JOSEPH JONES. The mercantile interests of this county find no better representative outside of the Capital City than Joseph Jones, who has for some years been engaged in business in Loami. He is, strictly speaking, a self-made man, having begun to do for himself at the early age of twelve years, and the financial success which he has won and the reputation which he holds are alike creditable to his mental ability and good principles. He has built up an extensive trade in the town which he chose as the seat of his ventures and is one of the most prominent citizens in the community.

Mr. Jones was born May 5, 1838, in Loami. He began his work in life in a sawmill, receiving $8 and $10 per month, according to the worth of his services. When seventeen years old he was apprenticed to learn the trade of a carpenter and continued to work at the business until the summer of 1861, when the patriotism which slumbers in the breast of every true American was aroused, and he enlisted under the old flag. July 20 he was enrolled at Springfield in what became Company C, Eleventh Missouri Infantry, for a term of three years. He was present at many hard-fought engagements, among them being Dallas, New Madrid, Island No. 10, Iuka, the siege of Vicksburg, etc. May 22, 1863, during the assault on the rebel fortifications at Vicksburg he was wounded in one knee and one hand. After recovering from the injuries he was transferred to the Veteran Reserve Corps and detailed as a wardmaster and steward in the military hospital at Keokuk, Iowa. He served his full term and was honorably discharged August 5, 1864, after having won the record of a faithful, efficient and gallant soldier.

After he was mustered out of the service Mr. Jones returned to his former home and as soon as arrangements could be made for so doing, embarked in the sale of merchandise at Loami. He has continued the business, adding to its extent from year to year as the country has grown in population and wealth. His business establishment is neatly arranged, well supplied with carefully selected goods and the business is conducted according to the most honorable methods. Mr. Jones has been Postmaster in Loami for a period of six years. The only social orders to which he belongs are those of Masonry, with which he has been identified for twenty years, and Stephenson Post, No. 30, G.A.R., Springfield, Ill., of which he has been a member for ten years. He exercises the elective franchise in behalf of the candidates who are pledged to support Republican principles, as he believes by so doing he will advance the interests of the country.

The wife of our subject was known in her maidenhood as Miss Laura E., daughter of Major Davis of this township, and their marriage rites were solemnized in Loami, March 17, 1868. To them have come five children, who have been named Harry P., Josephine, Don, Ray and Ralph. They have received every advantage which parental love could compass and are preparing for extended usefulness in the years to come.