The History of the Sheldon Jones Family
About Our Jones Ancestors
This site explores the ancestors and descendants of Benjamin Jones, a Quaker, who left New Jersey in about 1805 and brought our Jones line to North Eastern Pennsylvania. He founded the town of Jonestown in Fishing Creek township, in what would soon be Columbia County in 1815.
Ashbel Wilson Jones
My great-grandfather
Ashbel Wilson Jones was the grandson of Benjamin Jones. Born just before the Civil War in 1857, Ashbel continued the Jones legacy by running the Jonestown general store from 1885 to 1902. He always lived above or near the store and maintained a close relationship with his first 3 children with Lizzie McGuire, then his 2nd family after marrying her sister Fanny McGuire until he died in 1921 at age 64.
James Newbold Jones
Miller & Entrepreneur
James Newbold Jones was the firstborn son of Benjamin and Nancy Jones. He and his brother Richard inherited their father's land, a grist mill and a sawmill. They ran the businesses together until dividing their interests. James took the grist mill, which he later ran with his brother-in-law John Merrill. He was commissioned as postmaster of Fishing Creek under the Jackson administration. A Henry Clay Whig, he named his first born son after this statesman. He was able to send a substitute to fight in the Civil War in his place. The man returned and was paid with a land grant. (1813-1891)
Hezekiah Jones
Farmer & Quaker
Hezekiah Jones was the oldest son of Richard & Sarah (Newbold) Jones. He and his brother Richard were born in Northampton, Burlington County, in present day New Jersey. There may have been other siblings, but they are yet to be documented. He died before Benjamin's party moved westward. (1723-1806)
Sheldon Jones
My Grandfather
Sheldon Jones worked in the mining industry, beginning as a surveyor in 1905 and working up to assistant to the president of the Lehigh Valley Coal Company. A heart attack caused him to retire on disability in the mid 1930's and he received coal deliveries for the rest of his life. He enjoyed woodworking after his retirement, and proudly maintained a rose garden. He is fondly remembered by his descendants. (1886-1959)
Benjamin Jones
Founder of Jonestown
Benjamin Jones was an early settler of Pennsylvania. In about 1805 Jones purchased land in what was then Northumberland County, Pennsylvania and left Burlington County, New Jersey with his new wife Nancy Brown and his father-in-law Richard Brown looking for new opportunities. He settled along a creek and founded Jonestown. He became the first postmaster, built a grist mill and produced 7 children. (1775-1849)
Richard Jones
Farmer & Quaker
Richard Jones was born in Northampton Township, Burlington County, New Jersey, so he would be considered one of the earlier settlers in the New World. He married Sarah Newbold, also a member of the Burlington Meeting. (1697-17?)
Richard Jones
Early Settler, Farmer & Quaker
Richard Eliphalet Jones was the oldest descendant I have documented thus far. He was in Huntington, Long Island, in the area now known as New York, so he would be considered one of the earlier settlers in the New World. He married Sarah Newbold, also a member of the Burlington Meeting. He died 28 Jan 1715, in Woodbridge, Union, West Jersey colony. I've not been able to document his parents or his family. (1674-1715).