Stepping Stones

Alexander Spotswood began his life as Lieutenant Governor of Virginia in Williamsburg 1710.  Thus  a key period in colonial history was initiated,  with the western expansion of its territories.  Spotswood certainly had his own particular interests and motives for this expansion, and his connection with the JONES surname is deeply involved.  By April, 1717, he had granted a fair number of patents to those with the JONES surname.   The following is a listing of these grants made during Spotswood's early tenure.   They are listed by name, county, number of acres, date,  and page number to the reference from which they were abstracted: "English Duplicates of Lost Virginia Records", by Louis des Cognets, Jr., 1958.

Evan Jones          Princess Anne     1190 acres      4-28-1711    (p.91)
Frederick Jones   James City            100    "          4-28-1711    (p.92)
Orlando Jones     King William          90    "          5-02-1713    (p.94)
Robert Jones       Essex                     274   "           5-11-1713    (p.94)
Thomas Jones     King William       2000   "          8-12-1713     (p.94)
Robert Jones       Surry                      120   "         11-13-1713     (p.95)
Charles Jones      Isle of Wight          185   "         11-13-1713    (p.95)
John Jones          Surry                      330    "         11-13-1713    (p.96)
Henry Jones        Surry                     250    "         11-13-1713     (p.96)
Charles Jones      Isle of Wight         230    "          6-16-1714     (p.99)
Edward Jones      Isle of Wight         215   "           6-16-1714     (p.99)
John Jones           Surry                     170   "           6-14-1714     (p.100)
John Jones           Princess Anne        53    "           6-14-1714     (p.100)
William Jones     Surry                      280   "          6-14-1714      (p.100)
Walter Jones        Princess Anne       159   "         12-16-1714     (p.101)
James Jones         Isle of Wight         400   "         12-23-1714     (p.102)
Thomas Jones     Surry                      370   "          3-23-1715      (p.104)
John Jones           Henrico                 133   "          3-23-1715      (p.106)
John Jones           Henrico                   53   "         10-31-1716     (p.107)
Thomas Jones      Prince George       247  "           7-15-1717      (p.109)
William Jones      Middlesex               41  "           1-22-1717      (p.110)

If my math is correct, this totals 6,890 acres.   It would be interesting to compare this number to other surnames, but that is still to be done.  My own JONES family is connected, becoming stepping stones to my family tree. 

This information is taken from: The Jones Genealogist, Vol. XI, No.2, July/August, 1999.

Canadian Bacon

The JONES surname certainly gets around.  Ever since that phrase "Keeping up with the Joneses" has occurred, and widely used, there seems to be a general consensus that this surname has become part of our culture. [That is at least the Anglo-Saxon, Celtic, Welsh, English, and American cultures.]  The surname appears on many items including soda, cloths...etc., etc.,...even Universities.

It is now going on eleven years that my wife and I have cooked hundreds of breakfasts at our Bed and Breakfast.  We have a set number of recipes (4) that are repeated, and help the folks who stay more than 4 nights in a row.  One of these recipes calls for the use of Canadian Bacon.  I had to smile when I pulled from the refrigerator the following.

Right at home it is...Canadian Bacon from the JONES farm...being served at a JONES surname Bed and Breakfast...by "chiefs" JONES & JONES.  Considering this combination of factors, it will be a little hard for anyone else to keep up.

A Big Picture

Putting the family tree together has its challenges, especially with a surname like JONES.  What methods can be used?  What charts are needed?  How do I get a "big picture"?

The following figure is from one of my research notebooks (RN #145).  It shows a way to visualize a family tree that can also be used to help check if the generations fit.

A blank sheet of  8.5 x 11 inch graph paper is used.   A chronology is equally marked along the right hand side using 50 year sequence.   A number/coding system is used for each generation, with each individual in the family tree given a distinct code.  A coloring system is then used to outline each beginning branch of the tree, so that a flow chart like to one above is produced on a single page.  The generations should then fit within the chronology outlined on the right hand side. 

Graph paper, pencil, ruler, and color markers are the basic ingredients.  Give it a try to get that big picture.

