THE JONES STORY (1845 - 1958)
PREFACE
In this attempt to record the "JONES Story" the center of attention is focused on Mr. Edward Dorr Griffin Jones and those members of his family who succeeded him to carry on the business in one family for one hundred and thirteen years. The recognition of opportunity, the ability to manage capital to make it grow, the interest in the community in which these men lived is the substance of this record. There are many people who were associated with these men and who in various ways made important contributions. Without all the people who were privileged in one capacity or another to work shoulder to shoulder with these men there could have been no business organization. To attempt to portray all who took part is impossible, to include a few to the exclusion of others is unfair. It is left to those who read this account to fill in where there is special interest.
An attempt has been made throughout to verify dates and facts and to give credit to their source.
The coincidence of names merits explanation. Ancestors of the author and those who are the subject of this story arrived in Otis, Massachusetts area about the time (or shortly after) the American Revolution. Even at that time evidence lacked in establishing a common origin.
The author worked for E. D. Jones and Sons Company for many years and knew the presidents beginning with Mr.E. A. Jones and numerous employees who had been with Mr. E. D. G. Jones over those years.
To Colonel William who for many years lived in East Lee near the original Jones shop goes special credit. He was interested in the history of Lee and he recorded numerous accounts. These have never been published but they have been given to the Lee Library for those interested in historical research. Colonel Weingar was the grandson of Henry Couch, one of the purchasers of the Jones Shop in East Lee.
Mr. Clay Perry for years a Pittsfield author of books and magazine articles did a Jones history in celebration of the one hundredth anniversary in 1945. This was updated in 1955, but never published. The writer had this material together with pictures which were assembled. Credit is given for direct quotations, but more is due as that effort proved most helpful.
To those who have assisted me, many thanks for your patience and kindness.
1966 Dwight E. Jones