Vermont 1773

On March 4, 1791 joined the union of these United States.  First as "New Connecticut", then as Vermont, it was often a disputed area of land between New Hampshire and New York.

The first JONES I have been able to identify is John Jones 1773.  In Manchester, VT on 23 December 1773, there is a marriage record between John Jones and Sarah Patterson.  There children are recorded as all being born in Manchester, VT between 1774 and 1783. 

Now the first English speaking folks arrived around 1724.   Therefore, it is possible that others with the Jones surname appears in what to become Vermont before 1773.  Does anyone have a Jones family from Vermont before 1773?  Please post and let's network. 

Georgia 1732

In 1732, George II granted to a board of trustees Georgia.  Savannah was founded one year later.

In the earliest days, Noble Jones, age 32, embarked "6 Nov 1732" and arrived in Savannah "1 Feb 1732-3".  He was listed as "carpenter", and he obtained "lot 41 in Savannah".  He was employed to survey the peoples lots, but apparently removed from this activity "for negligence".  In Jones Journeys, Vol. 19, p. 1962 it is recorded that he took possession of lot 41 during December 1733.  He is reported to have moved to a "new plantation" about 10 miles from Savannah on 21 Oct. 1738.  Are there any relatives out there?

There is also a Cornelius Jones listed as "apprentice to Sam'l Grey also embarking Nov. 1732.  He arrived the same date as Noble Jones listed above.  No relationship is given, but they may certainly be related.  Anyone have any information, please post.

New Hampshire 1679

Partly an offshoot of Massachusetts, New Hampshire was given a separate status in 1679.

The first JONES found in the records of Durham, N.H. is a Stephen Jones.  He is listed as a "Culler of Pipestaves".  Listed as an inhabitant of Oyster River, he took the freeman's oath 15 May 1672.  He received land at Johnson's Creek in 1672 and was living in 1680.  It appears he died before 1682 for his widow was taxed in 1682.

"Live Free or Die" it states on the N.H. quarter per above.  Stephen Jones certainly would have been one of those "Old Man of The Mountain".

References:  History of the Town of Durham, N.H. (Oyster River Plantation), by Everett S. Stackpole & Lucien Thompson, (c. 1913/14)

                     Jones Journeys, Vol. 12, 1984 - 1985, p. 875.

North Carolina 1693

This colony began under the jurisdiction of the Virginia Company.  Early settlements were made by pioneers from other colonies.  It came under an association of proprietors in 1665 by a royal grant covering all the Carolina region.

The first with the surname JONES was "Mr. Charles Jones" who proved an oath regarding the will of Mr. George Durants 1693.  This is recorded in the State Records of NC (Vol. I, 1662 - 1713) p. 393.  These were the records of the Perquimans Precinct Court.

I have done a great deal of research into the State Records of North Carolina for the surname JONES.  This research can be found in a series of my "Research Notebooks" (RN) beginning with RN # 110, through RN # 117.  The content of this research can be found at "The Jones Genealogist Research Notebooks" which is a blog site.  Please explore.  Any JONES families from North Carolina?

Copyright Notice

This blog "Networking Jones Genealogy" is written for those who have an interest in sharing and exploring the Jones surname. [Networking]

You may not use the contents of this site (blog and posts) for commercial purposes without explicit written permission from the author and blog owner.  Commercial purposes includes blogs with ads and income generation features, and/ or blogs or sites using feed content as a replacement for original content.  Full content usage is not permitted.

Jerry E. Jones, MD, MS, The Jones Genealogist, Library of Congress No. 6192-01064476.

Connecticut 1639

The Plymouth Co. of November 1606, provided a framework in which a group of folks joined together to make a new beginning.  The main folks wanted a place to settle were everyone had the right to read the Bible and interpret it according to their own understanding.  They had already "dissented" and "separated" from the established Anglican Church in England [Scrooby Separatists] , and tried to make their way in Holland.   Not satisfied with their lot there, they needed to join with a group of London merchants to pay all their bills.  It took a number of years but they finally made it across the great pond to that northern coast line in a ship that was to echo down the pages of history, the Mayflower !  These "Pilgrims" created a settlement in which many of those wishing to separate from the established religion congregated.  Of course, it would not take long before "interpretations" varied, and many splinter groups moved out of this "New England" settlement.  Connecticut has its origins in such a group.

The Connecticut Valley served as the center of this settlement, and in 1637 Hartford, Windsor, and Wethersfield was formed.  In 1639, Thomas Jones had joined 40 some settlers into the "Guilford Colony".  It was this Thomas Jones that was to leave a large number of descendents in the Connecticut area.  A complete genealogy of this Thomas Jones is given in Jones Journeys, Vol. VI, pp. 70 - 73.

