LEWIS E. JONES, of Mt. Vernon, who is now serving as Circuit Clerk of Jefferson County, was born in Jennings County, Ind., June 28, 1843, and comes of a family o fWelsh origin, which in early Colonial days was founded in Virginia. There the great- grandfather was born, as was the grandfather, George Jones. The latter went to Jackson County, Ind., in 1816, becoming one of its pioneers, and his death occurred in Jennings County in 1853.

George D. Jones, father of our subject, was born in Jackson County, Ind., May 12, 1821, and was the fourth in the family of seven brothers and one sister.

Three brothers came to Illinois. George located in Pendleton Township, Jefferson County, in 1865, and in connection with farming dealt in agricultural implements. He was a very successful man, accumulating a handsome property. He held a number of offices - served as Justice of the Peace in Indiana, and was filling the same position in Illinois at the time of his death.

For thirty years he was a leading member of the Methodist Church. He belonged to the Masonic and Odd Fellows fraternities, and was a prominent Democrat.

He died in 1879, at the age of fifty-eight.

His eldest brother, William A., was a Methodist preacher in early life, but afterward engaged in merchandising in Jefferson County. He was a member of the first board of County Supervisors, and lived to the ripe old age of seventy-seven.

David C. served for three terms as Sheriff of Jennings County, Ind., was twice a member of the Legislature of that state, served as County Supervisor in this county for several years, and reached the age of seventy-six.

James K., a successful farmer, is now living retired in Mt. Vernon.

J.C., a farmer, died at the age of fifty-eight.

Isaac S. came to Jefferson County in 1863, but is now a prosperous agriculturist of Clay County, whither he removed in 1868.

Samuel W., the youngest of the brothers, and the first to come to Jefferson County, is now successfully engaged in farming three miles west of Mt. Vernon, and has served as County Treasurer.

The mother of our subject bore the maiden name of Sarah Brougher, and was born in Jennings County, Ind., in April, 1821. Her father was one of its pioneers. He was born in North Carolina, and was of German descent.

His twin brother, Frederick Brougher, went to Mississippi, became a large slave holder, and had five sons in the Confederate army. The eldest, Charles A., was Secretary of State in Mississippi at the breaking out of the war.

Jacob Brougher had four sons, three of whom were in the Union army. His son Lewis F. was a captain, and is now living on a farm in Jennings County, where he was born. For several years he has served as Township Trustee.

Frederick C. was a Lieutenant in the late war and was wounded at Pittsburg Landing, where two of his cousins in the Confederate service were killed. He is now a wealthy citizen of Oakland, Cal.

Andrew D. served for four years with the boys in blue, was taken prisoner, and for a long time was confined in Andersonville and Libby Prisons. He is a carpenter and is now living in Opdyke, ILL., where John W., an elder brother, is living retired.

Lewis E. Jones belonged to a family of four sons and two daughters, all younger than himself. They are Silas W., of Mt. Carmel, ILL.; Jacob B., a farmer of Tippecanoe County, Ind.,; Isaac, a farmer of Jefferson County; C.L. V., of Mt. Vernon; catherine, wife of Alexander Mobley, a farmer, and Rosa L., wife of J.W. Estes, of the firm of Estes Bros., merchants and stock dealers.

On the old homestead in Indiana, Lewis E. Jones was reared to manhood, and in the public schools acquired a good education.

At the age of twenty he began teaching, and was thus employed for five years. In 1868, he came to Illinois and taught one term of school in Jefferson County. His fellow-townsmen, appreciating his worth and ability, have frequently called upon him to serve in positions of public trust, and for three terms he was a member of the Board of Supervisors, Collector one term, and School Trustee twleve years. In 1893, he was elected Circuit Clerk, and is now filling that office with credit to himself and satisfaction to his constituents.

In 1863, Mr. Jones was united in marriage with Catherine Burns, of Decatur County, Ind., and to them have been born seven children,

1. Eldo W., a tinner residing in Sumner, ILL.;
2. Isham H. and
3. Lemon C., at home;
4. Nellie M., wife of John Boyd, a railroad man of Venedy, ILL.;
5. George B., Ina and Susie.

In politics, Mr. Jones is a Democrat, and is a member of the Methodist Church. He is one of the leading officials of the county and has the high esteem of all.

Source: Portrait and Biographical Record of Clinton, Washington, Marion and Jefferson Counties, Illinois Published by Chapman Publishing Co, Chicago - 1894 Page 305 & 306

Submitted By: Sandy (Whalen) Bauer