Joseph S. Jones
Joseph S. Jones, physician and surgeon, New Martinsburg, Ohio, is the son of Robert P. and Nancy (Smith) Jones, natives of Berkeley County, Virginia, but reared in Ohio. Robert Jones, the grandfather of this subject, came to Ohio in the year 1809, bringing a family of two sons and eight daughters. He settled permanently near Bainbridge, Ross County. His sons, Wells and Robert, became permanent and prominent citizens of that section. Robert, the father of our subject, still lives on the homestead farm in Ross County. Wells died in 1863, leaving one son and five daughters. Robert is the father of six sons and two daughters, all of whom grew to mature years. Mary married Jeffrey Higgins. Wells married Lizzie Kincaid. Nancy married James Smith. Robert married Margaret Moon. William married Mary Core. James married Sarah Greenfield. John married Sarah Hamilton. Robert and Mary are deceased.
Joseph S. Jones was born in Ross County, Ohio, August 1, 1827. He gave the greater part of his early years to farm labor, and endured a full share of the trials and difficulties of the early times. His school advantages were such as were offered by the district schools of the neighborhood. He however applied himself with more than ordinary diligence, fitting himself for the vocation of a teacher. In the year 1850, he began reading medicine with Drs. Bittler and Little, of Cynthiana, Ohio, and attended lecture courses, in 1851-2, at Starling Medical College, Columbus, and in June, 1852, began the practice of his profession in New Martinsburg, where, with the exception of the years from 1855 to 1861, he has since been ministering to the afliicted of this locality. During the years excepted he was located at Jasper, Pike County.
He was married, October 11, 1855, to Eliza J., daughter of Richard L. and Melinda (Turnipseed) Williams, of Ross County. Mrs. Jones was born April 20, 1835. Her father's people came from Virginia, and settled near Chillicothe some years previous to her birth. Mr. Williams was a skillful stone-cutter, and in his early life helped construct the locks on the Ohio Canal. In later years he sold goods in New Martinsburg, from 1845 to 1878.
To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Jones nine children have been born: William H., Mary E., Charles, Wells S., Robert R., Laura M., Joseph S. jr., Alonzo N., and Lizzie, all of whom are living.
Dr. Jones has had remarkable success in his profession, having had twenty-nine years of constant practice, which is extensive and substantial. In politics he adheres to the Republican party, and has missed but one election since he became a voter. He is a member of Wilstach Lodge No. 368, I. O. O. F., of New Martinsburg, and has filled, at various times, each ot its several offices.
From R. S. Dills' History of Fayette County