History Of Delaware County T. B. Helm 1881 submitted by Lora Radishes IN list Surnames: Jones, Steel, Duckwall HON. WILLIAM F. JONES The subject of this biography has been a prominent citizen of Muncie for more than a quarter of a century, and during that time has won a high place in the estimation of those with whom he has been associated, as well as all who knew him. He was born March 20, 1813, in Dutchess County, N. Y., and accompanied his father’s family to Herkimer County N. Y., when about five years of age. In 1832, he removed with them to Clinton County, Ohio, and three years later (1835), was married to Miss Sarah A. Steele. His mother was a pious Christian lady, and it was her precepts and influence that molded her son’s character, and instilled within him that love for the good, which has borne fruit in a life of Christian probity. His father, while a good man in all respects, was less diligent in the religious education of his son. He had spent a portion of his life as a sailor, and had acquired that jovial, careless disposition characteristic of that class; but he was never an intemperate man, and was uniformly recognized as a good citizen. At an early age the subject of this sketch was apprenticed to a carpenter in Herkimer County, N. Y., to learn the trade. In 1842, he removed with his wife and family to Hartford City, Ind, having secured the contract for building the Blackford County Court House at that point. He pursued his trade there, and during his residence in that county was called upon to fill various public offices, the first of which was that of County School Commissioner—then quite an important office. He continued to act in this capacity until the office was abolished, and, in 1846,was elected joint Representative from the counties of Blackford and Jay, serving during the legislative session of 1846-41. By an act of the State Legislature in 1848, the Fort Wayne and Southern Railroad was chartered, and Mr. Jones was made one of the Directors by the act of incorporation. He was very active in securing subscriptions to the road, and when the company was finally organized for business, he became its Secretary, and in 1852, came to Muncie, then the headquarters of the company. The financial crisis that followed closely upon the organization of this company, proved fatal to the interests of the road, for the time being, and the road bed was aftward sold to another company, by whom the road was completed. Withthe latter company, Mr. Jones was never connected in an official capacity.After the > failure of the former company, Mr. Jones engaged in the general erchandise trade at Muncie with William H Stewart, with whom he was associated for two or three years. He next became engaged at trading wool and domestic manufactures. Prior to this time, wool had possessed, virtually, no market value in this county. It was taken by the farmers to the mills, and there manufactured into such articles, as they wanted; but it was rarely, if ever, sold for cash. Within a year or two it assumed a cash value, and Mr. Jones’ transactions in this one article amounted annually to from $25,000 to $30,000. In 1854, he was elected one of the School Trustees of Muncie, and was identified with the schools in this capacity for about ten years. During this time he had a great deal of active work to do, in repairing and superintending the construction of schoolhouses, putting his knowledge of building to practical use. After withdrawing from mercantile pursuits, he was engaged for one year in supervising the construction and furnishing of the County Asylum, and afterward superintended the construction of bridges throughout the county. In 1873, he was elected a member of the City Council of Muncie, and served one term. It was during this time that the city building was erected, and his term of office was marked by a great deal of active work. In 1811, he was elected on the Republican ticket as Mayor of the city of Muncie, serving the two years with honor and credit. After retiring from this office he resumed work at his trade, at which he is still engaged. In April 1881 he was the successful competitor for the Republican nomination for Mayor of the city Muncie. His past record in this capacity is without a blemish, and he is well qualified for the office. As a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, Mr. Jones has led a consistent Christian life. He united with the church at the age of seventeen years, and has been one of its most active and zealous members ever since. He signed the Washingtonian temperance pledge many years ago, and has since been an active friend to this cause; and an uncompromising enemy to intemperance. To bless his wedded life there were eight children, viz., Mary, Adeline, Alice, Marion, Cyryl, Willie W., Omer O. and F. Netta, all of whom still survive save Adeline (Mrs. Duckwall), who died in March 1881. (Page 218)