GEORGE W. JEROME, a farmer and stock-raiser of Jefferson township, Ashtabula county, was born July 19, 1835, a son of Merrit and Eunice (Loomis) Jerome.  The father was born in Hartford, Connecticut, in 1804, where he received such school advantages as the country afforded at that time.  At the age of twenty-one years he started for the West, made his way to Ohio, began work in Ashtabula county, and in 1830 bought a farm and made a permanent settlement here.  He figured in the early history of Jefferson township, and spent the remainder of his life as a farmer and stockraiser.  In early life Mr. Jerome united with the Methodist Episcopal Church, was a Democrat in his political views, and his death occurred in this county, in 1881.  He was one of the many who hewed out a home from the dense forests of the Western Reserve, and his opinions were much valued in his community.  Mr. Jerome was married in Jefferson township to Mrs. Eunice (Loomis) Sykes, widow of Benjamin F. Sykes.  She was born in 1802, at Springfield, Massachusetts, where she grew to years of maturity.  At the age of nineteen years she married Benjamin F. Sykes, and they had one son, Amos F., who still survives.  Mr. Sykes died in 1827, and his widow afterward married Merrit Jerome.  They had eight children, seven of whom grew to years of maturity.  The mother died Mar. 15, 1874, having been a member of the Methodist Church from childhood.
     George W. Jerome, the subject of this sketch, spent his early life on the farm, working at home during the summer months, and attending the village school in the winter.  After reaching a suitable age he purchased a small tract of land, and afterward bought his father’s old farm, upon which he still resides.  The place is located one mile from Jefferson, is under a high state of cultivation, and contains all the necessary farm buildings and conveniences.
     Mr. Jerome was married, in 1859, to Miss Jane M. Green, a daughter of Asa Greeu, a pioneer farmer of Jefferson township.  His death occurred in Illinois, while he was there on a visit.  Mrs. Jerome was born in 1857, in Colebrook township, Ashtabula county, where she grew to womanhood.  She was married at the age of twenty-two years.  Mr. and Mrs. Jerome have had five children, namely: Charles M., who died Feb. 6, 1892; Almond A. married Miss Eliza Priest, and resides in Kansas; Monta A. married Miss Emily Ilicok, and lives in Ashtabula county; Mary, deceased Feb. 20, 1892, was the wife of Winn Loomis; and Eugene E., at home.  Mrs. Jerome is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.   In political matters, our subject affiliates with the Republican party, and has held the offices of School Director and Postmaster.
Source:  Biographical History of Northeastern Ohio embracing the Counties of Ashtabula, Geauga and Lake - Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Co. - 1893 - Page 336

REECE M. JOHNSON, of the firm of Johnson & Company, doing a brisk business in dry goods, furnishing goods and notions, at Ashtabula Harbor, Ohio, was born in Burton, Geauga county, this State, Sept. 22, 1861.  His parents, John W. and Mary (Alden) Johnson, are still honored residents of that county, where they were born, reared and married and have spent their entire lives, their respective parents having been early and prominent settlers of that county.
     The subject of this sketch passed his youth, until sixteen years of age, on the home farm, attending the district schools in his vicinity, and afterward taking a course of two years and a half at Hiram College, Ohio.  He subsequently taught school a term, but his inclinations running in the direction of mercantile pursuits, he became a clerk in a dry-goods store at the early age of eighteen years, being first in Hiram, Ohio, and afterward in several other different places until 1886.  He then invested capital of his own in business at Orwell, this State, after which he was engaged in mercantile pursuits on his own account in several different places until in 1891 he came to Ashtabula Harbor.  Here he entered into partnership with others, under the name of Johnson & Company, and the firm has enjoyed one of the largest trades in dry goods, furnishing goods and notions in the city.
     Dec. 21, 1888, Mr. Johnson was married to Miss Lula Williams, an estimable lady, of Garrettsville, Ohio, and they have one child, a daughter, Josephine, born Nov. 13, 1890.
     Fraternally Mr. Johnson is a Knight of Pythias and a Master Mason.
     Mr. Johnson's financial success and advancement may justly be termed phenomenal, and in looking for the cause it is only necessary to remember his untiring industry, perseverance, enterprise and integrity of purpose under all circumstances and in all places, which have secured for him universal confidence and esteem of his fellow men.
