Jesse Jones, of Runnymede, Kans., is a native of the Sunflower State. He was born in Doniphan county, Kans., January 12, 1856, and is a son of Jesse W. and Mary (Froge) Jones. The father was a native of Wales, and came to America with his parents when a child. The family settled in Kentucky, where Jesse, the father of the subject of this review, grew to manhood. During the gold excitement of 1849, he went to California where he followed mining successfully until 1854, when he came to Kansas and took up government land in Doniphan county. This was early in the settlement of that section of the State, and he was one of the pioneers of Doniphan county, and was a prominent figure in the early history of that county. He served as county commissioner of Doniphan county for several years. During the Civil war, he served as an officer in the State militia. In 1886, he removed to Indian Territory, and died at Ardmore, January 20, 1906. His wife was a native of Indiana, and died in 1884.

Jesse Jones is one of a family of nine children, four of whom are living. Jesse, the subject of this sketch; William; Mitchell, and Clinton. Jesse received his education in the public schools of Highland, Kans., and came to Harper county in 1884. He bought land in Harper township, where he now owns over 1,000 acres, all well improved. Besides general farming, he is extensively engaged in breeding thoroughbred horses, and pure blood cattle and swine.

Mr. Jones was united in marriage at Highland, Kans., November 2, 1878, to Miss Lucy J., daughter of Francis and Mary E. (Chapman) King. Mrs. Jones was born at Marceline, Ill., in 1858, and when she was a child her parents came to Kansas, settling in Doniphan county, where they both spent the remainder of their lives. To Mr. and Mrs. Jones, have been born three children: Mary Mabel, married Ulysses E. Evans, Runnymede, Kans.; Oscar H., Colorado Springs, Colo., and Eugenia Belle married H. J. Litsey, Harper, Kans.

Mr. Jones is a Democrat, but has never aspired to hold political office. He is one of the progressive men of Harper county, and a citizen of real worth.