Washington

JONES, Edwin Kent

Men of Vermont: Illustrated Biographical History of Vermonters & Sons of 
Vermont. Ullery. Brattleboro: Transcript Publishing Company, 1894, p 225 
(portrait p 225)

Edwin Kent JONES, of South Northfield [Washington County, Vermont], was born 
04 June 1828 in the town of Randolph [Orange County, Vermont], son of Daniel 
and Rhoda (PRATT) JONES. He was the youngest of a family of five children, 
and his mother dying when he was an infant, he found a good home in the 
household of Mr. and Mrs. J. A. KENT, of Warren [Washington County, Vermont], 
in the schools of which place he received his education. He removed to 
Northfield when he was twenty years of age and became a house carpenter. He 
erected the first academy and a large number of dwelling houses in Northfield 
during the thriving and prosperous times that followed the advent of the 
railroad. In 1860 he went to South Northfield to settle the estate of his 
brother-in-law, George S. EDSON, and soon after formed a partnership with his 
uncle, engaging in trade and at the same time giving some attention to 
lumbering and the manufacture of chairs. By his various enterprises he has 
added materially to the prosperity and welfare of the village.

Republican in his political preferences, he has served the town in various 
capacities, as justice, selectman, and as town representative in 1866 and 
1867. He is the author of the militia law which is the basis of the present 
system. In 1882 and 1884 he was elected senator from Washington County. He 
has been prominently connected with the Dog River Valley Fair Association as 
its treasurer and president. He is a member of the DeWitt Clinton Lodge, 
Free & Accepted Masons. On 30 December 1852 he [Edwin Kent JONES] was 
married to Harriet E., daughter of Samuel and Harriet (GARDNER) DODGE, of 
Northfield [Washington County, Vermont]. Four children were born to them, of 
whom three are living: Fred A., Susie E. (deceased), Minnie A. (Mrs. E. H. 
PRINCE, of Chicago [Cook County], Illinois), and Jessie A.

Submitted by Cathy Kubly