JONES, Lucinda Ball Brown

Source: Crawfordsville Weekly Journal Friday, 12 March 1897

On last Thursday, March 4, the children and friends of Mrs. Lucinda Jones gathered at her home, three miles southwest of Wesley, to celebrate her 82d birthday. Mrs. Jones’ maiden name was Welch. Her father, Benjamin Welch, came to this country in 1823, 74 years ago. Lucinda married Zopher Ball at the age of 18, who entered the land and built a cabin on her present farm home. At that time that entire country was a wilderness, and deer, wild hogs, wolves, and other wild game were plentiful around their cabin door. Five children were born to them, three still living, Benjamin Ball, Mrs. Mullen and Mrs. Martha Buck, of this city. After the death of her husband, the widow suffered all the hardships of those days to keep herself and five children, and the country still a wilderness, she weaving and spinning for neighbors, the nearest living four miles through woods and swamps. At times herself and five children were down with the ague. She killed wild game for meat and made garden, clearing land and all work required in those days. There were present twenty seven grandchildren, thirty six great grandchildren, and a hundred neighbors and friends to enjoy the day. Her present husband is Harrison Jones. Mrs. Jones is still an active, bright and intelligent woman and a good Christian and looks younger than her children. She has lived on the present farm 65 years. -s

On last Thursday, March 4lh, children to the fourth generation, neighbors and friends gathered at the residence of Harrison Jones, three miles southwest of Wesley, to celebrate the 82d birthday of his wife, Lucinda. Mrs. Jones' maiden name was Welch. Her father Benj. settled in this county in 1825. In 1833 she married Zopher Ball who entered and built a cabin on the present farm, which was then a dense wilderness inhabited by deer, wolves and wild game of all kinds. Five children was the result of this union, three of whom are now living: Mrs. Mullen, Mrs. Martha Buck and Benjamin Ball. After the death of her husband, the widow suffered all the hardship of those early days. Being a good marks, woman and game plentiful kept her self and family in meat and each season made a big garden and also spinning and weaving for neighbors, the nearest four miles off. Twentyfive years ago she married her present husband, Harrison Jones. She is a bright active woman yet and good for many years to come. There were present 27 grand children and their offsprings to the number of 42. The day was an enjoyable one by all present—over one hundred came and went. Dinner was served from 11 to 3 o'clock by the ladies of the neighborhood and it is beyond our description powers but will say there were 36 large cakes 56 different pies and and there will be no chickens for sale in that neighborhood again until the incubator is introduced. Mrs. Jones thanked all present and invited them back again March 4, 1898.

- transcribed by kbz