John D. Jones & Cary C. Williams
Jones & Williams. This firm conducts a large and complete undertaking business at Lima, with quarters on the southwest corner of the Public Square, the members of the firm being John D. Jones and Cary C. Williams.
This business was established at Lima in December, 1900, by the gentlemen mentioned. They have a well-equipped establishment, employ strictly modern methods, including the latest processes of embalming, and as a firm stand very high in public esteem.
John D. Jones, senior member of the firm, has been a resident of Lima, for the past 23 years. He was born in Piqua, Miami County, Ohio, in 1852, and is a son of William H. Jones, a tanner by trade, who died in that place in 1859.
Mr. Jones was the youngest of a family of eight children and was left fatherless at the age of seven years. After completing his schooling he went to Troy, and there learned the harnessmaker's trade. In 1872 he removed to Hartford City, Indiana, where he engaged in the harness business for one year. He then located at Montepelier, Indiana, where he entered into partnership with a Mr. Dick, under the firm name of Dick & Jones. Later he bought Mr. Dick's interest and conducted the business alone, remaining in business at Montpelier for a period of 10 years. In 1882 he came to Lima and here also engaged in the harness business until 1900, when he sold out and with his son-in-law, Cary C. Wlliams, embarked in his present enterprise as an undertaker and embalmer.
Mr. Jones was married in August, 1874, to Alice Seal who died in June, 1878, leaving one daughter Alberta now the wife of Cary C. Williams. In 1884 Mr. Jones was married (second) to Sarah I. Meeks, who is a daughter of Amos Meeks, one of the pioneer settlers of the county. Both of her grandfathers came here at a very early day and bought land from the government. Mr. Jones is a member of Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church and is serving on the official board.
Cary C. Williams, the junior member of the firm was born in Defiance County, Ohio. He may be said to have almost grown up in the undertaking business, as his father was an undertaker for many years and he assisted from boyhood. He is a graduate of the Chicago School of Embalming. Mr. Williams was united in marriage with Alberta Jones, who is a daughter of John D. and Alice (Seal) Jones.