East of England

The distribution of the JONES surname is shown in the figure below.  It represents the occurrence of the JONES surname in the legal cases of England before 1700.   The number of cases found recorded in the Public Record Office for 1) Index of Ancient Petitions (generally before Edward III (1327-1377), 2) Calendar of Close Rolls (AD 1381-1495), 3) List of Early Chancery Proceedings, Vol IV, for dates 1500-1515, 4) Lists of Early Chancery Proceedings Vol.V - Vol.X, 1515-1558, 5) Index of Chancery Proceedings (Series II) Vol. I 1558-1579 and for years 1579 - 1600 (given as Vol. XXIV), 6) Proceeding on the Court of Requests, Vol 4, James I (1603-1625), 7) Index of Chancery Proceedings (Series II), Vol. III, AD 1621-1660, and 8) Public Record Office, London: Chancery Proceedings, Bridge's Division, 1613-1714, Vol. IV, I-Q are included.

The counties colored green represent the English counties that did not have a legal case involving one with the JONES surname.  Durham, Derby, Nottingham, and Isle of Wight all failed to record a legal case.  Either the JONES families were perfect angels or some other cause was the reason for the lack of JONES surnames. [I doubt the perfect angel approach.]

The counties colored blue represent those English counties which had less than three (3) cases during the period of study. They certainly cluster to the east and north of England. [Except for Cornwall to the southwest.]  A more likely explanation is based on the following figure.

The Viking settlements that came to occupy most of the north and east of England (875-950 AD) are roughly shown above.   Amazing that they follow the same distribution that has no JONES surname. This would support the facts that the Danes were not Christian (at first), and would not have the name "John" in a lot of their family trees.   The also became the "law of the land" for many generations leaving those Welsh, who were to become English many years yet to come, little room to expand into the north and east of England.

[Not sure why Cornwall shows a lack of those with a JONES surname.  Anyone have any theories why?  Please post any suggestions or ideas. ]

The Jones Surname Museum

A museum dedicated to a single surname...the surname JONES.  Who would have guessed that some 12 years ago an idea floating around in ones head would become the only one in the world.  As far as I have been able to determine, it is the only museum that gives the history, origin, and details about a single surname,  the JONES surname. [Please let me know if anyone has information otherwise.]

The picture below shows one segment of the museum as it tells the story of the JONES surname beginning with Roman Britain 40 BC.  Can you believe it?  Beginning with the first writers  who recorded facts about the tribal groups which occupied the land that was to become the home of my JONES DNA, the story is told.   The story continues through 12 panels that give a chronology as follows:

  Roman Britain 40 BC - 400 AD
  The "Britons" 400 AD - 600 AD
  Early Wales 600 AD - 800 AD
  Wales of the Princes 800 AD - 1000 AD
  Age of Conquest 1000 AD - 1100 AD
  Age of the Marches 1100 AD - 1200 AD
  Age of Annexation 1200 AD - 1300 AD
  Age of Towns, Trade, Taxes, and Tragedy 1300 AD - 1400 AD
  The Final Rebellion 1400 AD - 1500 AD
  Act of Union 1500 AD - 1600 AD
  The final Twist
  House of Tudor Trevor 850 AD to present
 
The museum is located at The Golden Lion Bed & Breakfast, Danville, KY.  It is open to the public most afternoons if arrangements are made by phone 859-583-1895.  Come and walk through the history of the JONES surname. 

Jones Surname Tree Climbing

Researching the JONES surname can involve climbing out many different branches.  There may be all sorts of obstacles, difficulties, and many brick walls.  Many genealogist give up the hunt after a few generations that lead to many John Jones(es).  My own tree climbing has involved a great deal of topics and subjects that have taught me much about my own JONES family and their travels along this tree of life.  The figure below shows my "Genealogy Tree House" as I have come to imagine it.  You are welcome to share the branches and sit in the shade. 

The major topics that can used to help in your own JONES tree climbing are shown among the branches.  Each topic shown can be taken to a "blogspot" that gives additional helps and information regarding the JONES surname.  From "Welsh Genealogy" to "DNA" are discussed in the various blog sites.  How to get around brick walls can be found among the branches.  You can find these blog sites by typing in "The Jones Genealogist" (including quotation marks) on your web search browser.  I hope you can find them helpful in your own JONES tree climbing.

English Border Counties and The Surname JONES

The English counties that border Wales became a center of activity for the JONES surname.  The figure below shows the number of legal cases involving someone with the surname JONES from 1500 AD to 1700 AD.  The counties in Wales have been discussed in previous posts, and they are shown by the slanted blue lines.

Salop heads the list with 41 cases. [This county becomes important in my own JONES family.]
Hereford and Gloucester share roughly the same number (33), with Somerset coming in at 35 cases.  Wiltshire is a close forth with 29 cases.   As one moves further east, the number of JONES seem to drop off dramatically indicating the legal conflicts for the JONES families are pretty close to Wales.  There are several counties in England during this time period that had no JONES families involved.  These are yet to be discussed.  At any rate, the border counties had their share of the JONES surname.

