BIO:  Joshua R. Jones, York County, PA

Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Kathy Francis

Copyright 2005.  All rights reserved.
http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm
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History of York County, Pennsylvania.  John Gibson, Historical Editor.
Chicago: F. A. Battey Publishing Co., 1886.
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Part II, Biographical Sketches, Fawn Township, Pg 102

JOSHUA R. JONES.  A notable instance of a successful business career is presented 
in the life of Joshua R. Jones.  Born of Quaker parentage, in the village of Fawn 
Grove, August 28, 1837, he spent his summers during his boyhood working on his 
father’s farm, and his winters attending the neighboring schools.  At this period 
of his life he displayed that buoyant vigor and exuberance of animal spirits, 
which with him have always formed prominent characteristics.  If there was a 
rabbit to be chased Joshua was always there to lead the crowd.  One year was 
spent in a Friends’ school in Loudon County, Va., presided over by the venerable 
Samuel U. Janney.  His studies were completed at the Pennsylvania State Normal 
School, at Millersville.  After teaching one year, he entered another school, a 
rough one, but replete with valuable experience, and especially adapted to the 
study of human nature.  He became a book agent.  After canvassing with success 
for three years in the East and West, he opened an office as general agent in 
Baltimore, but removed to Philadelphia in 1864, where he is now operating under 
the style and title of the National Publishing Company.  His business has grown 
with great rapidity, as the imposing appearance of the new establishment at 724, 
726 and 728 Cherry Street will attest.  About 200 hands are constantly employed 
in the manufacture of his large stock of family Bibles, albums and miscellaneous 
books.  Twenty-four large presses, and a number of small ones, are used in 
printing his publications.  Mr. Jones is quick to see a business point, and quick 
to act upon it, decided in forming his plans and energetic in executing them.  He 
seldom fails to estimate aright the selling qualities of a book, and rarely 
published one that does not have a sale of from 50,000 to 250,000 copies.  Still 
comparatively a young man, he applies himself closely to business, and is ever 
watchful over its details.  The National Publishing Company is now one of the 
largest subscription book houses in the United States.  Mr. Jones’ career affords 
a striking example of the results of American “push.”  His progress has been 
steady and rapid until, it may be truly said, he has come to be a marked man in 
his calling.