BIO: Uriah James JONES, Dauphin County, PA Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by JAWB Copyright 2006. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/dauphin/ http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/dauphin/runk/runk-bios.htm _______________________________________________________________ Commemorative Biographical Encyclopedia of Dauphin County, Containing Sketches of Representative Citizens, and Many of the Early Scotch-Irish and German Settlers. Chambersburg, Pa.: J. M. Runk & Company, 1896, page 240. _______________________________________________________________ JONES, URIAH JAMES, was born at New Berlin, Union county, Pa., in 1818. He learned the art of printing at New Berlin, Lewisburg and Harrisburg. While a journeyman at the latter place he wrote and set up the novel of "Simon Girty, the Outlaw," a book which is now very rare. In 1845 Mr. Jones went to Hollidaysburg, where he was engaged with O. A. Traugh in the publication of the Democratic Standard, and through its columns secured a national reputation for his witticisms. In 1850 he published the Keystone at Pittsburgh, but the paper proving unsuccessful he resumed his place on the Standard the year following. During 1855-56 he wrote and published a "History of the Juniata Valley," the first historical work which gave a full record of the pioneer life of that locality, much of which was gathered from the lips of early settlers or their children. In 1859 Mr. Jones went to Lancaster as editor of the Express, and in 1860 removed to Harrisburg, where he took a position on the Patriot and Union. At the same time he was a regular correspondent for New York, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh newspapers, and also a contributor of literary articles and sketches to the magazines. It may be mentioned that in 1859 he published a pamphlet, "Advice to Travelers," which has furnished the material for several American guide-books. Mr. Jones was accidentally killed by the cars at the railroad depot, Harrisburg, November 19, 1864. He married, in 1845, Margaret L. Traugh, of Hollidaysburg, who survived him.