Oconto County WIGenWeb Project
Collected and posted by BILL
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OCONTO COUNTY
Wisconsin
FAMILIES and BIOGRAPHIES

 

.JONES.
Researched and contributed by Gloria Olson

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c:1880 Dr. Robert Turner Jones Birth 1855 in Oconto County, Wisconsin Death 24 Nov 1932 in Chicago Wife: Elida K. Miller Birth 1857 in Pennsylvania Death 1940 Chicago Son of Thomas Huff Jone 1822 – 1899

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This is a brief outline of Jones family history in early Oconto County posted to help researchers
in making connections. Any added information is appreciated and descendants are welcome to "adopt - sponsor" this page
and have their direct e-mail link available so other family researchers may contact them to share information if they choose.  BILL

First Generation

The Jones brothers obviously followed the lumber industry. At the time of birth for Col. David Jones his parents, based on census data, were in Pennsylvania.

This is here for connection purposes only, there is need of further documentation:

How does ML. Martin tie in listed as a relative in George Hall book, under God Bless you Soldier?
Henry could possibly be BROTHER of Col. David Jones.

(?) JONES had the following children:
        2 i.   Tarleton JONES.
Tarleton evidently was in charge of the Chicago sales and distribution for the Oconto County mill. He is found in land records purchasing land in the area with a resident address of Cook Co., IL. He was also found on the following WI land Records:
Name  County of Record (not necessarily where the land was)  Acres  Date
TARLETON JONES GREEN BAY  44.6  August 02, 1852
TARLETON JONES GREEN BAY  49.04  August 02, 1852
TARLETON JONES MENASHA  29.48  April 01, 1856
TARLETON JONES MENASHA  80  April 01, 1856
TARLETON JONES MENASHA  40  May 1, 1864
TARLETON JONES MENASHA  31.81  May 1, 1864
TARLETON JONES MENASHA  40  May 1, 1864
TARLETON JONES MENASHA  80  May 1, 1864
TARLETON JONES MENASHA  40  May 1, 1864
TARLETON JONES MENASHA  44.77  May 1, 1864
TARLETON JONES MENASHA  40  May 1, 1864
TARLETON JONES MENASHA  40  May 1, 1864
TARLETON JONES MENASHA  40  May 1, 1864
TARLETON JONES MENASHA  80  May 1, 1864
TARLETON JONES MENASHA  80  May 1, 1864
TARLETON JONES MENASHA  40  March 01, 1865
TARLETON JONES MENASHA  80  March 01, 1865
TARLETON JONES MENASHA  80  March 01, 1865
TARLETON JONES MENASHA  42.7  March 01, 1865

        3 ii.    Robert JONES. +
        4 iii.   Col. David JONES was born 1789.
        5 iv.   Henry JONES was born Pennsylvania 1810. Henry died 15 Sept. 1868 at 58 years of age. Recorded in Evergreen cemetery book, but buried in DePere.
Is this a brother of David?
Henry age 50 and farmer, is shown on 1860 census living in Bellevue, Brown Co, WI. with Jane Jones age 60, widow of Col. David Jones, born in Pennsylvania. Based on census data, she would have been 10 when he was born so suspect brother-in-law, but not proven. Jones household also contained May age 36 (Virginia), Catherine age 28 (Virginia), Rachel age 18 (Mich), Henry age 12 (Mich), Matilda age 8 (Wis), Zack age 10 (Wis), Charles age 10 (Wis).

Last known photograph of the original Jones Brother's Mill on the Oconto River, no longer used at that time.

        4. Col. David JONES, veteran of the War of 1812,  was born in Pennsylvania 1789. Col. died 1850-1860 at 61 years of age.
He married Mary Jane BARTON circa 1817. Mary was born Virginia 1795. Mary died 1860-1870 in Wisconsin, at 65 years of age.

