Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1921-05-26

| faithful, efficient and devoted to duty
Just before his late illness he was fill
ing a responsible position with the Ne
koosa- Edwards Paper Co. at Nekoosa;
where he had won warm place in the
hearts Of that Company as the follow
ing account taken from the May bull
ietin indicates:
VIM. 7. Jones is gone. It's hard to
realize that a few months ago Billy
was around amongst us, and that now
he is gone. Many there are among
the men in the crews who visited
''Billy" as he was Familiarity known
aonng his friends and he had hast of
| friends. And they admired his game
ness, particularly when he realized
that this was his last sickness. He
so thoroughly appreciated visiting with
| the friends he had made among the
men he had worked with. It seemed
10 soothe the pain that racked his sys-
tenn the past few months. He always
had a friendly word or q CHEEKY story
to tighten life's burden, and he will
be missed.
When the Grim Reaper calls for men
they should not be measured by the
extent of their worldly goods, nor thier
earthly power and influence, but rath-
er by the number of their friends.
Billy had the knack of making friends
and the men who worked with Billy
| became his friends, as he was a friend
to many Billy, we're sorry to see
you go, but we're glad you worked a
mong US, and were one of US.
VIM. T. Jones was the foreman of
the Nekoosa Paper Mill Chain Gang.
He was a charter member of the N. E.
NJ. B. A. and the first policy holder
whose family will receive the Death
Benefit.
Born at Geneva, Wisconsin
The deceased was born at Geneva,
Wisconsin, November q, 1852, the son
of Mary and John Jones, pioneer set
tiers who came to this country from
England and Wales. Soon after his
birth, the family moved to Mazomanle,
Wis, where he received his education
in the public schools, earning his way
| by clerking in a store. Finishing his
education, he taught school for a year.
On Dec. %. 1876, Mr.. Jones mar
ried Caroline Compton. Seven children
were born to them, six of whom are
living. They are: Della Jones and
William T. Jones, Jr., Of this city;
Mrs. Charles Halvorsen Of Madison,
Wis, Seth w Jones, of Cincinnati,
O.; Alexander F. Jones, Of Chicago;
Mrs. Dean K. Brundage of Washing
ton, D. c.; and Charles Edwin Jones,
deceased.
The brothers g 5: ters of the de-
ceased man are: 5Ers D. A. Teller of
this city; Mrs. Alex Muir of Nekoosa;
Mrs. Elizabeth Culver of Long Beach,
Cal: Charles Jones Of Mazomanie,
Wis, and Edward Jones of Pittsburg,
Oklahoma.
Came Here in 1872.
Mr.. Jones came to Grand Rapids in
1872, with the first railroad, the Green
Bay and Western, that entered the
city, acting as cook for the construc-
ton crew which was building the rail
road connecting Grand Rapids with
the centers of civilization. He became
associated with Compton and Spafford
in their general merchandise store and
later, in partnership with L. M. Nash,
the present Nash Hardware Store was
erected. He continued in this business
for q years, and during this time he
also helped considerably in the devel-
opment of the cranberry industry in
Wisconsin.
He was mayor Of Centralia in 1883,
and county clerk from 1888 to 1886.
Later he became contractor and in
this capacity contributed great deal
to the growth and welfare by con-
structing water reservoirs and mains.
Democratic Committee Member.
The deceased has always been active
in politics. A democrat in principle, he
was a member of the Democratic State
Central Committee from the 9Th dis
trict in 1894 His duties brought him
Go Washington, d. c., where he be-
eame personally acquainted with Pres
dent Cleveland.
Mr.. Jones is the oldest mason, in
point of membership, in the city, and
was dean of the lodge at the time of