JOHN M. JONES, farmer, stock-raiser and sorghum manufacturer, Sec. 21, P. O. Hoosier Prairie, was born in Clinton County, Ky., November 22, 1832. His father, Wilson L. Jones, resides in Clinton County, Ky. Mr. Jones attended a subscription school a short time, but received his early education mostly between the plow handles. He was for the Union during the war, and a member of the Kentucky Home Guards, but was compelled to leave his home. The United States Government gave him a free pass to Gosport, Ind., in August, 1864. He there made a crop in 1865, and the following fall came to Christian County, Ill., where he farmed until October, 1878, when he came to this township, and settled on the old Henry Conley place, where he is paying considerable attention to raising good hogs, general farming, and the manufacture of sorghum molasses. His molasses is pronounced extra good by competent judges. He is also a blacksmith by trade, and still does something in that line. He has built a nice new house, and is making other substantial improvements, which speak well for his enterprise. He owns 128 acres of land. Mr. Jones is a Deacon in the Baptist Church. He was married, December 9, 1855, to Nancy J. Kelsey, a daughter of William Kelsey. They have had fourteen children, eleven living — William W., Ollie A., John G., Abner W., Bennett N., Exonea B., Minnie M., Charley M., Lillie J., Delia M. and Ida A.
Extracted 26 Jan 2020 by Norma Hass from 1884 History of Wayne and Clay Counties, Illinois, Part IV, pages 186-187.
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