For
Muscatine County Iowa
1911
| Biographies For Muscatine County Iowa 1911 | |
Source: History of Muscatine County Iowa, Volume II, Biographical, 1911, page 698
GEORGE W. JONES....By undaunted perseverance George W. Jones overcame many obstacles and today is the owner of a farm in Cedar township, Muscatine county, that promises to make him independent for the remainder of his days. In attaining the fortunate condition he has now reached, Mr. Jones climbed from the bottom of the ladder. He was fearless and self-reliant, difficulties only serving to nerve him to renew the effort. He is a native of Montgomery couty, Ohio, born November 29, 1867, and is a son of Henry and Theresa ( Wagner ) Jones. The father was a native of Pennsylvania and the mother of Ohio. The former departed this life January 12, 1884, and the latter five years later, March 27, 1889. There were eight children in their family, five of whom are now living, our subject being the youngest. The others are : Lottie, now living in Ohio ; Clara, the wife of Daniel Bodeker, of Dayton, Ohio ; Laura, now mrs. Clay Crow, of Fullerton, California ; and Edith, the wife of Charles Campbell, also of Fullerton.George W. Jones received the rudiments of an education in the common schools of his native state, to which he has largely added by observation and experience. He remained at home until he was twenty-one years of age and then began working in a boiler shop, where he continued for six years. In 1892 he decided to seek his fortune in the west and accordingly came to Iowa, where he worked for several years as a farm hand. Having acquired a good knowledge of agriculture and stock-raising, he rented land for one year and in 1900 purchased the place on which he now lives. It comprises eighty-four acres, all of which is well improved, and the air of prosperity and order that prevails about the farm indicates that its owner gives close attention to his business.
On the 21st of December, 1897, Mr. Jones was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Verink, who was born in Cedar township, Muscatine county, September 11, 1862. She is the daughter of Maness and Clara ( Narvis ) Verink, both natives of Holland. They came to America in childhood with their respective parents, who settled permanently in Muscatine county, Iowa. Here the young people grew up and were married, establishing their own home in Cedar township. The mothr passed away in 1899, but the father is still living on the home farm. Their family circle comprised ten children, four of whom are now living, namely : Mrs. William Freers, of Muscatine ; J. A. also of Muscatine ; Mrs. Seneca Finn, of Shenandoah, Iowa ; and Sarah, now Mrs. Jones. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Jones, the eldest of whom, Clifford, died in infancy. Merrill A., the second in order of birth, was born August 7, 1901 ; and Floyd Vernon, was born July 13, 1905. Mrs. Jones is a woman of good education, having received her mental training not only in the public schools but in the busuness college at Muscatine.
Mr. Jones gives his adherence to the republican party and for two years served as a member of the school board. Fraternally he is identified with the camp of the Modern Woodmen of America at Letts, Iowa. He and his family are connected with the Christian church and are stanch upholders of its teachings. Throughout his career Mr. Jones has been recognized as a man of unimpeachable integrity and one who was always to be depended upon to assist in any worthy enterprise aiming to advance the general welfare. Having made good use of his opportunities, he is a striking example of the application of industry to worthy ends, and it is scarcely necessary to add that he has the respect of a large circle of friends and acquaintances.
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