Copyright USGenNet Inc., 2011, All Rights Reserved U.S. Data Repository Please read U.S. Data Repository Copyright Statement on this page: Portrait and biographical album of Newayco (sp) County, Mich. containing portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county, together with portraits and biographies of all the governors of Michigan and of the presidents of the United States: also containing a complete history of the county, from its earliest settlement to the present time. Published by Chapman Bros., Chicago, IL, 1884 Transcribed and submitted by Joyce Pearson May 10, 2011 =========================================================================== JONES, Edward Nelson =========================================================================== Edward Nelson Jones was born in Medina County, Ohio, Jan. 11, 1837. His parents were Hamilton and Saloma (Jenne) Jones, the former a native of New York, and the latter of Vermont. Soon after their marriage they settled in Medina County, Ohio, where they lived until his father’s death. His mother then returned to St. Lawrence County, N.Y., where she passed the remaining years of her life. Edward N. was but four years old when his father died. He was taken to New York by his mother, and lived with his grandfather in St. Lawrence County until he was 17 years of age. In the spring of 1855 he came to Michigan, spent a few months in Allegan County, and in November following came to Dayton Township and located 40 acres of good land, paying $1.25 per acre. He then returned to St. Lawrence County, N.Y., where he was married March 27, 1856, to Elizabeth W., second daughter of Dexter and Mary (Wood) Glazier, natives of Massachusetts; she was born in Worcester County, Mass., Feb. 4, 1837. When five years old she went to St. Lawrence, N.Y., with her parents, and remained with them until her marriage. After this event Mr. and Mrs. Jones returned to their new home in Dayton Township, where they now reside. In the spring of 1856 Mr. Jones pre-empted 80 acres of land adjoining his original purchase. In September, 1866, he purchased 60 acres more, and he now owns one of the finest farms in Michigan; 180 acres all in one body, with 140 acres in good cultivation, and fine buildings. Mr. and Mrs. Jones are the parents of eight children, all of whom are living, viz: Ida M., born Aug. 25, 1857; Dexter M., Oct. 21, 1859; George W., Aug. 12, 1861; Judson E., Nov. 13, 1863; Clark A., Aug. 25, 1866; Effie M., Oct. 2, 1868; Elda A., April 15, 1870; Mary S., April 3, 1878. In June, 1882, Mr. Jones purchased 420 acres of timbered land on section 32, Troy Township, with a grist and saw mill on the same. In June, 1883, he sold the mill, and at the same time purchased 100 acres more of partly improved land in the same township. He now owns over 500 acres of land in this county, a portion of which is well improved. When Mr. Jones commenced life he had nothing but willing hands and a good constitution; but by hard labor and persevering industry he now enjoys a fine home, surrounded by an intelligent family, and all that tends to make life enjoyable. He has given his son Dexter 80 acres of fine land in Denver Township, where he now resides, 40 acres of which are well improved. He introduced the first blooded stock of Durham cattle into the county, in 1873, which he purchased in Oakland County, Mich. And has just taken the four first premiums for blooded stock in the fair, in which Newaygo, Oceana and Muskegon Counties compete. This is known as the “Hesperian Agricultural Society.” Mr. Jones built the first frame barn in Dayton Township, in 1858. He bought and operated the first eight-horse-power separator, and also put up the first windmill in the township. When he first came into this county he was obliged to chop trees in order to make a road, all being a dense forest. He has seen these forests converted to beautiful farms, the log cabins give way to modern structures, and school-houses built with all modern improvements; truly he is a pioneer. Mr. Jones held the office of Constable one year in Dayton Township. He used to be identified with the Republican party, but now affiliates with the National party. ===========================================================================