Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Under Every Rock

Over the years (now 52 of them doing genealogy) I have seen a lot of libraries, archives, books, and looks. When I have told folks that I am researching the JONES surname, there is usually a look that says "Good luck with that!", or "Here is another one that will not get very far out the family tree". "Oh well, let me give it a shot"... I would often think.

Perhaps there are others who have reached a fork in their JONES genealogy tree climbing. How many rocks do I have to keep turning over? What am I looking for anyway? Enough of this!... on and on it might go. Sometimes it helps to take a break and go fishing, or what ever else it is that gives the spirit an "oh boy". Perhaps it is helpful to talk to another who has done some tree climbing of their own. At any rate, getting a hold of the beast from a different angle will often give a refreshing view of the genealogy world. Starting with what you know is the beginning to the branches further out the tree. Clearly defining the questions one is wishing to answer will help focus the search. Keep climbing and keep going in that JONES surname family tree. There is always another branch to step out... and another JONES under every rock!

Thursday, April 5, 2012

Jones Surname in Virginia Company 1609

On the 23 May 1609, a grant was made entitled: "Treasurer and Company of Adventures, and Planters of the City of London, for the first Colony of Virginia." Robert, Earl of Salisbury headed the list followed by Thomas, Earl of Suffolk; Henry, Earl of Southampton; William, Earl of Pembroke; and Henry, Earl of Lincoln. This was followed by 28 pages of incorporation, naming Henry, Earl of Southampton to head the "Council for the Company", and Sir Thomas Smith, to be "Treasurer".

There were 721 individuals and companies listed as members of this incorporation. Numbering them 1 - 721 as they appeared in the listings gave a "big picture" of the interest in this new undertaking. Henry, Earl of Southampton #1 to Robert Chening, yeoman #721 was analyzed. Since lists and social status were important to those keeping these records, the numbers would suggest the "social" rank of the individuals being listed. A Zachary Jones was listed at #189, and a "John Jones, merchant" almost bring up the bottom at #706. [The name Zachary being an unusual first name for a JONES.] Anyone with any knowledge about these two JONES please post.

The research was taken from The Jones Genealogist, research notebook #27, Joseph Wheeler Jones Memorial Library.