Source:  Biographical History of Northeastern Ohio embracing the Counties of Ashtabula, Geauga and Lake - Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Co. - 1893 - Page 417

VAN RENSELAER T. JOINER, a farmer and stock-raiser of Jefferson township, Ashtabula county, was born at Conneaut, this county, Dec. 12, 1838, a son of Irwin and Phema (Moore) Joiner.  The father was born in Vermont, in 1795, and when a youth participated in the war of 1812, as Aid-de-camp to his uncle, General Erastus Joiner.  Mr. Joiner was afterward engaged in farming in New York, next worked as a farm hand in Erie county, Pennsylvania, and in 1828 located in Conneaut, Ohio.  He was married in that city in 1837.  After following the cooper's trade a number of years, he engaged in shoemaking, but subsequently was employed as a brick and stone mason.  In 1840 he purchased a timber farm in Sheffield township, Ashtabula county, cleared the same and erected a cabin,  and was engaged at his trade and farming.  In 1855 he sold his land and purchased another small tract of timber, which he also cleared.  Mr. Joiner eventually made his home with his children, and he died July 26, 1891, at the age of ninety-six yeas.  He was a member of the Universalist Church, was a good and useful man and honest citizen.  The mother of our subject was born in Canada, May 20, 1816, came with her parents to Conneaut, Ohio, at the age of sixteen years, and was married two years later.  She was well versed in the use of the wheel and loom, and, although not a member of any church, was a noble and self-sacrificing woman.  Her death occurred in 1856.  Mr. and Mrs. Joiner had six children, all of whom now reside in Ashtabula county.
     Van Rensaeler T. Joiner, the subject of this sketch, was early taught the value of industry, and when young engaged with his father at the stone mason's trade.  He afterward worked as a farm laborer six years.  In 1864 he became partner in a milling enterprise, manufacturing all kinds of lumber, including oak, ash and whitewood, and this venture proved quite successful.  In 1866 Mr. Joiner bought 154 acres of land, and later, in company with his partner, they purchased 307 acres of timber land; and also owned a portable mill, cleared the land, sawed all the available timber into lumber, and increased their annual business to $10,000.  Mr. Joiner's home is located about three and a half miles east of Jefferson.  He has all the barns and sheds necessary for his stock and grain, has been engaged in the dairy business since 1870, has a fine herd of sheep and horses, and is interested in fruit-growing.  In political matters he affiliates with the Republican party, has served as Township Trustee, School Director, and filled many other offices of trust.  Our subject has kept a correct diary of the events of his daily life and transactions, and in this record he takes a just pride.
     Nov. 12, 18__ he was united in marriage to Miss Dell C. Thompson, a daughter of Oral Thompson, a prominent merchant of Conneaut.  Mrs. Joiner was born in that city Sept. 29, 1846, received her education in the Kingsville school, and was engaged in teaching for a number of years.  She was married at the age of twenty-two years.  Mr. and Mrs. Joiner have two children, - Linas E., born Nov. 17, 1870, received a good education in the Jefferson Educational Institute, and is now engaged in farming at home; and Bernice C., born Oct. 16, 1879, has also received good educational advantages.  Mr. Joiner was early thrown upon his own resources, having begun work for himself at the age of sixteen years, and by steady application to business, well directed efforts and honorable methods has gained what he now owns.  His wife has been his faithful guide and counseler throughout their marriage life, and both occupy a high position in the hearts of the citizens of Ashtabula county.
Source:  Biographical History of Northeastern Ohio embracing the Counties of Ashtabula, Geauga and Lake - Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Co. - 1893 - Page 438

EDWIN E. JONES, a prominent miller and one of the most enterprising, progressive business men of Jefferson, Ohio, was born in Warren, Pennsylvania, June 14,1841.  His parents, Annias and Ruth (Palmer) Jones, were both natives of Charlotte, Vermont, in which place the mother was born in 1801, and where they were reared and married.  Their ancestors were early settlers of New England States, with the affairs of which they were actively identified.  The mother of the subject of this sketch witnessed the memorable battle of Lake Champlain, on which so much depended in the struggling history of the American colonies.  About 1834, the parents removed from the Green Mountain State to Pennsylvania, when, in 1845, they removed to Ohio, settling near Conneaut, in Ashtabula county, where the father was engaged in farming for many years.  He afterward went West to prosecute business, and was there taken sick and died.  The mother died in Ashtabula county, lamented by a large circle of friends.  They were the parents of five children, of whom three, all sons, now survive.
