"Historical & Biographical Record of Logan County, IL"; published 1901.
pg 227-228

William B. Jones

    William B. Jones, who is now living a retired life in the city of Lincoln, was for many years one of her most prominent attorneys, and won for himselff an enviable reputation among the legal fraternity of this section of the state.  he is probably the oldest lawyer in Illinois, having been licensed to practice in 1837.  he was born on the 4th of February, 1816, near Glasgow, Barren county, Kentucky, and is of Welsh descent.  His grandfather, William Jones, was a native of Virginia and was a pioneer settler of Kentucky.  During the trouble with the Indians in early days he and his family were often forced to seek shelter in the blockhouses and forts near which they made their home.  He married a Miss Wren, also a native of the Old Dominion.    John Jones, the father of our subject, was born in the same state, but was reared in Kentucky, where he wedded Miss Mary Young, a native of that state.  Being a   strong anti-slavery man, he finally came north and spent his last days in Grand View, Iowa, where he died in 1843.  His wife died in the afternoon of the same day, and they were buried in the same grave.  By occupation he was a farmer and school teacher.  In his family were eleven children, six sons and five daughters, namely: Angelina, William B., Keziah, Edward, Elizabeth and Nancy, twins, Charlotte, John Robert, Samuel and Christopher.
    Reared in his native state, William B. Jones obtained his education in its private and subscription schools, and remained under the parental roof until nineteen years of age, aiding his father in the work of the farm.  On starting out in life for himself he was superintendent of a spinning and carding factory in Kentucky for two years.   he then read law with Franklin Gorin, of Glasgow, that state, and on securing a license to practice, in May, 1837, he opened an office in Glasgow.  Subsequently he engaged in practice in Fraklin county, Kentucky, where he built up a good practice. During the Civil war he was a strong Union man, and was once condemned to be hung for his outspoken sentiment in favor of preserving the Union.  At this time he bacame a firm friend of John M. Palmer.  For eight years he represented his district, comprising ten counties in Kentucky, as attorney for the commonwealth, and was re-elected without opposition.  Resigning in 1866, Mr. Jones came to Lincoln, Illinois, where he has since made his home, and was successfully engaged in the practice of law until 1895, when he retired.  He was thoroughly versed in the law and enjoyed a large and lucrative practice.  He tried many cases before the supreme court, and
attained a high position in professional circles.
    On the 10th of May, 1838, Mr. Jones married Miss Mary P. Lewis, of Warren county, kentucky, a daughter of James A. and Margaret Lewis.  She died in Morgantown, that state, August 19, 1844, leaving four children, namely: Virgil A.; Elnora I., who died October 30, 1881; Eugenia A., who died May 22, 1886; and John N.T.  Mr. Jones was again married, April 14, 1846, his second union being with Miss Mary A. Mann, who died February 21, 1896.  Four children blessed this marriage:  James S., born in 1847; Harriet B., born June 29, 1848; Elizabeth, born january 29, 1850; and William O., born April 29, 1852.
    On attaining his majority Mr. Jones became identified with the Whig party, and on the organization of the Republican party joined its ranks, having since fought under its banner.  Since 1848 he has been a active member of the Masonic fraternity, and was master of his lodge for twelve consecutive years.  Although now in his eighty-sixth year, he still enjoys good health,
which is probably due to his temperate habits and the upright, honorable life that he has led.  He has ever supported those interests which are calculated to uplift and benefit humanity, while his own high moral worth is deserving of the highest commendation.

Submitted by Tina Hursh, great-great-great granddaughter.