Col. David Jones

An article from June 1868, Green Bay Press Gazette states that David Jones, "sutler at Mackinaw and Fort Howard" with his brother, were some of the early lumberman in the area. His brother Robert passed through the Oconto area in 1836, finding nothing but rough and savage wilderness and they moved on to build the mill, in 1836, at Peshtigo along with Col. Leavenworth. His son Huff, returned to the area in 1845 to start a fishing operation and was joined by his father David in February 1846 to construct a mill which they located about 2 miles from the mouth of the river.

The 1850 U.S. census for Howard, Brown Co. WI. dated 23 Aug. 1850 shows David Jones age, 60, born PA. occupation lumbering; wife Jane age 55, born VA.; with the following children, Robert, age 38, born PA, occupation lumbering; Thomas age 26, occupation lumbering; Catherine, age 20, born PA., Agnes age, 18 born PA.; and Porter, age 17, attending school, born MI.  Also living with them James Tettenehaw, age 15, servant, born Ml. and a Betsy Leanguice, age 20, born MI. no occupation listed..

On Thomas "Huff" and Catherine Jones cemetery records at Evergreen Cemetery, Oconto, their parents are shown as David and Mary Jones. She is listed as Jane on 1850 and 1860 census and Mary Jane on death certificate of son.

Jane was found last on the 1860, U.S. census in Bellevue, Brown County, WI., page 468 as head of household. Her age is listed as 60, but based on 1850 census should be 65. She has assets of $5,000 real property and $1000 personal. She has living with her daughter Catherine, shown as age 28, born VA, should be age 30 based on 1850 census. Also living with her are Henry age 50, born PA. with real property of $100 and personal of $100. No relationship shown on census. Also living in household is May age 38, born VA; and the following children Rachel age 18, born MI; Henry age 12, born ML; and Matilda age 8, born WI.; Jack age 10, born WI.; and Charles age 10 born WI.

        Col. David JONES and Mary Jane BARTON had the following children:
                + 6 i.    Harry JONES.
                + 7 ii.   Robert A. JONES was born 20 Feb. 1821.
                + 8 iii.  Thomas Huff JONES was born 30 Dec. 1822.
                   9 iv.   Catherine H. JONES was born Wellsburg, West Virginia 24 Aug. 1826. Date from death certificate. Catherine died 30 Sept. 1884 in Oconto, WI., at  58 years of age. Oconto VR., Vol 2, pg 49. Buried Evergreen Cemetery Block 18, lot 5.
                 10 v.   Agnes Barton JONES was born West Virginia 24 Nov. 1829. Agnes died 19 Feb. 1915 in
Oconto, WI., at 85 years of age. Oconto VR, Vol. 6, pg 957 cert. #957. Information provided by Mr. E. G. Mullen, niece. Mothers maiden name shown as Barton. Obit appeared in:

Union Farmer Herald,
February 26, 1915.

Mrs. Collins was the wife of the late Col. Collins of the U. S. Army, and was a sister to Robert and Huff Jones, both now deceased, and who were among the very earliest white settlers in Oconto County. Most of her life had been spent in Washington (DC) and at some of the western military posts, but after the death of her husband, she made her home with her niece, Mrs. E. G. Mullen, at Oconto. Her remains will be laid beside those of her late husband hi Arlington cemetery, near Washington, DC. She married Col. COLLINS circa 1850.

                11 vi.   Porter JONES was born in Michigan 1833.
In 1860 census living in North Ward, Green Bay, WI. By the time of the 1870 U.S. census he is in Ward 2, m Green Bay, age 35. He is not found on the 1880 U.S. census.

        6. Harry JONES  birth date unknown. Listed on 1855 state census in Oconto.
Harry JONES had the following child:
                12 i.   David JONES. David died Jan. 1884 in LaCrosse, WI.

Oconto County Reporter,
Jan. 12, 1884
The following which was taken from the LaCrosse Republican and Leader gives the account of the burial of Lt. David Jones who resided in this city many years prior and subsequent to the rebellion. He was the son of Harry Jones whom many of our older residents remember and a nephew of our fellow townsman Huff Jones, Esq.

The funeral of the late David Jones took place Tuesday afternoon. Rev. Hurd of the second M. E. church preached the funeral sermon. The attendance was very large the services very impressive. Mr. Jones was a veteran of the rebellion.