A Number Analysis: Wales and Jones

Several of the previous post have shown the chronology of the JONES surname as it appears in the English legal records.  Starting in the south, the surname appears in a gradual pattern of spread from the "border" counties to the western coastal counties.  The following figure shows a map of the total number of JONES surnames appearing over the period 1500-1700 for the counties of Wales.  This demonstrates the total number of those with the JONES surname that were involved in the English legal records.

Monmouth seems to be the "hotbed" of legal action with almost twice as many cases with the JONES surname occurring. [#77]   William FitzOsbern began the Norman occupation here in 1068 AD. [After the Roman and Saxon of course.]  It was here that Geoffrey of Monmouth (ca. 1100AD) took his name, and wrote his now famous stories. [The world of literature would never be the same!]

Montgomery comes in a distant second, with the Montgomery family (Roger de Montgomery), perhaps finding things a little more difficult in the north.  His son, Robert of Belesme, probably helped things by trying to set up his own kingdom which Henry I frustrated.  It would seem that Denbigh and Shropeshire produced a similar number of legal cases. [#44...#41...#40]

Those counties surrounding Monmouth are pretty close to the same number of JONES with Glamorgan (#34), Hereford (#33), Carmarthen (#30), and Brecon (#29).

The western most counties show a distant third, with Angelesey showing the fewest.(#5).  Mereioneth (#16), Cardigan (#12), and Caernarvon (#8) sharing the same with Pembroke (#8) is shown.

Interesting, that Chester, the northern most border county only shows #5.  I suspect this has to do with the fact that Chester had already established the English legal system here since Hugh d'Avranches had his go at it. [One of his nicknames was "the Wolf" given for his ferocity against the Welsh.]

At any rate, the total number of those recorded with the JONES surname 1500-1700 is shown. 

The Final Two Places After 1558

The appearance of the JONES surname in Wales before 1600 is finally completed with Cardigan and Pembroke counties.  All counties in Wales have the occurrence of an individual with the surname JONES except Anglesey. [Isle of Mon.]

In the black angled strips:

For Cardigan is Thomas Jones [99/40] 1558-1579.

For Pembroke is Owen Jones [242/66] 1558-1603.

It would seem that the JONES surnames moves essentially east to west, with Pembroke being the last county to have an individual JONES get involved in the English legal system.  Anglesey held out!  It would be interesting to investigate this further.  At least if you had an ancestor from Wales before 1600 [with the surname JONES] you might be able to begin your genealogical investigation.  Anglesey would be least likely to have a JONES family.

Filling In The Spaces 1553-1555

The next two counties to see the surname JONES were Carmarthen and Denbigh.  For the years 1553-1555, a Griffith Jones appears in Carmarthen [1015/68-69].  A Robert Johnes is listed from Denbigh at a little later date [1362/55-56]. 

The figure above shows the geographic positions for these two Welsh counties.  Denbigh being the most northern, and Carmarthen in the south.  Both border the "middle counties" and suggest again the spread of the English legal system into Wales following the Act of Union 1536.  It was during these times that the English surname system became the law of Wales.

Please remember that the numbers in brackets above give the references for the legal cases as they are recorded in the Public Record Office, "List of Early Chancery Proceedings" with first number being the "File No.", and the second being the "Nos." of the case in that particular file.

JONES In The Middle 1547-1553

The middle counties of Wales became the next area of JONES surname 1547-1553.  The counties are shown in green above, Radnor being 1st, with William Jones [14/96].  Brecon was 2nd, with Roger Jones [1238/45-46].  Merioneth was 3rd, with William Jones [1238/50].  Montgomery Co. was 4th, with Richard Joones [1238/56-60]  This is based on the record numbers shown following each name, which is assumed to be recorded in chronological sequence in the legal records.   Thus, the south's influence seems to be the direction of the appearance of English influence in the legal system of Wales as it followed the Act of Union, 1536.   On, and on, it would go...more to come.  See the prior post which describes the blue, pink, and orange counties as shown on the map above.

JONES Flintshire 1544 - 1547

Edward Jones appears in the records of Flintshire 1544. [1135/30]  This is the small orange colored area to the top right of the map shown.  A small little area of Wales, but a strategic coastal road access important in all those attempts to take control of this land. [Both Wat's and Offa's Dyke have their northern most anchor here.]

