Marx Jons

MARX JONS, one of the prosperous German-American farmers living near Piper, Kansas, has been identified with Wyandotte county since 1869, and ranks today with the leading citizens of his community. A brief review of his life gives the following facts:

Marx Jons was born in Germany December 28, 1843, a son of Marx and Louise (Doren) Jons, one of a family of ten children. The father was a farmer and butcher, and, according to the German custom, served a term in the army, during which time he was one of the Emperor's guards.

When civil war was being waged in this country, Marx Jons, then a boy in his teens, was a friend of the Union and was anxious to come to America and take part in the war. However, on account of his age, his parents restrained him and he was kept at home until he reached his majority. In 1865, in company with a brother and sister, he sailed for America. Arrived here, they directed their course to Illinois. Later they went to Iowa, and in the latter state Mr. Jons' brother, Peter Jons, has since made his home and is now extensively engaged in farming there. Marx came over into Kansas and settled in Wyandotte county, where he has devoted his energies to farming and stock raising, a dairy being an important feature of his farm.

During his residence here Mr. Jons has taken an active interest in local affairs, and has efficiently served in such offices as road overseer and member of the school board. For eighteen years he has been treasurer of the school board. Politically he is a Democrat.

Mr. Jons has been twice married. By his first wife he has three children, Henry, Lizzie and Alvena, all of whom are married and settled in life; and by his second wife he has six children: Lollie, Annie, John, Clara, Harry and Eddie, all at home except Lollie, who is the wife of Harry Jamison. The present Mrs. Jons, whom he married in 1881, was Mrs. Elizabeth Dunn, a widow.