My Genealogy Hound

WILLIAM D. JONES, a successful business man residing in Dowagiac, is the owner proprietor of the grocery store located on the corner of Front and Commercial Streets. Since 1877, when he embarked in the business, he has built up a lucrative and extensive trade and has gained the confidence of the people to a degree not usually enjoyed. In his establishment he carries a complete assortment of crockery, staple and fancy groceries, vegetables in their season, and also has a market, where the best grades of fresh meats may be obtained.

Among the pioneers of Cass County prominent mention belongs to Gilman C. Jones, the father of our subject. He was born in Hopkinton, N. H., July 12, 1819, being the son of Jacob and Lydia (Straw) Jones. Jacob Jones was the first representative of the family in this country and he was an early settler of New Hampshire, He served as a soldier in the War of 1812 and was afterward an officer in the State militia. Of his ten children, Gilman was the fourth in order of birth, and he was reared in New Hampshire, being educated at Pembroke. About 1844 he came to Michigan and settled in Cass County, where for a time he taught in the schools of Cassopolis. Later he embarked in the mercantile business, becoming one of the pioneer merchants of the place, and was in partnership with two gentlemen under the firm name of Lybrook, Lofland & Jones.

When the Michigan Central Railroad was put through Dowagiac, Gilman Jones came hither, and with his brother erected the large brick store now occupied by Mark Oppenheim, the tailor. In connection with dry goods he also carried a large stock of drugs and hardware and conducted a general business until 1876, when he retired. His first marriage was to Miss Laura, daughter of James Dickson, an early settler of Cass County. Five children were born of the union, only two of whom now survive: our subject and Dan, the latter being the proprietor of the Buena Vista Herald, published at Buena Vista, Colo. In 1872 Gilman Jones married Miss Amanda Wall, and they became the parents of four children, all of whom are living and make their home in Ann Arbor, Mich.

Politically, Gilman Jones was a Democrat, although during the Civil War he acted with the Republican party. In 1860 he was elected to the office of State Senator, in which he served with distinction. He was a strong anti-slavery man, and assisted in raising troops for the defense of the Union. As President of the Village Board and Supervisor of Silver Creek Township, he was instrumental in securing many improvements here. An energetic, determined man, he was successful in whatever he undertook, and occupied a high place in the regard of the people. In his religious belief he was a Universalist. His death occurred in May, 1889.

Born in Dowagiac, September 26, 1854, the subject of this sketch was reared here and gained a good education in the public schools. After leaving school he became salesman for his father, and continued thus occupied until the retirement of the senior Mr. Jones in 1876. During the following year our subject engaged in business for himself and rapidly gained a place among the substantial business men of Dowagiac. A Democrat in politics, he has held the office of City Treasurer for two terms and served as Alderman for six years, representing the First Ward in the City Council. At present he is Chairman of the Democratic County Central Committee. He is interested in politics and has served as delegate to the State convention a number of times, he was the originator of the paid fire department in this place, and also took a prominent part in the building of the water works here.