It would seem that the English established their control just beyond the Welsh borders, then extended their legal conquest to the boarder areas.  Glamorgan first (1515), Monmouth and Carnarvon  second (1538), and Flint third (1544).

The appearance of the JONES surname multiplies rapidly after 1538.  A result of the Act of Union 1536.

Researching the JONES Surname

Climbing trees since childhood, has led me out a few branches.  All along, there has been the need to record my findings, and keep track of the many, many discoveries that have come across my way.  A "leaf" collection so to speak.  Once discovered, there was the need to be able to find the information again, in order to help direct with further tree climbing.  At any rate, there were lots and lots of records, documents, discoveries, family information, and all kinds of other stuff that made the discovery exciting and insightful.

Researching the JONES surname has been fun.  Not only because it is my surname, but because most genealogist throw up their hands after a few generations and give up the search.  Brick walls come in all sizes and shapes, and for me the challenge of the "hunt" was part of the discovery.  Now after some 52 years of genealogy, I have a few notebooks full of information on the JONES surname. [And a few other subjects.]  A listing of the content/subject of each notebook is given on a new blog.

It is the purpose of the new blog, called "The Jones Genealogist Research Notebooks", to document the content of each notebook. [http://tjgresearchnotebooks.blogspot.com]  It is intended to give the genealogist a chance to identify a topic which might be helpful in their own tree climbing.  All kinds of topics/subjects have been discovered which have been important to include in the genealogist notebook.  One can search the blog using the "search" mode located on the blog interface.  If a topic or content seems important, you can e-mail me at jonesgenealogist@aol.com and I will try to communicate the content.   The notebooks are physically located at my personal library The Joseph Wheeler Jones Memorial Library, Danville, KY.   You are also welcome to come for a visit. 

JONES Monmouth and Carnarvon 1538-1544

The JONES surname expands to Monmouth and Carnarvon beginning 1538.  Sampson Jones is the first to be recorded in the Carnarvon  legal records 1538-1544. [1016/49]  Now remember, these were English records being established in Welsh counties. 

A Hugh Jones appears in the same set of legal records [1016/59 ] for Monmouth 1538-1544.  This would be just after the Act of Union 1536, and probably represents the earliest application of this new English system to the Welsh.

The map above shows the location of Carnarvon in the north, and Monmouth in the south of Wales. [pink]  Monmouth being the adjacent county to Glamorgan [blue] which recorded the first JONES surname in Wales.  Interestingly, Carnarvon is the first county in the north to record a JONES surname.  This county was a strategic location to control the Welsh in north Wales.  Any other thoughts regarding this set of facts, please post.

From: Lists and Indexes, No. LI., List of Early Chancery Proceedings, Vol. III., Public Record Office.  The numbers [1016/59] records the file no., followed by folio (page) number of the case.  Research by The Jones Genealogist, and published in previous issues.

Rev. War Pension Applications For JONES (part III)

The table to the right shows the migration ratios for the southern regions.  A total of 223 applicants were from the southern states.  Of these, 96 left their state of enlistment [1776-1781] to move to another state at the time of their pension application. [1832-1842]  Thus, 43% of the applicants moved to another area, leaving 57% to remain where they enlisted.

Folks seemed more likely to move out of NC (53%) as compared to GA at 20%.  On the whole, those who enlisted from the south, tended to remain in the south, although they had a change to migrate from their home state.  Only 15/223 (7%) moved from the south to the north.   They wanted to stay out of all that snow I guess.  At any rate, this again shows that folks who migrated, tended to stay in the area close to their state of enlistment.  This must have had to do with the travel arrangements of the time.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE (2)

This is the second blog to re-post my copyright notice.  All blogs are under this copyright, including photographs, maps, drawings, charts, and stories.

You may not use the contents of this site (blog and posts) for commercial purposes without explicit written permission from the author and blog owner.  Commercial purposes includes blogs with ads and income generation features, and/or blogs or sites using feed content as a replacement for original content.  Full content usage is not permitted.

Jerry E. Jones, MD, MS, The Jones Genealogist, Library of Congress No. 6192-01064476.

JONES Glamorgan 1515

The JONES surname appears in Wales over a period of some 100 years.  Of course, the surname starts its course in English records, not Welsh records. [Records written in English, not Welsh!]

