subject were passed
in Berger, New York, where he attended the common schools, and assisted his
father until sixteen years of age. In the family were three sons and three
daughters, of whom four are living, one sister, Marcia, being now the wife of T.
M. Longan, a member of the firm of Longan Brothers, of Des Moines.

   At the age of sixteen years Jehiel Tone became the manager of the old home
farm, which he operated for some years. In 1859 he started westward, locating
first in Huron county, Ohio, where he again engaged in agricultural pursuits. He
devoted his energies to that work until 1879, when he removed to Jackson,
Michigan, where he began dealing in coffees, spices and groceries. In 1873 he
came to Des Moines, where he embarked in the business of roasting coffees and
grating spices. He also engaged in the manufacture of baking powder, the factory
being located on Water street, where he remained for more than ten years. The
business was then removed to No. 215 Court avenue, and in 1894 was established
in the present commodious quarters, a new four-story building, which was erected
by the firm at a cost of $40,000. The building is 44x132 feet, and the four
floors and the basement are all used by the company. The coffee roaster is on
the fourth floor, and being situated high up in this way the smell usually
attending the roasting of coffee is carried off. The machinery used is of the
latest and best improved patterns, and the appointments of every department of
the business are perfect. They deal in all kinds of spices and are extensively
engaged in the manufacture of baking powder. The firm of Tone Brothers began
operations on a small scale and surely and steadily won the public confidence by
their fair dealing and the excellent quality of goods which they carry. Thus
they secured a large trade which has continually grown, their business coming
from nearly all the Northern and Western States of the Union. They employ a
large force of hands in their factory and house in Des Moines, and have a number
of traveling salesmen upon the road. The policy of the house is to treat all
customers alike, to conduct business on strict business principles and to follow
honorable and systematic methods.

   In 1868 Jehiel Tone was united in marriage with Miss Loretta McGee, a native
of Huron county, Ohio, and a daughter of Ebenezer McGee. Their family now
numbers three children, a son and two daughters: William E., who is his father's
assistant in business, and Mary L. and Alice, at home. Their residence is a
commodious and pleasant structure, located at No. 935 Ninth street, in one of
the best neighborhoods of the city. It is tastefully furnished and is the abode
of a warmhearted hospitality.

   In his political connections Mr. Tone is a Republican, but he has never
sought or desired public office, preferring to give his entire time and attenion
to his business interests, in which he has met with signal success. He has made
judicious investments in real estate and to-day owns considerable valuable
property. He has reached a position of eminence entirely through his own unaided
efforts and well merits the prosperity that has come to him. He has won hosts of
friends by his unfailing courtesy and geniality and his public and private life
alike entitle him to their warm regard.


Additional Comments:

Extracted from:

A MEMORIAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD OF IOWA

ILLUSTRATED

CHICAGO: THE LEWIS PUBLISHING COMPANY
1896

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