The deceased was buried with Military honors. The Wilson Colwell Post and the John Flynn Post of the Grand Army of the Republic of this city escorted the remains to Oakwood Cemetery, a guard of honor from the Wilson Colwell Post, with arms reversed, twelve in number, attending the hearse. The cortage was quite long, and it was sometime before the cemetery was reached. Brief burial exercises took place at the grave, and the guard of honor fired a salute over their comrade's last resting place. He was Second Lieutenant of Company F, Twelfth Wisconsin Infantry, enlisting October 1st, 1861 and serving until January 2nd, 1861, and at the time of his death was 41 years of age. He leaves a wife but no children, to mourn his loss.

        7. Robert A. JONES  was born Platsburg, W. Virginia 20 Feb. 1821. Date and place from death certificate. Robert died 19 Aug. 1881 in Oconto, WL, at 60 years of age. Oconto VR., Vol. 2, pg. 16.

Oconto County Reporter,
August 27, 1881.

Last Saturday afternoon all that was mortal of the late Robert Jones was consigned to their last resting place in the "silent city of the dead," there to remain Until the mortal shall be clothed with the immortal, the new and better life shall begin.

The funeral services were held in the Episcopal church and were conducted, in the absence of the rector, by his assistant Mr. Joseph Moran, who read the beautiful burial service of that church in a very impressive and feeling manner. The singing, which was provided by several lady acquaintances of the deceased, was exceedingly appropriate and affecting. The following gentlemen all of whom were friends of the departed, acted as pall-bearers: Mayor W. H Young, Wm. Brunquest, Thomas Gilkey, H. M. Royce, T. B. Goodrich, and B. G. Grunert.

The church was filled with the friends of the deceased, who went to pay the last sad rites of respect to one, whom many of them had known for over a quarter of a century.

Mr. Jones left a wife and seven children, only two of whom have grown to man and womanhood. During the long and painful sickness of the deceased, Drs. Colernan and Moriarty were constant and unremitting in their attentions; could not have been more so had he been a brother. Their services were gratuitous, but their reward will be sure.

Buried Evergreen Cemetery, Block 21 lot 3. ;

He married Harriet T. DREW circa 1855. Harriet was born Mackinau, Michigan 1836. Harriet died 26 Mar. 1914 in Oconto, WL, at 77 years of age. Oconto VR., Vol. 6 pg. 686. Informant George Jones, Oconto., WI Buried Evergreen cemetery Block 21, Lot 3.

Harriet Jones is age 73, widowed on the 1910 census she has living with her son Herbert A., age 40 and Harry age 30 both single. Herbert's occupation is judge and Harry is a labor, doing odd jobs. They are living at 1322 Main St., Oconto.

In 1850 U.S. Census listed with his parents in Howard, Brown Co., WI age 38, born PA. occupation lumbering in August. He is also found Robert Jones age 49, is found on the 1850 census Suamico, Brown Co. WI, living with a group of lumberman in June 1850. He was born PA.

It appears Robert started selling his interest in the area in 1852, when he sold his dockage in the area of the city of Oconto to Edwin Hart.

Robert is one dwelling down from his brother on the 1870 U.S. census in the east ward. Robert is age 50, Harriett is age 39. They had the following children living with them, Ida age 13, Charles 10, Geo. age 6; Robert 5 months and Herbert 5 months. Also living with them was a domestic servant.

On 1880 U.S. census, city of Oconto Robert is age 61, born PA. father born KY. mother PA. His wife Harriett is age 44, born MI. with her father born IRE., mother MI. Children all born WI. are Ida, age 23, Charles age, 20, George age, 16; Robert, age 11; Hurbert, age ll; Leola, age 7 and Harry age 1. Also living with them is Julia Drew, sister-in-law, single age 38., born MI.

