SHEBOYGAN HISTORY

Hon. John H. Jones, Page 711

HON. JOHN H. JONES was one of the earliest attorneys-at-law to locate at Sheboygan.  During a residence of eighteen years, he won honorable distinction among his fellow-citizens, whom he represented in various official capacities.

    Mr. Jones was born in Centre Lisle, Broome County, N. Y., February 18, 1836, being the youngest of four brothers.  Early in life, he manifested a love for books and study, and in his fourteenth year left home to reside with his brother, Hon. C. S. Jones, of Coudersport, Pa., where he entered an academy to prepare for college.  He applied himself so diligently that at the end of two years his health gave way.  It was thought that he could not endure the confinement and hard work of a college course, hence he very reluctantly gave up that much-cherished purpose.  His father was quite an extensive tanner, but the tastes of the young man did not run in that line.  Soon after leaving the academy, he began to read law with Hon. A. J. Olmsted, of Coudersport.  Having passed a most satisfactory examination, Mr. Jones was admitted to the Bar, the day after reaching his majority.  The same year (1857), he came to Sheboygan, and, in company with Hon. C. W. Ellis, commenced the practice of his chosen profession.  This partnership lasted until 1862, when Mr. Ellis left the city.

    The year following his arrival in the Evergreen City, Mr. Jones married, November 9, Miss Lucy Brown.  The bride was born in Milwaukee, and in 1846 came to this county with her parents, "Deacon" Daniel and Cordelia Brown.  Mr. Brown was a well-known character among the pioneers, being held in high regard.  His wife survives and makes her home with her daughter, Mrs. Jones.

    Mr. Jones was an active man in political affairs, being a strong advocate of Republican principles.  In October, 1862, he was appointed by Gov. Salomon to fill a vacancy in the office of the District Attorney; again, in July, 1864, he was called upon to fill a vacancy in the same office.  The year following, he was elected District Attorney, was re-elected in 1866, and again in 1868, thus holding that position nearly seven years.  In 1870 he was unanimously nominated by the Republican county Convention for State Senator, and was elected by over three hundred majority.  Mr. Jones was recognized as one of the ablest men in the Senate, which fact is evinced by his being appointed Chairman of the Committee on Incorporations, a member of the Judiciary Committee, and of the Joint Committee on Charitable and Penal Institutions.  On all occasions he served his constituents independently and faithfully.  His minority report against the Madison gas monopoly, and favoring the incorporation of a second gas company in that city, was probably the strongest and most able in argument of any presented in the Senate during that session.  His prominence in that body caused him to be much talked of by the press of the State for Attorney-General.  Though he did not enter the race as a candidate, he received several complimentary votes in the convention, which was held in August, 1873.

    His health began rapidly to fail, he being attacked by hemorrhage of the lungs.  To escape the severe winter winds of this section, he went to southern Kansas, but returned in June, 1874.  As winter came on, he again grew worse, and on the 19th of March, 1875, he breathed his last.  He was a student all his life, a capable lawyer, a ready writer and a fluent speaker, though lack of lung power prevented him from becoming a forcible orator.  His views in favor of temperance were pronounced.  Though that worked against him in this county, he was never beaten for office.  He was an active worker in the Congregational Church, as is also Mrs. Jones.  Mr. Jones was one of nature's noblemen--broad and liberal in his views, modest and retiring in manner, sensitive and sympathetic in feeling, and courageous in adhering to what he believed to be right.