My Genealogy Hound

Below is a family biography included in The History of Miami County, Ohio published by W. H. Beers & Co. in 1880.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

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DAVID JONES, farmer and miscellaneous laborer; P. O. West Milton. The task of writing an autobiography is one from which I almost shrink, thinking that it would not much interest the general reader, and that, being different from a diary or journal, it seems to savor of egotism. I was satisfied with the authorship of my township’s history; but the kindness and courteous request of the authors of our county history induces me to write a brief biography of myself. I know, however, that it will be materially different from that of any other, because I know of none other who has so closely combined physical and scholastic labor as I have done. 1 was born on the 4th day of October, 1815. An unbroken wilderness, tenanted by its wild inhabitants, such as deer, wolves, wild turkeys, etc., then, and for many years after, remained in the west, enabling me to contrast the wild domains of nature with the beautiful scenes of civilized life. I was the only son, the fifth and last child of my mother, whose life was taken by a stroke of lightning before I was 2 years old. I have no recollection of her, and have often thought I would walk to the seaside most willingly, if, by so doing, I could have her image painted upon the tablet of my memory. A step-mother succeeded her, whose memory I honor ; but no one can occupy, in the heart, the place of mother. As soon as old enough, I was sent to subscription schools, at West Branch, where I learned to read at an early age. I possessed an almost insatiable thirst for knowledge, and read and studied every useful book I could get. I read “Robinson Crusoe,” and the “Pilgrim’s Progress,” when 8 or 9 years old, and was much delighted with them. Being the oldest son and possessed of excellent health, with much physical vigor, I was able to bear the mantle of hard labor that descended upon my shoulders in my 10th year. My father’s constitution being nearly wrecked by incessant and excessive labor, I took the plow from his hands, and allowed him to follow his trade of chair-making with more regularity. Having access to an excellent library, I read the works of great authors, such as Homer, Virgil, Milton, Pope, Thomson, Young, Cowper and other poets. I also read the works of that intellectual giant, Dr. Johnson, with great interest; Goldsmith’s “History of the Earth and Animated Nature” delighted me. The “ Spectator” I considered of great value, particularly Addison’s writings. These books, with many others not named, I had read in part, and with thoroughness, before reaching 15 years of age. From my 10th year to the close of my minority, I used the ax and maul, or beetle, in clearing, and the plow in cultivating the soil. My mornings, noons, nights and Sundays I mainly devoted to mental improvement. Even when following the plow I would hold converse with eminent men (long since dead), through the medium of their writings. I found delight in felling gigantic trees and all athletic feats, knowing how much they developed physical manhood. Excellent health, at my present period of life, is the fruit of my activity, regularity and temperance during the last half-century. As remarked, I continued and still combine literature with labor, and find as much enjoyment from newly acquired knowledge as I did in my earlier life. After reaching my majority, I engaged a portion of my time in the teaching of common schools. Being desirous to travel, I have taken several trips to the South and East, exploring Mammoth Cave and ascending Table Rock, on Table Mountain. My limits forbid a description of either of those great wonders of nature. I have seen Niagara, and heard its terrific thunders. During the political campaign of 1840, I was engaged in teaching, at the mission school in Kansas Territory, the. children of the Indians, who, ten years before, had lived in the northern part of Miami Co. In the year of 1843, I was married to Eunice, the daughter of Davis W. Thayer, a citizen of this township. Of eleven children, eight are yet living, viz., five sons and three daughters. Having brought them up to habits of industry, economy and temperance, I indulge the pleasing hope of seeing them all filling their places as worthy members of society. Possessing a birthright of membership in the Society of Friends, I yet recognize good Christians among all the denominations around me. I consider sacred literature the highest of human studies, and to understand the teachings of the Bible in its fullness, the highest of human attainments. In like manner thought the great Isaac Newton. In conclusion, during the last sixty years, I have seen the greater part of this county rescued from the wilderness, and covered with fertile fields, with handsome abodes, schoolhouses, churches, and a teeming population. I have seen our country’s population increase from eight to nearly fifty millions of people, occupying the highest position among nations. In view of the grand discoveries in art and science, one may well inquire what will, or what will not, be discovered next.

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This family biography is one of 964 biographies included in The History of Miami County, Ohio published in 1880 by W. H. Beers & Co.  For the complete description, click here: Miami County, Ohio History and Genealogy

View additional Miami County, Ohio family biographies here: Miami County, Ohio Biographies

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