        Robert A. JONES and Harriet T. DREW had the following children:
                13 i.   Ida JONES was born in Wisconsin 1857. She married an unknown person circa 1896. Oconto County Reporter, Aug. 28, 1896
An exchange thus chronicles a wedding: "John Lewis, a popular young man of this community, and Miss Ida Jones, a Long Fellow school teacher, were married last week.
This needs to be proven and is here for research purposes only. Oconto County Reporter, 21 Nov. 1874
Ida Jones, the daughter of Robert A. Jones of this city, is dangerously ill with typhoid fever,
Oconto County Reporter, September 11,1880
Miss Ida Jones, leaves for Milwaukee Sunday night, where she expects to make her future home. We wish her success.
Oconto County Reporter, August 1881
Miss Ida Jones reached home the day before her lather's death and was with him to the end.
                14 ii.   Charles JONES was born in Wisconsin 17 July 1860. Charles died 25 Jan. 1917 in Oconto, WI., at 56 years of age. Oconto VR., Vol. 7, pg. 257, Charles was divorced. Information provided by Judge Jones. Cause of death TB, Buried Block 21, lot 3.
            +  15  iii.   George JONES was born 1864.
                16 iv.   Robert W. JONES was born in Oconto, WI. 24 Dec. 1869. Robert died 9 Sept. 1932 at 62 years of age. Buried Evergreen Cemetery, Block 21, Lot 3.
                17 v.   Herbert F. JONES was born in Oconto, WI. 24 Dec, 1869. Herbert died 22 October 1934 in Milwaukee, WI, at 64 years of age. Obit appeared in the:

Oconto County Reporter
October 25, 1934.

Judge Herbert Jones Grandson of Col. David Jones

Services were held this morning form St. Mark's Episcopal church for Judge H. F. Jones 64, who passed away shortly before noon Monday following an operation, after have served 37 years as county Judge.

A life long resident of the City of Oconto, Judge Jones was born here December 24, 1869. He was a direct descendant of one of Oconto's first families.

For a number of years he was a clerk in the law office of a local attorney, and in 1891, was named a justice of the peace. In 1897 he began his service as county judge and held both of these offices for several years. Since being elected in 1897, he has continued to hold his judgeship, and at the time of his death was the oldest probate judge in the state from the standpoint of years of service. He was also judge of the juvenile court.

His wife preceded him in death last June, and the sorrow that this event caused, added to his lingering illness, had a telling effect on him.

Judge Jones had been in ill health for some time, and about three weeks ago was removed to Sacred Heart Sanitarium at Milwaukee. His condition became more serious Saturday, and he was removed to a hospital for operation. He lived until 11 o'clock Monday morning.

The Rev. Fr. F. C. St. Clair officiated at the funeral services this morning. Pallbearers included Atty. John B. Chase, General W. M. Lee, William Westfall, L. C. Harvey, Axel Hansen and Atty. Joseph Housner.

Judge Jones was a member of the Elks Lodge here, and for a number of years served as vice-president of the Old Oconto National Bank.

He is survived by one brother, Harry Jones, who was living with him up to the time of his death, and a step-daughter, Mrs. R. Boehler, of Chicago.

Among the host of relatives and friends of the judge from out of town were; were Mr. and Mrs. Richard Boehler, Chicago; Mrs. Anna Jones, Laurium, Mich., and her two children, Robert and Ruth; Jean Laronde and Dorothy Orth, also of Laurium; Mr. and Mrs. Ed. Mullen, Neopit, and Mrs. Fleck of Big Suamico. Mrs. Anna Jones was the wife of the late Robert Jones, twin brother of Judge Jones. Mrs. Mullin is a cousin.

Judge Jone's lather was Robert A. Jones and his grandfather was Colonel David Jones.

Colonel Jones was a U.S. Army officer and was stationed in Green Bay about 1832. During the early 40's Col. Jones was in command of Fort Howard. In 1850 he purchased the Governor Doty estate, on, part of which the Green Bay reformatory is not situated.

