Biographies: J

1902 Biographies

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JAY, FRED D. Merchant; son of Nelson D. and Isabel (Maxwell) Jay, was born in Elmwood, Illinois, June 20, 1855, and has been a dealer in general merchandise in the building which he now occupies for twenty years. Mr. Jay’s prominence in the community in which he resides, is indicated by the fact that he has served two terms as Postmaster of the City of Elmwood, was for eight years a member of the School Board, for several terms Chairman of the Congressional Committee, for twenty years a member of the Democratic County central committee, and has ably filled other places of trust and responsibility. In 1900 he was the nominee of his party for the office of State Senator for Peoria County, and ran ahead of his ticket in all townships and wards of the county, but was defeated by a general Republican majority. His father was a native of Tioga County, Pennsylvania, born in 1818 and for generations his paternal ancestors were Pennsylvanians. He was licensed to preach in the Methodist Church at the early age of eighteen and, later was admitted to the bar and practiced law in Peoria County. He was for many years a merchant, was the first Postmaster at Olney, Illinois, was for two terms a member of the Legislature and for a long time held the office of Justice of the Peace. He was a strong Union man during the Civil War, and was influential in recruiting troops. He married Miss Maxwell at Shullsberg, Wisconsin, and she bore him six children. Fred D. Jay married Lizzie S. Buchanan, at Farmington, Illinois, November 22, 1880, and they have three children: Deanie, Margaretta and Frances. Mr. Jay has devoted much of hisleisure time to writing a History of Peoria County. (Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Peoria County, 1902, page 693, submitted by Robin O'Neill)

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JONES, T. WILLIAM; Farmer; born in Richmond, Virginia, in 1859; was educated in the Orphan's School of his native State. His parents were Joseph and Mary (Owens) Jones; they had two children, a son and daughter: Mary and T. William. Mr. Jones started in life without any means at his command, working at odd jobs by the day, month and year. He came to Peoria County from West Virginia in 1893, locating first at Chillicothe. He at first worked in Akron Township and afterwards in Princeville; was honest and reliable and soon gained the confidence of his neighbors. He saved his earnings, made investments whenever the opportunity offered, and accumulated a competency. Mr. Jones is a stanch Democrat. He is a member of Princeville Lodge. No. 360, A. F. & A. M. The ancestry of his family is Welsh. (Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Peoria County, 1902, page 786, submitted by Janine Crandell)

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