Chester Leroy Jones

GILLMAN JONES, NEFF, WATTS

Posted By: Judy Wight Branson (email)
Date: 10/11/2005 at 21:07:04

Chester L. Jones, who owns and operates one hundred and forty-one acres of land on section 9, Penn township, was born in Holmes county, Ohio, in December, 1870, a son of Basil and Sarah (Watts) Jones, likewise natives of the Buckeye state. The father operated a farm in Ohio until 1883, when he removed to Madison county, Iowa, and purchased land in Jackson township, which he is still cultivating. In 1901 he was called upon to mourn the death of his wife.

Chester L. Jones was reared and educated in Ohio and Iowa, being but twelve years of age when he accompanied his parents to this county. He remained at home until he attained his majority, and then purchased land in Jackson township, to the cultivation of which he devoted his energies for a decade. At the end of that time he removed to Penn township and bought one hundred and forty-one acres on section 9, which he is now cultivating. He has made many improvements upon his property and its neat appearance testifies to his care and energy.

In June, 1900, Mr. Jones married Miss Cora Neff, a daughter of I. D. and Nancy J. (Gillman) Neff, natives of Indiana, who became residents of Madison county, Iowa, at an early day in the history of this part of the state. The father purchased and improved land in Penn township and followed agricultural pursuits there until his death, which occurred on the 22d of December 1913. His widow now makes her home in Earlham. Mr. and Mrs. Jones have two children: Helen W. and Byron, aged, respectively, thirteen and nine years.

Mr. Jones has served his township acceptably as a clerk and give his political allegiance to the democratic party. He is equally loyal to the Christian church and the Yeomen lodge, in both of which organizations he holds membership, and in all relations of his life his conduct has been such as to win for him high commendation. He is justly ranked among the able and successful farmers of the county, and none begrudges him the success that is rewarding his labors.

Taken from the book, “The History of Madison County, Iowa, 1915,” by Herman Mueller.