The family history of Judge Jones dates back to the days when Oconto was just a wilderness. Colonel Jones owned large tracts of timber land in Oconto county, which at that time consisted of what is now Oconto, Marinette, Forest, Florence and Langlade counties. In 1835 Col. Jones built the first lumber sawmill on the Oconto river, the old water mill locate at what is now the western city limits of Oconto. The mill was operated by Judge Jones' father, Robert Jones. Col. Jones is also credited with building the first steam lumber mill on the Oconto river in 1852, also operated by his son, Robert, assisted by Robert's brother, Huff. Colonel Jones plated the original city of Oconto on July !4, 1856, which then was bound on the north by the Oconto river and on the west by what is now Collins avenue, making an area of three blocks long and three blocks wide. Col. Jones Donated to the community the property now occupied by the country jail and also that now occupied by the Oconto hospital, which formerly was the county courthouse.
Judge Jones' father was Robert A. Jones.
Buried Evergreen Cemetery in Block 21, Lot 3.
Herbert was a Judge in Oconto County.

                18 vi.   Harriet Leola "Toottie" JONES was born in Oconto, Wl. 1 June 1873. Harriet died 26 Apr. 1882 in Oconto, WL, at 8 years of age. Oconto VR., Vol. 2, pg 25. Cause of death, inflammation of lungs. Buried Protestant cemetery.
Oconto County Reporter,
April 29, 1882

The deceased was born April 22, 1879 in Oconto, and lived here his entire life. For a number of years he was employed by the Bell Telephone company. He was a member of the St. Mark Episcopal church and Oconto County Historical society. The Reverend R. A. F. McDaniel officiated at services and burial was in the Evergreen cemetery.

He was the son of the late Robert A. Jones, and brother of the late H.F. Jones, George and Robert Jones and Mrs. Masterson, the former Maude Jones. H. F. Jones was Oconto county judge for many years prior to his death in 1934.

David and Tarleton, his uncles, were the first people to build lumber mills in the city of Oconto, together with another nephew Huff Jones. The first mill was the old water mill at Susie's hill, and a part of an old dam still remains. In about 1849 they built a steam mill at what is now the site of the Oconto Yacht club. It was the first steam mill in the county, and later was sold to Jacob Spies.

The Oconto city addition on the south side of the river was platted by the Jones family. All the time it was thought it would be the center of Oconto, and the city lots on Second st were given to the city by the Jones family for a city square. They also gave the site of the present Oconto County and City hospital to be used for public purposes.
He is burned in Block 21, lot 3 of the cemetery.
Oconto County Reporter,
August 14, 1891.
Harry Jones, youngest son of Mrs. Robert Jones, was hooked by a cow and quiet seriously injured Sunday afternoon. The horn of the animal penetrated the front of his right leg and tore a gash one-inch deep and about four inched long between his knee and thigh.
 

Thomas "Huff" Jones son of Col. David Jones

        8. Thomas Huff JONES  was born West Virginia 30 Dec. 1822. Oconto VR., Vol. 4, pg. 630, death certificate. Thomas died 16 Nov. 1899 in Oconto, WI., at 76 years of age. Oconto VR., Vol 4, pg. 63. Age at death 76 years, 10 mo. 17 days. Buried Evergreen cemetery, Block 18 Lot 5. Cemetery records indicate he was born West Virginia.

He married Mary Frances TURNER circa 1854. Mary was born New York State 29 Dec. 1832. Both of Mary's parents were born N.Y. Mary was the daughter of Samuel TURNER,

Mary died 14 Oct. 1919 in Oconto, WI., at 86 years of age. Oconto VR,, Vol 7, pg. 914. Age 86 years 9 months 15 days died at residence. Informant Mrs. E. G. Mullen, Oconto, WI. Buried Evergreen cemetery Blk.18, Lot 5.

Biography of Huff which appeared in the

Thomas "Huff" Jones, in an interview which appeared on April 28, 1894 in the Oconto County Reporter, stated he settled on the Oconto River in Sept. 1845, with his parents then living in Green Bay. He established a fishing operations, quartered at the site of what became the Jones Mill, 2 miles up from the mouth of the river. He goes on to state his father came in February 1846 and they started harvesting trees to put up their mill and built their dam in the summer of 1846.