The English legal records of Wales begin 1273, under the rule of Edward I.  As Wales became "more and more" under English control, the system of English surnames became the norm.  Their appearance in the county (legal) records give indirectly a history of this phenomena.  South Wales seems to start the JONES surname.  This most likely reflects the fact that South Wales came under control of Roman, Anglo-Saxon, and Norman control much easier (geographically) than other parts of this western land.

Glamorgan is the first Welsh county to show a JONES surname.  In the legal records 1515-1518, the name John Jones appears.  [File 421/ folio 72]  The map to the right shows the location of this Welsh county in relationship to the other Welsh counties since the Act of Union 1536.  Of course it had to be a John Jones.   Glamorgan was also the first county to have a JONES surname appear in 1496.

The next several post will show the chronology of the appearance of the JONES surname for Wales from around 1500 - 1700.   South Wales begins the story.

Rev. War Pension Applications For JONES (part II)

A total of 460 Jones surnames were listed in the index of Revolutionary War Pension Applications.  Four hundred and fifty six (456) provided enough information to be included in this study. [99%]  Over all, 219 of the pension applicants migrated from the state that they had enlisted. [48%]  Thus, 52 % of the pension applicants remained in the state from which they had enlisted.  The applicants were organized by the state from which they enlisted.  Regional geography was used to classify the "northern" states, compared to the "southern" states.  They were then listed by highest migration rates (ratios) to the lowest.

The figure to the right shows the migration ratios for the northern regions.  Two hundred thirty three applicants were from the northern states outlined. [51% of the total]  Of these, 113 left their state to move to another state. [48%]  Only 6 of the 113 [5%] left a northern state to migrate to a southern state.  This would suggest that those who moved from their original state, chose to stay in the northern regions.  Very few migrated from the north to the south following the Revolutionary War.

Massachusetts had the highest number of JONES (77), followed by Connecticut (61), New York (34), and Pennsylvania (26).  It would seem that the folks in New York wanted to stay in New York.

The "south" is yet to come.

This study is taken from The Jones Genealogist, Vol.VIII, No.4, Nov/Dec, 1996, p. 1-7.  The data set is located in The Jones Genealogist, research notebook, #67.

Rev. War Pension Applications for JONES (part I)

Revolutionary War records are an important resource for the Jones tree climber.  A beginning point for many researchers is the Index of Revolutionary War Pension Applications, published by the National Genealogical Society, Washington, D.C.  On page 610 of this index, the Jones surname begins.  It is noted : "For Revolutionary pension applications filed for military service for soldiers who had the surname "Jones", more details than usually included in this Index are being printed as an illustration of the amount of non-military vital statistics which are to be found in Revolutionary War pension applications...".  It is the use of this non-military vital statistics that are most helpful for Jones tree climbers!

The following series of posts uses this reference to analyze the Jones surname for Revolutionary War pensioners.  Its purpose is to evaluate the numbers and migration patterns for the surname JONES, "state by state".  The questions it seeks to answer are: 1) Is there a pattern of Jones migration from one state to the next following the revolution?, 2) How many Jones from one state actually moved to another state?, 3) Which state(s) had the most Jones surnames recorded?, and 4) Will the patterns identified be helpful in my own genealogical searches?.

An example of the information provided in the index is copied exactly as it appears on page 610:

        "Ambrose, Cont. (Va.), Martha, W9083, b. 8/10/1756, enlisted in Augusta Co., Va.  In 1821 res. Floyd Co., KY, d. 6/12/1833  (see Quarterly, Sept. '46, p.104)."

This information was analyzed and abstracted for its content including the following items: 1) name , 2) state of identity, 3)  wife's name, 4) date of birth, 5) location by state of enlistment, 6) location of resident when applying for pension, and 7) the date of death.  This information became the bases for the analysis, organized by state, and evaluated for location at the time of pension application.  It assumes that the applicant was originally from the state identified by the index, and was living in the state of reference when he applied for the pension.  In the example above, this would suggest that Ambrose Jones, service record W9083, was from VA and migrated to KY before 1821.   Each entry for the JONES surname was analyzed and coded.  The results of this analysis will be presented.   More to come.

This research was published in The Jones Genealogist, Vol. VIII, No. 4, Nov./Dec., 1996. pp. 1-7.  Date set is located The Jones Genealogist Research Notebook # 67, The Joseph Wheeler Jones Memorial Library, Danville, KY.  The "Index of Revolutionary War Pension Applications" published by National Genealogical Society, Washington, D.C., 1966.

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.

