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!

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.

Jones Journeys

Researching the JONES surname can be a problem for many genealogist. Having references which deal with this surname can be a real help. The following pictures show the cover of such a help called "JONES JOURNEYS".

It was started May 1973 by Mrs. Darla M. Jones, of Rialto, California. Volume 1, No. 1 begins with "Jones Deaths of Mercer Co., Ky. 1852 - 1858" p.4, and ends with Volume 19, Summer, 1991. Lots and lots of JONES family information in between!

Finding this reference can also be difficult. A complete set can be found in The Joseph Wheeler Jones Memorial Library, Danville, Ky. Anyone know additional locations please post.

Picture above is of volume 2, May 1974. The cover of volume 1 was in very poor shape.

The publication changed cover and appearance over time. The final issues were printed by Van Volumes, Ltd., P.O. Box 567, 400 High St., Thorndike, MA 01079. Anyone know if this group still exists?

JONES Surname London 1695

An index of the inhabitants (within the Walls) of London for the year 1695 was analyzed for the surname JONES. At this time, the "occupiers" of every house in each parish were noted including the householder, his wife and family, apprentices, servants and lodgers. This record was compiled between May and June 1695 for the purpose of a "surtax" on those who had real estate of the value 50 pounds per year or personal estate of the value of 600 pounds or upward. A publication by D.V. Glass, "London Inhabitants Within The Walls 1695", London Record Society, 1966, was used to organize and analyze the JONES surname. There were 97 parishes listed with parishes numbered 82-97 having missing records. Of the 81 parishes having records, 10 did not show anyone with the surname JONES. Thus, within the walls of London, 71 out of 81 or 88% had someone living with the surname JONES! A total of 376 individuals were recorded within these parishes. St. Dunstan-In-The-East had the largest numbers at 17 individuals. This was followed by St. Anne, Blackfriars [13 individuals], Allhallows Barking [11 individuals], and Christ Church [ 8 individuals] to make the top five parishes.

Of course the most common first name was JOHN (#32) for males, and MARY (#36) for females. For the males, this was followed by William (#19), Thomas (#15), Robert (#9), Richard (#8), and Edward (#7). James, Joseph, and David had 5 individuals each. For females it was Elizabeth (#31 - a close second to Mary), Anne (#12), Margaret (#11), Sarah (#10), and Katherine (#5).

Wow, those JONES got around! This index can be used as a census of London for 1695.

This research completed by The Jones Genealogist, 1980 - 1992, notebook 26, Joseph Wheeler Jones Memorial Library.

First JONES Kentucky 1774

Virginia surveys and grants were a large part of the early settlement of Kentucky. A book compiled by Joan E. Brookes-Smith published in 1976, outline the earliest land grants pertaining to the rewards in the form of land for service during the French and Indian War. A picture of the cover is shown to the right. [The original records for these surveys and grants are filed in the Secretary of State's office.]

On page 107 of this index is the earliest JONES to have registered a land grant in this new territory. Gabriel Jones is his name. On an unknown fork of the Elkhorn, June 25, 1774, he makes a survey date [original survey No. 8104.] It is shown to be "Military & Fincastle Co, [Virginia] for 2,000 acres.

Of course, the Revolutionary War stepped in between this land granting process, and it was not until July 7, 1788 that "Robert Jones & Heirs" [grantee], had the land grant completed. [Original Book, #6, pp. 624-625.]

Wow, the summer of 1774. What a deal.

From: Master Index Virginia Surveys and Grants 1774 - 1791, compiled by Joan E. Brookes-Smith, Kentucky Historical Society, Frankfort, KY. 1976.

After 11,399 Views: The Top 10

The Jones surname, of interest to many, has a history important to many climbing their family's tree. Started July 31, 2010, this blog has discussed the origins and roots of this common surname. Reflecting more than 50 years of research into this surname, it presents the very beginnings. After 11,399 views, the top 10 post are listed. The title and date that they were written is listed. Use the "Blog Archive" to read each post. Enjoy... written by The Jones Genealogist, genealogy for generations.

1) JONES "Coat(s) of Arms" [Part I] - June 28, 2011.
2) How Do You Spell JOHN - Sept. 16, 2010.
3) JONES "Coat(s) of Arms" [Part II] Terms and Abbreviations - July 4, 2011.
4) Impact, The Act of Union 1536 - Feb. 24, 2011.
5) The Beginnings - July 31, 2010.
6) U.S. Census of 1790 and The Jones Surname - Sept. 12, 2011.
7) First JONES to Gray's Inn 1568 - Nov. 11, 2011.
8) Taking the surname JONES - Feb. 23, 2011.
9) Phonetic not Genetic - June 6, 2011.
10) Smith, Brown, Williams, Johnson, and Jones - Aug. 30, 2011.

JONES and North Carolina 1693

An analysis of the 1790 census of the United States, shows that North Carolina had the highest number of JONES as "head of household" among the states recorded. [ See previous post: "U.S. Census of 1790 and The Jones Surname", of Monday, September 12, 2011.] A total of 558 "heads" with Virginia coming in second with 345. What's the deal?

North Carolina became formally organized after eight English entrepreneurs persuaded Charles II to grant them the area in 1663. This was after the France, Spain, and England had attempted some sort of earlier settlements. [ John White's settlement included. ] Albemarle County was the first formed in 1664 with an appointed governor, an appointed advisory council, and an elected general assembly. By 1670, this county had been divided in four precincts called: 1) Currituck, 2)Pasquotank, 3) Perquimans, and 4) Chowan. [Wow, try to pronounce those in rapid succession!]
This period of the "proprietors" ran into all kinds of problems, since they tried to run things after their own system in England. Rebellon, independent government, mismanagement, pirate activity, internal dissension, and Indian hostilities made it a very difficult settlement to manage. [The period of the proprietors lasted until 1729.]

It was April 25, 1693, that the will of Charles Jones is recorded. The "Legatees" were Sarah and Tabytha Alford. The "Executors were Thomas Symons, and John Meeds. The "Witnesses" were Elliner Meline, Jacob Denillard, and James Damerell. What a group of associated surnames this is! Anyone connected to this JONES family please post. I believe the will is recorded in the Perquimans precinct, but it is not identified in the reference.

References: Abstract of North Carolina Wills, by J. Bryan Grimes, E.M. Uzzell & Co., Raleigh, 1910. p. 189.

A very helpful text is North Carolina Genealogical Research, by George K. Schweitzer, Knoxville, TN, 1984.