My Genealogy Hound

Thomas W. Jones, retired farmer, of Dyersburg, was born in Maury County, Tenn., in 1824, and is the son of Thomas and Catharine (Shaw) Jones. The former, who was of English descent, was a native of Wake County, N. C, born January 2, 1771. About 1805 he moved to Smith County, Tenn., where he entered land and lived several years. He afterward moved to Maury County, and finally, in 1826. located in Gibson County, where he remained until his death, in 1853. He was eminently successful in his business of farming, and amassed a considerable fortune. He was the father of fourteen children, thirteen of whom he lived to see married, and seven of whom are still living. His wife, Catharine Shaw, was of Scotch-Irish descent, born in Wake County, N. C., in 1781. She died in 1860. Thomas W. Jones was the youngest of the fourteen children. He remained at home until reaching the age of twenty-four years, acquiring his education in the schools of Gibson County. On July 13, 1848, he married Elizabeth E. Mitchell, a daughter of Thomas C. and Susan (Robinson) Mitchell. She was born in Rutherford County on May 8, 1826. To their union have been born four children: Susie, wife of A. R. Biggs; Katie A., wife of W. H. Biggs; Bettie E., wife of W. T. Walker, and James H. After marriage Mr. Jones located in Gibson County, where he remained until 1851, when he moved to Dyer County and purchased 990 acres of land in the First Civil District. He continued to manage his farm until 1886, when he retired from active life and removed to Dyersburg. He has always been eminently successful in business, and is recognized as one of Dyer County’s oldest and best citizens. Politically he is a Democrat, but previous to the Rebellion was a member of the Whig party, having cast his first vote for Gen. Taylor. Both he and wife are consistent members of the Missionary Baptist Church.