Edgar Jones
Edgar Jones, a representative citizen and prosperous farmer of Radnor Township, belongs to one of the early pioneer families of this section. He was born in Greene County, Ohio, January 21, 1854, and is a son of Philip and Jane (Tomley) Jones.
The paternal grandfather of Edgar Jones was John P. Jones, who founded this family in Ohio. Both he and his wife, Mary Penry, were born in Wales. With their three children they came to America in 1818. John P. Jones was one of the earliest settlers in Radinor Township, Delaware County, where he purchased 180 acres of wild land, developed a fine farm and lived respected and esteemed on his own property until his time of death, in 1864. The maternal grandfather of Edgar Jones was also a man of sterling character. He was born in England, January 12, 1780, and died in Delaware County, Ohio, November 28, 1857. In early manhood he went to Wales, where he married and then engaged in farming in that country until 1840, when he brought his wife and four children to America. On the farm he subsequently bought in Radnor Township, Delaware County, he spent the remainder of his life. Of his five children those who reached maturity were: William, Hannah and Jane, all now deceased, and Richard B., who resides in Radnor Township.
Philip Jones was born on the Penlyn farm, in Radnor Township, Delaware County. Ohio, July 17, 1820, and died at Delaware, November 23, 1896. He followed an agricultural life until May, 1896, when he retired and took up his residence at Delaware, having lived continuously in Delaware County with the exception of 1854-5, when he resided in Greene County. On the Republican ticket be was frequently elected to office and he served as township trustee, clerk, treasurer and land appraiser. He married Jane Tomley, who was born June 28, 1822, ami died January 27, 1898. They had the following children: Edgar; Susan, who married J. D. Griffith, who holds the responsible office of assistant Congressional postmaster, Washington, D. C.; W. Guy, residing at Delaware; Jennie F., residing at Delaware; and Jessie, who married W. E. Harris, residing at De Graff, Logan County, Ohio. Mrs. Jones was a member or the Methodist Episcopal Church, while Mr. Jones was a Presbyterian. Both were conscientious Christian people.
Edgar Jones was reared to manhood on the old home farm. His early education was obtained in the local schools, following which he spent three years in the Ohio Western University, at Delaware. A decade of educational work followed, nine years of teaching through Delaware County in various districts more or less intelligent, and one year at Prospect. His vacations were usually busy seasons on the farm and since 1882 he has devoted all of his attention to agricultural pursuits. To the grandfather's estate of 180 acres, Edgar Jones and his father added 20 acres. After the old home residence was destroyed by fire on November 12, 1901, the estate was divided, Edgar Jones receiving 120 acres as his portion. In April, 1904, he bought his present farm of 108 acres. For a number of years he gave a large amount of attention to growing Shropshire sheep from imported stock, and he has exhibited all over the State, but for the past 12 years he has made a specialty of hogs. He has a valuable herd of Shorthorn cattle and a number of fine horses. The hay, corn and oats he raises he uses for feed but he sells his wheat.
Mr. Jones married Anna Davis, who is a daughter of John J. Davis, of Delaware. She was born June 28, 1855. She is a member of the Presbyterian Church at Delaware,
In political sentiment Mr. Jones is a Republican, but he takes only a moderate interest in party affairs. He is known to be a public-spirited and conscientious citizen and in 1907 his fellow-townsmen elected him township trustee.
From 20th Century History of Delaware County, Ohio, and Representative Citizens, Edited and compiled by James R. Lytle, Delaware, Ohio, Biographical Publishing Co., Chicago, 1908