Barren County KyArchives Biographies.....Jones, William B. February 4, 1816 - unknown
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Sandi Gorin http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00002.html#0000404 June 9, 2005, 2:35 pm

Author: Biographical Record of Logan Co, IL, p.227

William B. Jones, who is now living a retired life in the city of Lincoln, was 
for many years one of her most prominent attorneys, and won for himself an
enviable reputation among the legal fraternity of this section of the state.
He is probably the oldest lawyer in Illinois, having been licensed to
practice in 1837. He was born on the 4th of February, 1816, near Glasgow,
Barren county, Kentucky, and is of Welsh descent. His grandfather, William
Jones, was a native of Virginia and was a pioneer settler of Kentucky.
During the trouble with the Indians in early days he and his family were
often forced to seek shelter in the blockhouses and forts near which they
made their home. He married a Miss Wren, also a native of the Old Dominion.
John, the father of our subject, was born in the same state, but was reared
in Kentucky, where he wedded Miss Mary Young, a native of that state. Being
a strong anti-slavery man, he finally came north and spent his last day in
Grand View, Iowa, where he died in 1843. His wife died in the afternoon of
the same day, and they were buried in the same grave. By occupation he was a
farmer and school teacher. In his family were eleven children, six sons and
five daughters, namely: Angelina, William B., Keziah, Edward, Elisabeth and
Nancy, twins, Charlotte, John, Robert, Samuel and Christopher T. Reared in
his native state, William B. Jones obtained his education in its private and
subscription schools, and remained under the parental roof until nineteen
years of age, aiding his father in the work of the farm. On starting out in
life for himself he was superintendent of a spinning and carding factory in
Kentucky for two years. He then read law with Franklin Gorin, of Glasgow,
that state, and on securing a license to practice, in May, 1837, he opened
an office in Glasgow. Subsequently he engaged in practice in Franklin
county, Kentucky, where he built up a good practice. During the Civil War he
was a strong Union man, and was once concerned to be hung for his outspoken
sentiment in favor of preserving the Union. At this time he became a firm
friend of John M. Palmer. For eight years he represented his district,
comprising ten counties in Kentucky, as attorney for the commonwealth, and
was re-elected in 1862 without opposition. Resigning in 1866, Mr. Jones came
to Lincoln, Illinois, where he has since made his home, and was successfully
engaged in the practice of law until 1895, when he retired. He was
thoroughly versed in the law and enjoyed a large and lucrative practice. He
tried many cases before the supreme court, and attained a high position in
professional circles. On the 10th of May, 1838, Mr. Jones married Miss Mary
P. Lewis, of Warren county, Kentucky, a daughter of James A. and Margret
Lewis. She died in Morgantown, that state, August 19, 1844, leaving four
children, namely: Virgil A., Elnora I., who died October 30, 1881; Eugenia
A., who died May 22, 1886; and John N. T. Mr. Jones was again married, April
14, 1846, his second union being with Miss Mary A. Mann, who died February
21, 1l896. Four children blessed this marriage: James S., born in 1847;
Harriet B, born June 29, 1848, Elizabeth, born January 29, 1850; and William
O., born April 29, 1852. On obtaining his majority, Mr. Jones became
identified with the Whig party, and on the organization of the Republican
party joined its ranks, having since fought under its banner. Since 1848 he
has been an active member of the Masonic fraternity, and was master of the
lodge for twelve consecutive years. Although now in his eighty-sixth year,
he still enjoys good health, which is probably due to his temperate habits
and the upright, honorable life that he has led. He has never supported
those interests which are calculated to uplift and benefit humanity, while
his own high moral worth is deserving of the highest commendation.



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