A readable and very helpful text for this history is "The History of The Thirteen Colonies", American Heritage Book Division , 1967.

Delaware 1688

The earliest notes from Delaware that reveals a JONES surname is from the "Hall of Records, Dover".  

It list a Griffith Jones as a "JP" on Sussex, Co. records of 1688.  In Jones Journeys, Vol. 5, p.14, the Griffith Jones is given as a son in law of Dennis Cunrade.  Any folks related out there?  The Dennis Cunrade (Tennis Kunders) of Germantown, is stated to have this Griffith Jones mentioned in a Cunrade will, MSS HSD Wills folder C.

The "midnight ride" of Caesar Rodney is shown on the figure above.  An interesting history is this ride of July 1776, move over Paul Revere.

New York 1684

The Dutch and English both had their eyes on this "Long Island" facing the great pond.  The Dutch claiming ownership on the west side, while the English claimed ownership on the east end.  Trading with the Indians, it would not take long before difficulties arose.  For almost the next 50 years, back and forth it would go...some times the Dutch on top...and sometimes the English.

  It was 1683 before the first Colonial Legislature assembled in New York.  A year later, their first treaty with the Mohawk, Ongida, Onondaga, and Cayuga took place.  It was near this time period that the first JONES appears.  His story is told in much detail in the book:

It was around 1695 with this Thomas Jones came upon the scene.  A Sarah Jones and Daniel Honan were married 6 Oct. 1694. [Unclear relationship.]  A large JONES family was the result in the colony of New York.

Any descendants our there?  Please post.

Pennsylvania 1682

"This day my Country was confirmed to me under the Great Seal of England, with large powers and privileges, by the name of Pennsylvania..." was written by William Penn 1681.  In a letter to Robert Turner he states that he would have chosen "New Wales" as a name, but his Secretary chose "Penn" which in the Welsh means "head" [as head of a mountain], and "Sylvania" meaning woodlands.  Interesting story as told by Glenn in his book titled Marion in The Welsh Tract p. 22.

As you might imagine there were a large number of Welsh Quakers with the surname JONES.  A list of these fellows who purchased land, and the amount of land that was to be surveyed, is given in Glenn's text p. 27.  They are as follows: 1) Edward Joanes and John Thomas, 5000 acres, 2) Thomas Joanes, 50 acres, 3) David Joanes, 100 acres, and 4) Henry Joanes, 400 acres.

In Jones Journeys, Vol. VI, pp. 74 - 74 are listed "Warrants & Surveys of the Province of Pennsylvania" under the title "JONES LAND RECORDS".  Here a volume and page number of the record books are given by county.  A Griffith Jones (1683), John Jones (1683), Robert Jones (1683),  Daniel Jones (1682), and Charles Jones (1683) should be added to this list.  Wow...a lot of Jones all at the beginning of the Welsh tract Pennsylvania.  Anyone connected out there?

The text is a must have if you connect in the JONES family tree.  The full reference is:

Merion In The Welsh Tract With Sketches of The Townships of Haverford and Radnor, by Thomas Allen Glenn, Clearfield Company, Baltimore, 1992.  The book was originally published 1896.  The title also goes on to state: "Historical and Genealogical Collections Concerning The Welsh Barony In The Province of Penn. Sylvania, Settled By the Cymric Quakers In 1682." 
             

South Carolina 1675

The 10th of March 1675 was the first treaty made by those in South Carolina.  The Kiawan tribe made "land cession" of course.  However, it was not until those Welsh Baptist arrived from Delaware that the first with the JONES surname appears.

According to David Benedict the church was first called Pedee after the great Pedee River, 60 miles north of Georgetown.  When other arrived, its name was changed to "Welsh-Neck" which described from were most of the folks who founded the church originated.  In 1737, 30 members of the Welsh-Tract Church which first had been in Pennsylvania, then in Delaware, arrived to establish the church in South Carolina.

David Jones, Griffith Jones, and John Jones moved this year [1737] from "Welch Tract" in Delaware to "Pee Dee River" in South Carolina.  They must have been related, but I do not have any given relationship.  Pennsylvania, Delaware, to South Carolina...man those Baptist got around or were thrown out of most places.

The Palmetto State it is known. [A small palm tree.]

The references for this are found in An Abridgement of The Baptist Denomination in America, and Other Parts of The World, by David Benedict, Lincoln & Edmands, 1820. [Have a copy in my hands!]

The Jones folks can be found in Jones Journeys, Vol. VII, p. 201, July 1979.  Does anyone know the relationship among these folks?  Please post.

