William R. Jones
William R. Jones, a prominent resident of Lima, is a stockholder in a number of oil companies. He was born May 11, 1867, in Steelville, Chester County, Pennsylvania, and is a son of Emmor S. Jones, who was formerly a leading contractor of the county named, but is now retired from active life.
The early years of our subject were spent on a farm in his native county, where he later engaged in farming for himself, at the same time buying and selling live-stock, greatly to his pecuniary advantage. In 1889 he came to Lima and immediately secured work with the Lake Erie & Western Railroad, remaining in the freight department of that road for about nine years. For two years he conducted a grocery store and then resumed work in the railroad office for a short time. Then he and his brother bought the grocery store on the corner of North and Jackson streets, which they conducted under the style of Jones Brothers. Later they disposed of that stock and opened another store in the Masonic Temple, which they sold in 1902. They then invested their money in the oil business, their first venture being in the Beaver Dam field. Mr. Jones is a producer and contractor, with interests in the Cylinder Oil Company, of Joliet, Illinois, whose official board is as follows: Julian Barnes, president; John H. Savage, secretary; and George H. Munroe, treasurer. He is also connected with the Eagle Petroleum Company, of Cleveland, Ohio, the officers of which are: T. M. Marks, president; A. P. Hammond, secretary; and H. J. Brooks, treasurer, all of Cleveland. In addition to having an interest in these organizations, he has charge of the Euclid Oil Company, and the Dr. Charles E. Lawton Company.
Mr. Jones was married November 17, 1893, to Addie M. Johns, daughter of Samuel Johns, of Pulaski County, Indiana. They have two children Frederick and Mary Helen. Mr. Jones is a member of the Church of Christ and is also affiliated with the Knights of the Maccabees.