JONES On Jamaica 1670

On St. John's eve, 23 June 1503, Columbus found himself beached on the shores of Jamaica. He spent a year here living off the land until he was rescued. A "starving party" was all that was left as described by Fiske in his book titled: The Discovery of America, Vol. I, p 454. What a way to start a history of this island.

It was not until 1670 that a survey of the Island of Jamaica was recorded in English records. There were six parishes organized after the English system, and 15,198 "persons" were documented in this survey. Those of the JONES surname were:

St. Thomas's Parish - David Jones 70 acres. [ 59 families in this parish.]

St. Andrew's Parish - William Jones 60 acres. [194 families in this parish.]

St. John's Parish - Thomas Jones 373 acres. [ 83 families in this parish.]
- Doctor Thomas Jones 20 acres.

There certainly may be older records with the surname JONES. Anyone please post if you know of earlier records.

Abstracted from: Calendar of State Papers, America and West Indies, 1669-1674, , Edited by, W. Noel Sainsbury, London, 1889. [Kraus Reprint Ltd., Vaduz, 1964.] pp. 99 - 104.

Reference on Columbus: The Discovery of America, With Some Account of Ancient America and The Spanish Conquest, by John Fiske, Vol.I, Houghton, Mifflin and Co., Boston, 1892. pp. 454-455.

First JONES Westminster 1382

Thorney Island was noted as a place of some importance from a very early date. The only ford for a considerable distance gave passage over the Thames to the road leading from Chester to London. Here a Roman fort was positioned. It was stones from this Roman fort that were used to begin the foundations of Westminster. It is recorded that a Saxon monastic church, dating from 750 AD occupied some of the present site. It was not until 1065 AD that the Norman church, which had been some ten years in the making, was consecrated.

It is in the Calendar of Close Rolls that the first JONES is identified. [Reign of Edward I (1272-1307) to Edward IV (1461-1470) p.212.] A Richard Jones along with a John Tererd is given as witness dated 10 March 5 Richard II. John Tererd is identified as "the elder of Esstances". It is dated July 29, 1382, Westminster.

Interestingly, it was during the year 1386 that the downfall of Richard II began. [See: British Kings & Queens, by Mike Ashley, pp.606-607.]

A helpful reference is: The New Guide to Westminster Abbey, by H.F. Westlake, 1916.

First JONES in Bermuda 1639

A Spaniard named Juan Bermudez was the first European to discover this island in 1505. Little did he know that his name would be associated with a most notorious area of the world called "The Bermuda Triangle"! [Puerto Rico - Miami - Bermuda]

Bermuda was included in the third charter of the Virginia Company, 1612. [Called Somers Island in English documents.] It was after this that 60 English settlers were sent to colonize this small island. Indian and African slaves were transported by 1616 when the island became jointly administered by the Crown and the Company.

On May 17, 1639, an "Indenture" is recorded between a George Smith "citizen & grocer of London" and a David JONES "of Bermuda, planter". It seems that this David JONES was to "...plant oranges & lemon trees in convenient places and to keep tenements in repair." Just imagine, orange and lemon trees, 1639 Bermuda. I wonder if David ever needed to make lemonade out of his lemons.

References:

The European Discovery of America, by Samuel Morison, The Southern Voyages A.D. 1492-1616. Oxford University Press, Oxford, 1974. pp. 499-502.

Bermuda Settlers of the 17th Century, by Julia E. Mercer, Genealogical Publishing Co., Baltimore, MD, 1982. [deed found on p.104]

First JONES to Barbados 1628

Following the lead of the Dutch West India Company [established 1621], London merchants named Marmaduke Rawdon, and Edward Foster, sent out a ship to begin the settlement of Barbados. They had obtained a grant of 10,000 acres from the Earl of Carlisle, and were interested in trying to get on the ground floor of what was to be called "The Triangular Trade" routes. The name of their ship was the Marygold, and it arrived Carlise Bay, 5 July, 1628. The company's agents were Capt. Charles Wolferstone, and Capt. John Swan. The "master" of the ship was John Jones.

Some twenty years later, Ralph Harrison married Catherine Jones on 2 November 1643 at Christ Church. Owen Jones and Patrick Jones were active by 23 September 1648 in St. Peter's Parish. Connections between Barbados and the colonies have strong ties.

Good reference is Genealogies of Barbados Families, by James C. Brandow, Genealogical Publishing Company, 1983.

A good reference to the trade routes can be found in Atlas of Maritime History, by Natkiel and Preston, Gallery Books, 1987.