John J. Jones of Chanute is a lawyer of pronounced ability and a representative of the younger generation of professional men in Kansas, in which state he has spent almost his entire life. He was born in Pinckneyville, Ill., Aug. 22, 1869, son of Dr. John R. Jones and wife, whose maiden name was Frances G. Gillis. Dr. Jones, a native of Illinois, came to Kansas, in 1876, and settled on a farm in Neosho county, but spent the whole of his subsequent career, a period of thirty years, in the practice of his profession, that of medicine. He died Oct. 12, 1906. His wife is still living and resides in Chanute. Both parents were members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Dr. Jones was a son of Humphrey B. Jones, who was born in Kentucky, but removed to Illinois, in 1818, and was therefore one of the earliest pioneers of that state, where his whole active career was given to agriculture. He entered the town site of Pinckneyville and lived and died there.

John J. Jones graduated in the Chanute High School in 1889 and in the law department of the University of Kansas in 1892. He began the practice of law that same year as an associate of Col. John C. Carpenter, with whom he continued six years. He then practiced alone until 1905, when Judge Finley became his partner and remained such until he assumed the duties of the bench, in 1908. In 1909 Mr. Jones former a partnership with James W. Reid, with whom he still continues to be identified in practice. Mr. Jones gives special attention to corporation law and in that direction has won a reputation as a lawyer of exceptional skill and ability. He is attorney for the Kansas Natural Gas Company, the First National Bank of Chanute, and the Quapaw Gas Company, of Oklahoma, from each of which he receives a large salary for his services. He has been admitted to practice in all the courts, including the United States courts. To his professional labors he brings a vigorous intellect, a resourceful mind, and a spirit of unusual energy, which natural gifts, together with excellent educational qualifications and unfaltering application to the interests of his clients, have made him one of the foremost lawyers of southern Kansas. In politics he is a Republican. Fraternally he is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.

In 1896 Mr. Jones married Miss Belle Wilson of Chanute. Mrs. Jones is the daughter of W. L. Wilson, a retired resident of that city.