BIO:  Robert L. Jones, York County, PA

Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Kathy Francis

Copyright 2006.  All rights reserved.
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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, Peach Bottom Township, Pg 164

ROBERT L. JONES, a prominent slate manufacturer of Peach Bottom Township, is a native of 
Carnaervonshire, in north Wales, was born March 15, 1841; came to Peach Bottom Township in 
1860, engaged in slate quarrying, in the employ of a Philadelphia company, and afterward for 
John Humphrey.  August 22, 1862, he enlisted in Company A, Third Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery, 
and served until June 14, 1865.  During the last eighteen months his company was on the gun-
boat “Shrapnel.”  He was never on the sick list nor lost a day from duty.  He was discharged 
with the rank of first sergeant at Camp Hamilton, Va., and returned to West Bangor, where he 
resumed work at his old place, and continued so employed until 1871, when he became associated 
with four partners in operating a quarry.  Selling out in 1879, he, in company with P. B. 
Shank, leased about twenty-five acres of slate land, and opened a new quarry about one-fourth 
mile from West Bangor, which has proved one of the most productive on the ridge.  He 
manufactured, in 1883, with about twenty hands, 2,800 squares of roofing slate.  Since 1882 Mr. 
Jones has been sole owner, and his entire time is given to the management to the business.  
Though he attended school in Wales about two years (between seven and nine),and about two 
months in America, yet he keeps his own books, and directs his large business unassisted.  He 
married, in Philadelphia, in 1870, Miss Isabella Roberts, a native of Wales, and has four 
children:  Emma, William J., Arthur and Isabella.  Both Mr. Jones and wife are members of the 
Calvinistic Methodist Church, and he is treasurer in the Esdraelon Lodge, A. F. & A. M., and 
also treasurer of the Building and Loan Association of Delta.