My Genealogy Hound

JOSEPH E. JONES, a representative citizen and retired agriculturist of Bethlehem Township, is a native of Pennsylvania, and was born in Northampton County, June 3, 1826. He is a son of Joseph and Mary (Butz) Jones, also natives of Northampton County. Griffith Jones, the great-grandfather of our subject, was a native of Wales, and was one of the first settlers of Bethlehem Township. He came to this country in 1750, and settled on the farm where our subject now lives. The residence Mr. Jones occupies at the present time is an old-fashioned stone structure, built by his grandfather, Joseph Jones, in 1809. The farm on which it is situated has been the property of the Jones family for almost one hundred and fifty years, four generations having been born, reared and called away within the walls of that same old stone house.

The subject of this sketch grew to man’s estate in Northampton County, spending his boyhood days in work and play the same as all boys of his day were accustomed to do, and taking part in all the games and sports of that primitive time with keen enjoyment. He attended the public schools of his locality, and also the private schools of Bethlehem, thereby gaining a fair education. Being a diligent student and a constant reader, he has kept pace with the current topics, and is well posted on the local and national issues of the day. The marriage of Mr. Jones occurred in 1863, and united him with Miss Anna E. Messinger, a Pennsylvanian by birth. Two children blessed this happy union, Isabella C. and Flora A. His beloved wife, who for many years was his devoted helpmate and counselor, departed this life December 25, 1891, leaving behind her a loving husband, daughter, and many warm friends to mourn her loss.

Our subject owns one hundred and seventy-seven acres of as valuable farm land as can be found in Bethlehem Township. It is well cultivated and improved, being stocked with all the necessary farming implements, and having on it large and commodious outbuildings. Mr. Jones has been a life-long agriculturist, and has been very successful in his chosen occupation. He is spending his declining years with his daughter Flora on the old Jones homestead, where he has seen so many of life’s joys and sorrows, and after a lifetime spent in usefulness and well-doing he is enjoying the rest which he so well deserves.

In politics Mr. Jones is a Republican, tried and true, and since casting his first ballot has always upheld the principles for which the party stands. He is an honored member of Salem Lutheran Church at Bethlehem, giving liberally to the support of the same. He takes an active part in benevolent enterprises and in all good works of the community, and commands the esteem and confidence of all.