ALBERT J. JONES.

In the legal profession, which embraces many of the most brilliant minds of the nation, it is difficult to win a name and place of prominence. Many aspire, but few attain. In commercial life one may start out on a more elevated plane than others; he may enter into a business already established and carry it still further forward, but this is not true in the case of the lawyer. He must commence at the initial point, must plead and win his first case and work his way upward by ability, gaining his reputation and success by merit. Persons do not place their legal business in unskilled hands; it is the man of power before judge or jury who commands public patronage. Of this class Mr. Jones is an illustrious type. He began as all others do in the practice of law, and his present prominence has come to him as the reward of earnest endeavor, fidelity to trust and recognized ability.

Mr. Jones was born in Warren County, Indiana, June 10, 1857, and is a son of William Jones, a farmer, who became a resident of Indiana in his boyhood. William Jones was born in Ohio in 1827 and after arriving at years of maturity he married Martha S. Tyler, a daughter of Parker Tyler, who removed from Massachusetts to the Hoosier State. In 1866 William Jones left Indiana and came to the west, settling near Garnett, Kansas, whence he afterward removed to the vicinity of Geneva, Kansas. At the

present time he is residing in Yates Center. His children are: Anna A., wife of Thomas L. Mix, who resides near Osborn, Missouri; Albert J.; Eva L., wife of William Harned, of Crawford County, Kansas, and Wilber S., of Wellston, Oklahoma.

Since 1869 Mr. Jones of this review has resided in southeastern Kansas. He attended the common schools and then pursued a full course in the State Normal, at Emporia, where he was graduated. He met the expenses of his normal course by teaching and for thirteen years he followed that profession, becoming widely recognized as one of the most capable instructors in this portion of the state. He was principal of the schools of Kinsley for one year, of Toronto for a similar period and of Neosho Falls for three years. Prominent and successful in educational work, he conducted several teachers' institutes, has been a member of the county examining board for eight years and has also been president of the County Teachers' Association.

Mr. Jones was admitted to the bar in 1890, and has steadily advanced in his profession, having long since left the ranks of the many to stand among the successful few. A local journal said of him: "Among the legal fraternity in this judicial district no one is more favorably known than A. J. Jones. His private and professional career has been such as to inspire the fullest confidence in his trustworthiness and ability. His practice is a general one and a specialty is made of probate law, in which, from wide experience he is highly proficient. He has practiced in the appellate and supreme courts in the United States courts and in the departments at Washington. An important feature of his practice is the drawing up of papers and correct legal counsel in which his marked ability is recognized."

A staunch and reliable Republican Mr. Jones labors zealously to advance the interests of his party. He has been called to various public offices, wherein he has demonstrated his public-spirit by the faithful performance of duty. For two terms he has held the office of probate judge and for one term he was county attorney. In the first named office, every one of his decisions which were appealed were affirmed by the higher courts, and as county attorney his work was equally as thorough, reflecting credit upon himself and his constituents. At the present time he is serving as city clerk and as city attorney of Yates Center. He has also been chairman of the Republican county central committee, and at all times is active in the interests of his party.

On the 12th. of September, 1882, Mr. Jones wedded Miss Minnie B. Smith. a daughter of Dr. N. J. M. Smith and Sarah J. Smith, who came to the west from Virginia. Mrs. Jones is one of a family of six children, and by her marriage she has two children: Zelle M., born June 14, 1892, and Doris, born March 16, 1896. In his social relations Mr. Jones is a Knight of Pythias and An Odd Fellow. He is also identified with the military infantry of the state, being second lieutenant of company L, First Regiment of the Kansas National Guard, appointed by Governor Stanley. He is one

of the crack marksmen of the company, as his score at target practice reveals. In a summary of the life record of Mr. Jones these qualities stand conspicuously forth: Fidelity to his clients' interests in the profession of the law; promptness in the discharge of official duties; correctness in military tactics and absolute obedience to military regulations; loyalty fraternal principles and devotion to family and friends.

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