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JOSEPH JONES was born near Loami, May 5, 1838. He worked for different parties until twenty-two years of age, then
began to work for himself at the carpenter trade. July 20, 1861, he enlisted in what became Company C, Eleventh Missouri Infantry Volunteers, for three years; was wounded in one knee and hand at the assault on the rebel fortifications at Vicksburg. After recovering, he was detailed as ward-master and steward, in the military hospital at Keokuk, Iowa; was honorably discharged, after having served a full term, August 5, 1864. He was married March 17, 1868, to Miss Laura E. Davis, born in Loami, June 6, 1848, daughter of Major J. P. Davis, who was born April 17, 1815, in Boston, Massachusetts. He was Major of the Thirtieth Illinois Infantry Volunteers, in the later Rebellion, was in the Mexican war in the Springfield company. His wife, Achsa (Colburn) Davis, was born in Hebron, New Hampshire, was the mother of two children, viz: Melissa, now Mrs. Withrow, of Springfield, and Mrs. Laura E.
Jones. Major Davis and wife were members of the Universalist Church. Emanuel Jones, the father of Joseph, was born in Fleming county, Kentucky, and came to this county in 1836; was married in 1837 to Miss Eliza Shane. Their children are, Joseph, Catharine, William, Thomas and Martha. Emanuel Jones died in Decatur, August 9, 1858. His wife was born in Kentucky, and died in October, 1872. Joseph Jones and wife have had five children, three living, viz: Harry, Alice and Don C. Mr. Jones is a member of Loami Lodge, A. F. and A. M., No. 450, Auburn, Chapter No. 92, Royal Arch Masons; has been Master of this lodge a number of years, has been a delegate to the Grand Lodge, in Chicago. He has held the office of Justice of the peace five years; has been tax collector a number of times, and is at present notary public and justice of the peace. Is a Republican.