Jones Family Tombstones

Biography of William Lyman Jones

WILLIAM LYMAN JONES

Most of the brave "boys in blue," who sacrificed so much during the great crisis in our nation's history, have crossed death's mystic stream, leaving behind them a nobler heritage than we of the aftermath often fully appreciate. Of that great army of gentlemen whose life record is briefly outlined in the following paragraphs is rightly numbered, since he gave up the pleasures of his own fireside, the possibilities of a thriving business and willingly offered his services and his life, if need be, for what? That those who should come after him could enjoy the fruits of a peaceful and united country. To such heroes all honor is due.

WILLIAM LYMAN JONES was born in Tippecanoe county, Indiana, in 1837, the son of Mr. and Mrs. NIMROD JONES, whose family consisted of four children, three daughters and one son. The latter, WILLIAM LYMAN, was educated in the common schools of his native community and in Lafayette. He took to farming, which he followed for several years with success, but later, having taken an interest in local political and public affairs, he was slated for a position on the police force of the city of Lafayette, which he held for a number of years to the entire satisfaction of all concerned, always faithful in the performance of his duty, however hazardous or arduous.

Mr. JONES gallantly served for a period of three years as a soldier in the ranks of the Twenty-second Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, under Colonel Robinson. Although he escaped without a wound, he was at one time in the hospital, and subsequently was honorably discharged.

Mr. JONES was united in marriage with LEAH FRANCES WAIT on January 9, 1870. She is the daughter of SAMUEL WAIT, who was also a soldier in the Union army, a member of the Fortieth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, having been one of the first to enlist in 1861 and served during the entire conflict. He was faithful in the discharge of his duty and eventually rose to the ranks of captain. He is now deceased. He was a native of the state of New York and his wife was a native of Tippecanoe county. They were the parents of eight children, an equal number of boys and girls, LEAH FRANCES being the third child in order of birth.

To Mr. and Mrs. WILLIAM LYMAN JONES one son was born, named NIMROD, whose date of birth was December 8, 1875, in Lafayette. He was educated in the city schools, and first started in life as a grocery clerk, later became a member of the local fire department, being now located at No. 3 Engine House, a hoseman. On September 11, 1895, he married GRACE BELLE MOHR, the daughter of AARON and ELIZABETH MOHR and born in Elpaso, Illinois, May 27, 1877, being one of three children in the MOHR family. Mrs. GRACE M. JONES was educated in the schools of Saybrook, Illinois. She and her husband live very happily at No. 1427 Kossuth street, Lafayette, with Mrs. WILLIAM LYMAN JONES, to whom this comfortable home belongs. The family belong to the Congress Street Methodist church, and are held in high esteem by their neighbors. The death of WILLIAM LYMAN JONES occured August 18, 1886. He was a good man and popular among a host of friends.

Past and Present of Tippecanoe County, Indiana, Illustrated, Vol. II,  pg. 983
B. F. Bowen & Company, Publishers, Indianapolis, Indiana - 1909
 

OBITUARY OF FRANCES JONES WAITE
13 July 1895 - Lafayette Daily Courier, page 1

Mrs. Frances Waite, widow of the late S.C. Waite, died at 5 o'clock this morning, aged 74 years.  She was born in Wayne Co., Ind., and was married fifty years ago.  Mrs. Waite was the mother of thirteen children, five of whom survive her.  They are: Mrs. Leah Jones, Mrs. Emily Welch, Mrs. Mary Hanson, Mrs. Jennie Knickerbocker and Carlyle D. Waite.  She was a noble woman and leaves many friends to mourn over her death.  The funeral will take place on Monday morning at 10 o'clock from the residence of Mrs. Leah Jones, No. 48 Purdue Street.