11/15/2025
The Legacy of the Jones Family and the Jonesboro Historical Society
1.0 Introduction: The Jonesboro Historical Society and Its Founding Legacy
The Jonesboro Historical Society stands as a proud steward of our community's rich and compelling past. To fully appreciate the Society's mission, one must first understand the foundational story of the town and the remarkable family for whom it is named: the Jones family. Their journey of migration, settlement, and enterprise laid the groundwork for the community we know today. The Society's primary role is the preservation and celebration of this pivotal history, a duty embodied by its dedicated support for two of our most important landmarks: the Obadiah Jones Cabin and the Jonesboro Historical Museum. The story of Jonesboro is inextricably linked to the vision of its founder, and it is with him that our town's history truly begins.
2.0 The Patriarch: Obadiah Jones, Founder of Jonesboro
The founder of a town is more than just an early settler; they are the central figure whose vision, values, and industry shape the community's initial character. For our town, that figure was Obadiah Jones. He was not merely the first to plat the lots but was the primary engine of commerce, faith, and education in the wilderness of early Grant County. His life story is the story of Jonesboro’s origins.
Ancestry and Origins
Obadiah Jones was born on September 30, 1793, in Randolph County, North Carolina, to his parents Abijah Jones and Rachel Harris. His American lineage traced back to his grandfather, Richard Bright Jones, a Welsh immigrant who settled in Opacon, Virginia, around the year 1700.
Migration and Settlement
Like many of his generation, Obadiah Jones looked west for opportunity, migrating from his native North Carolina to Ohio. It was there, in Miami County, that he married Ann Pearson on August 3, 1820. In 1833, the couple and their growing family made their final move, settling in Grant County, Indiana, where Obadiah purchased nearly 300 acres of land that would become his legacy.
Founding a Town
Upon arriving, Obadiah immediately set to work building a home for his family. Between 1833 and 1834, he constructed a sturdy two-story log house on the west bank of the Mississinewa River. This home would become the nucleus of the new community. A few years later, in 1837, he formally had the land surveyed by David P. Adler, platting a town of thirty-two lots. In his memory, the fledgling settlement was named "Jonesborough," a name later shortened to Jonesboro.
An Engine of Commerce and Community
Obadiah Jones was a man of immense energy who skillfully combined farming with other entrepreneurial ventures. His civic contributions were foundational to the town's development and are a testament to his character and foresight.
Milling and Farming: Obadiah established a saw-mill on Back Creek in 1835 with his partner Ruben Small, adding a cracking-mill later. This was the beginning of a family enterprise, as he and his sons David and Robert seemed "peculiarly adapted to milling" and went on to build other mills in Jonesboro.
Local Commerce: Before any general store existed, Obadiah sold goods "to the few people that lived in the area" directly from his home, which he personally transported from commercial hubs like Dayton or Cincinnati.
Religious Foundation: Raised in the Quaker faith, Obadiah opened his home for assemblies of the Friends Church, providing a place for worship and community fellowship until a formal church could be built.
Commitment to Education: Recognizing the importance of education, he constructed a school building around 1836 where the first class was taught by Mahon Neal. Before this, his children attended school classes in a nearby Quaker Meeting-house, underscoring his deep commitment to their learning.
Obadiah Jones died on August 23, 1856, having been preceded in death by his wife Ann, who passed away on December 14, 1853. He left behind a thriving town built upon his efforts, and his log house still stands as the most tangible piece of his enduring legacy.
3.0 The Hearth of a Community: The Obadiah Jones Log House
The Obadiah Jones Log House was far more than a simple pioneer residence; it was the original multi-purpose civic center of Jonesboro. From its construction, the cabin served as the heart of the community, a symbol of pioneer resourcefulness where the essential functions of a new town were carried out under a single roof. It was here that commerce was first conducted, where religious services were held, where the seeds of education were planted, and where the culture of the fledgling county began to form. This humble structure represents the genesis of Jonesboro's social, economic, and spiritual life. The cabin's timeline is a story in itself:
Construction: 1833 or 1834
Original Location: Lot Number 22, later addressed as 306 South Main Street.
Relocation: Moved in July 1975 to 120 East 4th Street.
Modern Stewardship: Now located in Jonesboro Park and proudly supported by the Jonesboro Historical Society.
The legacy of Obadiah Jones was carried on not just by this historic cabin, but by the remarkable achievements of his children.
