Thomas Jones Biography


	This biography appears on pages 1888-1889 in "History of South 
	Dakota" by Doane Robinson, Vol. II (1904) and was scanned, 
	OCRed and edited by Maurice Krueger, mkrueger@iw.net.

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	THOMAS JONES, one of the extensive farmers and stock growers of 
Hand county, is a native of the Emerald Isle, having been born in 
County Fermanagh, Ireland. The father of the subject passed his entire 
life in Ireland, and after his death his widow emigrated with her 
children to America, the subject of this sketch being about ten years 
of age at the time. She settled in Jo Daviess county, Illinois, as a 
pioneer, and there purchased a farm, upon which she continued to reside 
until her death, her sons ably co-operating in the work of carrying on 
the farming operations. The subject received his rudimentary education 
in his native land and after coming to America continued his studies as 
opportunity offered. The major portion of his educational discipline 
was secured in night schools, as his services were demanded in 
connection with the work of the farm during the daytime. He continued 
to attend school until he had attained the age of twenty years. 
Eventually he removed to Pottawattamie county, Iowa, where he was 
engaged in farming until he came to his present location in Hand 
county, taking up a homestead claim, in Florence township, and on this 
land his present substantial residence is located. To his original 
claim he has added until he now owns a valuable ranch. He is one of the 
successful and extensive raisers of high-grade cattle in this section, 
and also devotes special attention to the raising of horses. His home 
place is equipped with modern improvements and is one of the attractive 
rural domains of the county.

	In politics Mr. Jones has ever been a staunch advocate of the 
principles of the Republican party, and he was elected to the office of 
township clerk, of which he has ever since remained incumbent. At the 
time of this writing he is also chairman of the board of township 
trustees.

	Mr. Jones was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Reed, and of this 
union have been born five children.