     The subject of this sketch was reared in Conneaut, Ohio, where he received a common school education.  At about the age of twelve years he entered the employ of his brother, a successful liveryman and stage proprietor, with whom he remained until he was about twenty years of age.  Mr. Jones, of this notice, then took charge of a hotel at Union Mills, Pennsylvania, which his brother had bought, and in which city his brother conducted a stage line.  In 1865, the brothers went to Erie, Pennsylvania, where they pur­chased a flouring mill, which they successfully operated six years.  The subject of this sketch then went to Kansas, and there entered the stock business, which he profitably continued five years.  He then returned to Ashtabula county and entered the employ of Bailey, Paine & Weatherston, successful millers of Jefferson.
    Subsequently, Mr. Jones bought out the interest of Mr. Weatherston in the business, and afterward other changes took place in the firm, until, in 1878, Mr. Jones became sole proprietor of the pant, which he has since successfully operated.  This mill has a capacity of seventy-five barrels a day, is supplied with all the latest improvements and turns out an excellent grade of flour, which finds a ready market at profitable rates.  This prosperity is due to the careful and efficient management of Mr. Jones, who adds to his thorough knowledge of the business, indomitable perseverance and industry, a combination capable of accomplishing wonders.
     Oct. 30, 1868, Mr. Jones was married to Emily Blinn, daughter of Rev. T. D. Blinn, who died leaving one son, Elmo B.  In 1885, Mr. Jones married Helen Deveraux, and they have one child,. Ruth.
     Of thorough integrity, public spirited, liberal-minded and progressive, Mr. Jones has taken an active interest in the welfare of his city, and holds a high position in the regard of the community.  Mr. Jones is a member of the Masonic order, Tuscan Lodge, No. 342, and the I. 0. O. F., Ensign Lodge, No. 400. In politics, he is a Prohibitionist.
Source:  Biographical History of Northeastern Ohio embracing the Counties of Ashtabula, Geauga and Lake - Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Co. - 1893 - Page 199

SAMUEL JONES, Jr., County Commissioner of Ashtabula county, Ohio, was born in Wayne, this State, Dec. 6, 1822.
     His parents, Samuel Jones Sr.,  and Deborah (Hayes) Jones, were natives of Connecticut, the former born in Litchfield county, June 29, 1781, and the latter in Hartford county, in 1782.  Both were members of the Congregational Church, and in their native State were engaged in teaching school.  In 1811 they came to Ohio and settled at Wayne, where they passed the residue of their lives.  The father died May 16, 1880, at the advanced age of ninety-nine years, and the mother in 1863, aged eighty-one.
     The subject of our sketch remained with his parents until 1846, when he started out in life for himself.  He was extensively engaged in farming until 1867, at which time he turned his attention to merchandising in Wayne, doing business first under the firm name of Jones & Way, and afterward S. Jones & Son.  Upon retiring, he left his son in charge.  Mr. Jones served in various township offices until 1871, when he was commissioned Postmaster at Lindenville, Ohio.  In 1875, he was elected Justice of the Peace, and served in the two offices until 1883, when he resigned both and came to Conneaut, where he has since resided.  In 1883, he was elected Infirmary Director, and served as such until Jan. 1, 1889, when lie assumed the duties of County Commissioner for a term of three years.  Jan. 1, 1892, he entered upon a second term of three years.  He has been closely identified with the progress and development of this city and county, and that his services have been appreciated is evinced by his re-election as Commissioner.  In all his intercourse with his fellow men, both public and private, he has been found true to every trust.  Politically, he is a Republican; fraternally, a Mason, having taken the degrees of the blue lodge, chapter, council and commandery, and being a member of the Evergreen Lodge, No. 222, Conneaut Chapter, No. 76; Conneaut Council, No. 40; and of Cache Commandery, No. 27.  He is also a member of the Independent Order of Good Templars.
