The Van Buren press. [volume] (Van Buren, Ark.) 1859-1914, 1896-11-07
Interesting Home Life of Hon. j. X
Jones.

From the Post Dispatch.
Next to Mr.. Bryan himself, interest
among his followers in the present
campaign centers in the leader of the
Democratic national campaign, Senator
James X. Jones, of Arkansas
Senator Jones is a modest man, and
he has not been exploited much in the
press. He is Mississippian by birth,
having been born in Marshall county,
that state, September 80, 1889. The
senator is now 81 years old, and bids
fair to live the allotted time of man.
But in his youth he was of weakly
constitution, with tendency to
consumption, and it was not thought
he had it in him to endure the fatigue of
the useful public life he has led.
But he was grit clear through, as his
war record proves conclusively. His
father moved to Dallas county, Ark. ;,
when he was boy, and there he went
to school. He was just of age when
the war began, and, although not at all
strong, he, with most of the young men
of the South, joined the Confederate
forces and was sent to the front.
Before long the tendency to consump-
ton referred to manifested itself, and
because of it he was given an honorable
discharge. But the future senator had
no thought of availing himself of it.
He told no one he had it, but carried it
around in his pocket, and did soldier s
duty, Sinking none of it, until he was
mustered out at the close of the four
years struggle.
Perhaps the outdoor life of the soldier
strengthened his lungs, and rendered
him more robust. In any event he has
been busy man ever since, and has had
the physique to stand the strain.
Very soon after the war he married
Miss Sue Somerville and moved to
Washington county, Arkansas. He
engaged i'll farming, practiced law, also
| took an active part in politics.
In 1878 he was elected to the state
senate. He was elected to the Forty
seventh congress, and has been in one
of the two houses ever since. He served
in the two succeeding congresses, and
in 1884 was elected United States
senator. He was re elected in 1890 at
the expiration of his term, and it is a
| forgone conclusion that the Arkansas
legislature when it meets in January
will honor him with third term.
to the cause of silver. He has been a
consistent bimetallist all through his
congressional career, and has always
| been in line with the leaders of the
Democratic party in uncompromising
opposition TO Capitalization in govern
ment
Senator Jones is, and always has
been, a busy man, but whatever time
he can spare from politics is devoted to
his family. he owns his own home in
Washington. 1t is not a mansion, since
for years the senator S only income has
been his salary as senator, and be
bought the place on the installment
plan. But in that home, which is 9l5
NJ street, the old time Southern
hospitality is dispensed charmingly TO a
large circle of friends by Mrs. Jones
and her daughter.
Senator Jones has two children
James Kimbrough Jones, Jr is now
30 years old. He married Miss Cora
Benson, of Washington, Ark. She
died last spring, leaving two children
daughter 5 and son years old, who
are the idols of their grandfather.
Miss Mary SOmerville Jones, the
only daughter of the senator. is % years
old. She is an unassuming young lady
an accomplished musician, and an
enthusiastic wheelwoman. She is
extremely popular among the many
friends of the family.
4 Senator Jones is a man of very simple
habits. He rises early. always before I
o clock, and is generally in bed before
10 at night. He does not drink, nor
use tobacco in any form. He takes a
constitutional walk every day and has
an unbounded capacity for work. He
is atfahle, easy TO approach. an
entertaining conversationalist, and is
possessed of great deal of that
personal magnetism which fits him for
a leader.
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