4.0 A Legacy of Achievement: The Children of Obadiah and Ann Jones
The industrious character and commitment to community that defined Obadiah Jones were clearly passed down to the next generation. The lives of his children reflect the broad tapestry of 19th-century America, marked by professional ambition, civic duty, and the profound challenges of the Civil War. They expanded the family’s legacy from the farm and mill into the fields of law, medicine, and military service.
Their eight children were:
David W. Jones: Born July 11, 1821
Abijah F. Jones: Born January 19, 1823
Martha A. Jones: Born October 18, 1824
Robert B. Jones: Born July 27, 1826
Enoch P. Jones: Born February 20 or 28, 1828
Jonathan H. Jones: Born January 28, 1830
Jemima A. Jones: Born September 22, 1831
Rachel H. Jones: Born July 9, 1833
4.1 Robert B. Jones: Soldier, Engineer, and Attorney
Robert B. Jones led a life defined by civic and military duty. An Attorney at Law and Civil Engineer, he also shared his father’s aptitude for industry, as he was noted to be "particularly adapted to milling." He married Amanda Wall on November 22, 1849, in Marion, Indiana. When the Civil War began, he answered the call to serve the Union, enlisting in June 1861. His leadership qualities were immediately recognized, and he was elected Captain of Company "F" in the 34th Indiana Volunteers. He served throughout the war, earning a promotion to the rank of Colonel. Robert B. Jones passed away on July 25, 1866, leaving a legacy of patriotic service.
4.2 Dr. Enoch P. Jones: A Pioneer in Medicine
Dr. Enoch P. Jones forged a distinguished path in medicine, marked by intellectual curiosity and deep integrity. After three years studying with allopathic physicians and finding himself dissatisfied, he made a deliberate choice to seek out alternative methods. At age 24, he began training under his cousin, Dr. Steven D. Jones, a practitioner of the Physio-Medical and Homeopathic schools. This journey culminated in his graduation from the Eclectic College of Cincinnati in 1854.
Upon receiving his diploma, Dr. Jones made a decision that spoke volumes about his character: he returned to Jonesboro to practice among the very people who had watched him grow up. In an era when most young professionals sought anonymity in new towns, his choice demonstrated that his life had been "upright and honorable," earning him the trust of his community. He practiced in Jonesboro for over 25 years before relocating to Marion.
Dr. Jones married Lydia Ann Ellis, and their life together reflects both the hardships and convictions of the era. They had seven children, four of whom—Idella, Carlos, Harris C., and Robert C.—died in infancy, a poignant reminder of the realities of 19th-century life. Their three surviving children were Carrie, Linton E., and Raymond O. Raised as Quakers, both Enoch and Lydia were disowned by the Friends church for "varying from the discipline" at the time of their marriage, but in a testament to their enduring faith, they were restored to full membership in 1867. A Republican and active member of the I.O.O.F. and the Masons, Dr. Jones's life was one of principled service.
4.3 Jonathan H. Jones: Attorney and Patriot
Jonathan H. Jones lived a brief but impactful life. Working as both a Printer and an Attorney, he also demonstrated a deep commitment to his country. In 1862, he enlisted in the 101st Regiment Indiana Volunteers but was discharged the following year due to a disability. His service did not end there. He moved to Missouri, where he was appointed to serve as a Provost Marshal. Tragically, on August 18, 1864, his town was raided by rebel "bushwhackers." Unprepared for the attack, he was shot and killed in his attempt to escape, making the ultimate sacrifice for the nation he served.
The preservation of this rich and multifaceted family history is central to the mission of our historical society today.
5.0 Preserving the Past for the Future: Get Involved with the Jonesboro Historical Society
The story of the Jones family is the story of Jonesboro's founding. The Jonesboro Historical Society is the modern caretaker of this profound legacy, working to ensure that the contributions of Obadiah Jones and his descendants are remembered and cherished by future generations. We invite you to become a part of this vital work.
Mission: We support the Jonesboro Historical Museum and the Obadiah Jones Cabin.
Meetings:
Held once a month from April to November.
Occur on the second Monday evening of each month at 5:30 p.m.
Membership:
Dues are $20 per year.
Contact Information for Tours or Membership:
President/Treasurer, Jerald Greentree - 765-618-6649
Vice-President, Gary Lewis - 573-230-9880
Secretary, Penny Haynes Bundy - 765-621-1154
Please join us to help cherish and preserve the unique and important history of Jonesboro.