     Mr. Jones was married Sept. 3, 1846, to Samantha L. Fobes, who died Jan. 9, 1866.  Feb. 21, 1867, he wedded Sophronia Beckwith, of Colebrook, Ohio, who is still living.  Following are the names of Mr. Jones' children:  Estella T., Willis Edwin, Jennie L. and Ralph H.  Estella T. was born in Wayne, Ohio, Sept. 11, 1851; married Elmore H. Wilcox, of Colebrook, Ohio, Dec. 23, 1869.  Of her children, we record that Lilian was born Dec. 17, 1870; Perry H., Mar. 23, 1872; Maud, Mar. 14, 1874, and an infant son born May, 1893.  Lillian was married Christmas Day, 1890, to Charles Waldo, and has one child, Libbie.  Willis Edwin, the older of Mr. Jones' sons, was born in Wayne, Ohio, Sept. 28, 1853; married Sarah G. McNeilly, a native of Ellsworth, Ohio, born Apr. 20, 1856; they have two children: Samuel Willard, born Dec. 18, 1891, and an infant son born in May, 1893; Jennie L., also a native of Wayne, was born Jan. 19, 1871, and is the wife of Burt Tyler: they have one child, Nellie born in March, 1893; Ralph H., the youngest son, was born at the same place, Sept. 1, 1875.
Source:  Biographical History of Northeastern Ohio embracing the Counties of Ashtabula, Geauga and Lake - Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Co. - 1893 - Page 321

JOHN JUDD, a highly respected citizen now living retired at Conneaut, Ohio, was born in Litchfield county, Connecticut, in 1807, son of Eli and Sallie (Hendrix) Judd, both natives of that State. Eli Judd was a manufacturer of bar iron.  He died at the age of forty-eight years, and his wife at seventy-four.  Both were consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and the long life of the latter was one that shone with a luster undimmed by age or surrounding circumstances.  There were three children in their family, namely: Elijah, who died in Delaware county, New York; John, the subject of this sketch; and Azubah, wife of Garey Stone, a resident of Seneca county, New York, died in 1891, at the age of eighty years.
     John Judd received a common school education only, and at the age of eighteen years began teaching in Connecticut.  For several years he taught there and in Dutchess county, New York, teaching and farming occupying his time until 1837, when he came to Conneaut, and after coming here he taught for a time.  Then he turned his attention to the lumber business, owning and operating a steam mill for ten or fifteen years.  He afterward ran a flour and feed mill, next had a grocery, then was engaged in the real-estate business, and since about 1872 has been retired.  He was a Town Trustee for several years.
     Mr. Judd was married Aug. 25, 1829, to Aurilla Stone, daughter of David and Abbie (Fenton) Stone, of Litchfield county, Connecticut.  Mrs. Stone was related to Governor Fenton, of New York, and was a widow at the time her daughter Aurilla was married.  For sixty-four years Mr. and Mrs. Judd have lived happily together, and for the past twenty years Mrs. Judd has been an invalid.  This worthy couple literally planted the vine and fig tree, beneath the friendly shade of which they now rest, enjoying the sweets that come to those who have lived useful lives.  Mrs. Judd has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for many years.  By their many estimable qualities both have endeared themselves to a large circle of friends and acquaintances.   Following are the name of their children: Charlotte, wife of R. J. Wells, died in 1863, at the age of thirty-two years, leaving one child, Bertha; Byron, a grocer of Conneaut, has been twice married and has one child, George B., by his first wife; Emeline, widow of Austin Harmon, has two children, William and Fred R; next came three children who died young, Ivah Jane, John and one unnamed; Ivah J., wife of Elvington Phillips, has three children, - Harry, Laura and Bessie; Mary, wife of Charles Reets, East Conneaut, has two children, - Florence and John; Lelia, wife of Charles Goldsmith, died in 1878, at the age of thirty-three years, leaving three children, - Minnie, Lila and Leverett B.; Willie died at the age of two years.
     Such, in brief, is a sketch of the life and lineage of one of Conneaut's venerable citizens.
Source:  Biographical History of Northeastern Ohio embracing the Counties of Ashtabula, Geauga and Lake - Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Co. - 1893 - Page 182

JAMES H. JUDSON, a prominent business man and enterprising citizen of Conneaut, Ohio, was born at this place, Sept. 28, 1848, son of Hiram and Azuba (Horton) Judson.