According to the article they greeted John Volk and his family along with a Mr. Hayes and a man named Ingram who also had a wife with him. Huff, further states, Thomas Lindsay came into the area the same year and agreed to put in logs for the Jones family.
On 1850 U.S. census shown living with parents in Howard, Brown Co. in Aug. 1850 age 26, occupation lumbering. He also, appears on a June l 850 census sheet at Oconto.

Listed on 1855 state census in Oconto.

The 1870 census, shows Huff in the east ward of Oconto. He is age 47, Mary is age 48 Robert age 15, and Mary age 12.

On 1880 census Huff is listed as age 56, born W.VI, father born KY. mother born PA, occupation lumberman; his wife Mary age 56, born NY as were her parents, plus his sister Kate, age 53, born WV. His son-in-law Edward Mullen age 29 born Ireland, occupation station master, daughter Jane Mullen, age 23 and granddaughter Edith Mullen age 1 plus Tina Kranz age 19, born Germany, occupation domestic servant.

Thomas Huff JONES and Mary Frances TURNER had the following children:
                21 i.   Robert T.4 JONES was born in Oconto, WI. 1855. Based on 1870 census. He married Elida K. MILLER Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Sept. 1880.
Oconto County Reporter,
September 25, 1880.

        15. George JONES  was born in Wisconsin 1864. George died 16 June 1922 in Oconto County, Wisconsin, at 57 years of age. Oconto VR, VI. 8, pg 620. Informant Herbert T. Jones. Oconto, Wis. Occupation contractor-painter.

He married Jennie (?) JONES.
Oconto County Reporter,
19 July 1895.

The Oconto Reporter Jan. 9. 1908 reported the following visit.
Roy and Serl Van Able of Pequaming, Mich., are visiting at the home of their aunt, Mrs, George Jones.
George JONES and Jennie (?) JONES had the following child:
                25 i.   Herbert T. JONES.

        22. Mary Jeanette JONES  was born in Oconto, WI. 21 Apr. 1858.
Shown as Mary on 1870 census Jane on 1880 census, city of Oconto. Date of birth from death record. Mary died 18 Dec. 1929 in Oconto, WI., at 71 years of age. Oconto VR. Vol 10, pg. 767. Buried Evergreen Cemetery. Name listed as Marie Jeanette on death certificate, widowed.

She married Edward G. MULLEN in Oconto, WI., 7 Oct. 1878.
Oconto County Reporter,
Oct. 12, 1878
MARRIED - Mullen-Jones at the Episcopal Church, Mr. E. G. Mullen to Miss Jennie M Jones, Monday Oct. 7, 1878, both of this city.

Edward was born 1859.

Shown living with his father-in-law on 1880 census age 29, occupation station master, along with his wife, Mary and daughter, Edith. Their is a gravesite in Block 26, Lot 12, at Evergreen cemetery which contains a grave for Edith, born 1879 died 1889, and Mary J. died 1929. Edward H. is buried in a different grave site according to cemetery records posted to the Oconto web site.

G. MULLEN, station agent for the N. W. Railway Company, Oconto, is a native of New York State, and came to the city in March, 1872. Was employed as assistant at the station up to April, 1874, when he took charge of the station and has continued in the position to the present time. He has four men to assist him in his duties.

Jennie M. Mullen, age 51 is found on the 1910 census living at 1345 Main St. with her husband Edward age 63. They had been married 32 years. They had living with them son Edward R, age 27 married seven years to his wife Lacila age 25. The grandchildren were Daleman, age 5; John H. age 3, and Agnes age 1. Also living with them were Jennie's mother Mary Jane Jones, age 76 widowed who had 4 children, 2 still living. Edward Sr.'s occupation is lumberman and his son's is saleman.
Mary Jeanerte JONES and Edward G. MULLEN had the following children:
                26 i.   Edward H.5 MULLEN.
Enumerated on 1920 census at 212 Jefferson, Oconto. Edward is age 35, his wife Lacila is age 36, their children are Daleman, age 15; John, age 13; Agnes, age 11; Elizare(?), son, age } Lacila, age 6 and Patrick, age 3.
                27 ii.   Edith MULLEN was born in Oconto, WI. 1879.

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