     Hiram Judson was born in New York in 1812, the oldest of three children of Elisha Judson, his two brothers being Ephraim and Isaac. Ephraim went to Michigan, where he died when about twenty-one years of age.  Isaac died in Elkhart, Indiana, about 1886.  The mother of J. H. Judson was born Dec. 10, 1809, oldest of the two children of James and Asenath (Mann) Horton, natives of Connecticut and Massachusetts respectively.  The other child, Sarah, was born in May, 1811; became the wife of S. A. Pelton, of Connecticut; died Mar. 1, 1883.  After the death of her mother, which occurred when Azuba was three years old, she went to live with her grandparents, Nathan and Elizabeth Mann, by whom she was reared.  Mr. and Mrs. Hiram Judson were married Mar. 6, 1835, and in 1840 settled in Conneaut.  Of the three children born to them only James H. is living. Elisha, the oldest, is a member of the Congregational Church.
     Mr. Judson votes with the Republican party, taking, however, little interest in political matters.  He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, having taken the Scottish rite degrees.
     In connection with the life of James H. Judson, it is fitting that further mention be made of his honored father, and the following sketch will be of interest to many.
     Hiram Judson, deceased, was born in Penfield, New York, Sept. 29, 1812.  He and his wife came to Conneaut in 1840.  For a number of years he, in company with Mr. Asa Shepard, conducted a woolen mill and store on South Ridge, and in 1859 he moved into Conneaut and engaged in merchandising, E. A. Higgins being his partner.  He also, with Hiram Lake as a partner, carried on a lumber business.  With the discovery of oil in Pennsylvania, he went to the oil fields and for a number of years was one of the busy men in that busy section.  He returned to Conneaut, however, in 1864, far from being a wealthy man.  At the death of Mr. Lake, James H. Judson came into the firm, and he and his father continued a successful business in lumber.
     On Tuesday, October 14, 1890, Mr. Judson, accompanied by Mr. and Mrs. Brayman, left Conneaut in the best of spirits for California, to engage in a new enterprise, the planting of an orange grove, an undertaking, as he expressed to the writer, from which he knew he could not live the requisite length of time to receive any benefits, but which he believed would eventually prove one of the most profitable investments.  Little did he think he would not live to reach the Golden State, much less that his death would be the result of his falling from the train that was speeding him to his new field of labor.  We have no details of the sad accident.  The following Saturday, the sorrow stricken family received the following dis­patch: "Mr. Judson fell from the train and was instantly killed."  This was a sad ending of a life so grand and useful, making a mournful impression upon the mind.
     Hiram Judson is dead. These are the most painful words we have written in many a day.  They have cast a pall of sorrow not only over the family and its immediate connections, but also over the entire city of Conneaut.  No man was better known or more highly respected than the deceased, and therefore this universal mourning.  The feelings of sorrow and sadness that hold sway in every breast is but a just tribute to the man whose departure has been so sudden and unexpected.
     A resident of this place for nearly a half a century, and identified with all its interests as a leader among the many of our active citizens, his worth became known to us all.  No enterprise of a public nature was ever inaugurated without, if according to his judgment it was proper and for the best interests of the community at large, receiving the hearty support of his active brain and liberal purse; and if it met with his disapproval he was equally bold and fearless in opposing it with voice and action.  He was a man of strong convictions, fearless and bold in his dealings with municipal officers, and no measure of a public nature was ever undertaken without the result that his voice was raised either for or against it and in no uncertain tone.
     During the time we were laboring for the establishment of the Nickel Plate shops, he was one of the active men; again, when working with might and main for our Southern railroad scheme, his voice was loud and strong, and his purse wide open.  He served the city as Councilman for a number of years, and as a member of the Council, as in every other place, he was a power for good.  In his private business enterprises he was possessed of rare tact and foresight, great activity and indomitable perseverance, and whatever he undertook to do he carried to a successful issue.  In his vocabulary there was no such word as "failure."
     With all the push and energy he applied to his various business enterprises, and the process of acquiring a handsome fortune, there is not a man living who could give expression to a suspicion that in all his business relations he was not the soul of honor, honesty and uprightness. In social life he was an example worthy the imitation and emulation of all -calm, dignified and active.  In all measures that had a tendency to elevate mankind and to make better, lie was a leader.  Every appeal to relieve the sufferings of his fellow men found him not only a ready listener but also ready with an open hand to assist and succor.  There are many in our community who will sadly miss his fatherly advice and his many acts of charity.
     Although not a professor of religion, he was a regular attendant upon divine service and a most liberal contributor toward the support of the Gospel.  He lived the life of the follower of the Lamb.  He was merciful and he shall receive mercy.
     In Evergreen Lodge, A. F. & A. M., he was a pillar, and in his younger days was a most active worker.  Here, as well as in business circles, in the church and in the family, is a vacant place.
     In his death the aged and invalid wife, the only son and his family have met with an irreparable loss.
Source:  Biographical History of Northeastern Ohio embracing the Counties of Ashtabula, Geauga and Lake - Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Co. - 1893 - Page 237

C. W. JAQUES, a well-known business man and respected citizen of Ashtabula, Ohio, was born in Mansfield, this State, Feb. 19, 1845.  His parents, Charles D. and Mary (Hutchison) Jaques, were born and reared in Massachusetts, where they were married.  His father was a civil engineer, who removed about 1832 with his family to Ohio, where he made the survey for the first railroad ever built in the State, that of the proposed Painesville & Fairpoint road, and afterward built the Sandusky, Mansfield & Newark Railroad in the same State.  He was for several years a resident of Mansfield, Ohio, but later removed to Cincinnati, in which latter city he died in 1852, aged fifty-two years.  At that time of his death he was Civil Engineer of the Little Miami and Cleveland, Columbus & Cincinnati Railroads.  He and his estimable wife were the parents of six children.
     The subject of this sketch was but seven years old when his father died, and wsa reared by his widowed mother in Mansfield, where he gained a fair common-school education.  When twelve years of age he became a page in the Ohio Senate at the request of Lieutenant-Governor Ford, and served in that capacity two years.  In the meantime, during the summer seasons, he learned telegraphy, and was operator for a time in Mansfield, after which he was night operator in the Superintendent's office of the Pittsburg, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railroad at Pittsburg until May, 1861.  He then entered the military telegraph service, in which he served four years, being first stationed at Chain Bridge before our troops advanced into Virginia, and later opened a telegraph office at Alexandria, Virginia, which was the first military telegraph office opened in the Confederate States.  During the first battle of Bull Run he had an office eight miles south from Alexandria, where he was stationed for some time, after which he was transferred to General George B: McClellan’s headquarters, being one of three operators at that post during the entire time General McClellan had command.  He was then changed to Cincinnati as chief operator with General Burnside, and while with this general at Knoxville, Tennessee, during the siege, Mr. Jaques was wounded.  He was later cipher operator for General Sherman at Nashville, Tennessee, and was with McPherson, Logan and Howard on the Atlanta campaign.  After the war he was employed by the Western Union Telegraph Company at New Orleans, Louisiana, and Montgomery, Alabama, and later in New York city, until 1868, when he entered the service of the Pennsylvania Railroad as telegraph operator at Crestline, Ohio, serving two years in that capacity and three years as ticket agent, after which he became train dispatcher at Ashtabula, the same State, for the present Pittsburg, Youngstown & Ashtabula Railroad, which position he retained nine years.  In 1881 he went to Chicago, where he became chief train dispatcher for the Chicago & Northwestern Railway Company, continuing there three years, at the end of which time, in 1884, he returned to Ashtabula, and has since been engaged in the real-estate and insurance business in that city, under the firm name of Jaques & Williams.
     In 1871 Mr. Jaques was married to Miss Fannie E. Lane, an intelligent and capable lady, a native of Stamford, Connecticut, and they have one daughter.
     Mr. Jaques is a stanch Republican in politics, and takes an active interest in everything pertaining to the welfare of his party and country.  He is Secretary of the Board of Trade of Ashtabula and of the East Side Street Railway Company, and has been instrumental in the advancement of his city to its present position of prosperity.
Source:  Biographical History of Northeastern Ohio embracing the Counties of Ashtabula, Geauga and Lake - Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Co. - 1893 - Page 404