New Jersey 1664

The New Jersey marriage records 1665 - 1800 are abstracted for the surname JONES in Jones Journeys, Vol. IV, 1976 using a number of documents.  The earliest Jones is found April 12, 1687 and listed as "Thomas Jones, Salem, and Hannah Prior, Salem".  In other references "The First Settlers of New England" [Jones Journeys, Vol. VI , 1978 ] a "David Jones, Dorchester, freeman 1665, married 11 May 1659, Sarah, daughter of Clement Topliff".  This again points to the difficulty among the many records which might overlap arrival times and destinations.

New Jersey is listed as "Crossroads of The Revolution".  Certainly, those with the JONES surname arrived many years before.

Documents relating to the Colonial History of the State of New Jersey, Volume XXII.  Marriage Records, 1665 - 1800 by William Nelson, Paterson, N.J.  The Press Printing and Publishing Co., 269 Main Street, 1900.  Contributed to Jones Journeys by William A. Graves, pp. 16 - 20, Vol. IV, 1976.

Rhode Island 1661

It certainly gets confusing sorting out all these folks with JONES surname.  The chronology (ch.) of the last several posts is based upon the named colony's ability to begin official treaty negotiations with their local ethic groups.  For example, Virginia's first treaty was autumn 1607 with the Powhatan Confederacy. [a "peace treaty]  The first JONES was 1609.  For Massachusetts (Plymouth) it was April 2, 1621 with the Wampanoag tribe. ["land cession"]  The first JONES was 1631.  For Maryland it was March 1634 with the Maryland Indians. ["land cession"]  The first JONES was 1637.

Now for Rhode Island it was August 9, 1646, also with the Wampanoag tribe. ["land cession"]  It is noted in Jones Journeys that a large majority of Rhode Island people were former residents of Massachusetts. [Vol. 18, p. 1884 ] So, there may be those with the JONES surname that overlap with what was to become separate British colonies.

"The Ocean State" it says on its state quarter shown above.  The earliest JONES I could identify was found in Jones Journeys.  The names are said to be recorded on p. 331, Vol. II, in the reference titled: Genealogies of Rhode Island Families, selected by Gary Roberts, Vol.I & II.  It reads:

"p.331 - Salisbury, 14 Oct. 1661 - Mary Jones, dau. Thomas Jones of Gloucester, MA, married Nathaniel Winsley/Winslow."

A father daughter combination it is.  Does anyone have any connections to this Thomas Jones and Mary his daughter in 1661?

A list other JONES are given in Jones Journeys, pp. 1883 - 1884,  Vol. 18, 1990 - 1991.

Maryland 1637

John Jones, 1637,  was the first to be listed in the land patent records, Hall of Records, Annapolis, MD.  According to Gust Skordas this is recorded in Book 1, page 19, and is recorded in "Maryland Jones Arrivals", p. 1287, Jones Journeys, Vol. 14.  This is from "The Early Settlers of Maryland (1633 - 1680") compiled by Gust Skordas.  Whew...all that is to say you can get lost in the documents, but it extremely important to record where the records are available.  This documentation is a foundation to genealogy for the serious tree climber.

Above is shown the state quarter for Maryland.  It shows the year that the colony became a state.  The dates I am recording represent the chronology based upon the earliest settlement records that record a JONES surname.

Massachusetts 1631

The court party surrounding James I had all sorts of ideas about how to make money from this relatively new process called "Royal Patents".   The folks from Scotland were invited to "Nova Scotia", the Welsh had their colonial plans [Sir William Vaughan ], and most wanted a piece of this thing called the "Virginia Company".  A "New England" was visualized just north of the lands claimed by the Virginia Company, and it became the location of many with the surname JONES.

The first I have been able to identify is found Jones Journeys, Vol. VI, p. 89.  A Edward Jones is recorded as follows:

"Edward Jones, Charlestown, freeman 18 May 1631, with prefix of resp. was prbably therefore a passenger in the fleet with Winthrop, yet no more is known of him but that he was there in 1636 probably, and by wife Ann, daughter of George Griggs of Boston, had Mary, bapt. 8 Jan 1637; Elizabeth b. 11 May 1643.  His widow married Robert Latimeore."

Massachusetts was formed out of this "New England".  Its quarter is shown below.

There are many, many with the surname JONES abstracted from A Genealogical Dictionary of the First Settlers of New England Showing Three Generations of Those Who Came before May, 1692, on the Basis of Farmer's Register, Vol. II, by James Savage, Little Brown & Co. (1860), Boston.  Any folks out there who share descent from this early group of JONES?  Let's network!

This abstract can be found in Jones Journeys, Vol. VI, pp. 88 - 94, and pp. 129 - 133.

Virginia 1609

The JONES surname and Virginia go way back.  The records show that in May 1609, the "Third Supply" with nine ships and around 500 men, women, and children left London. [ Six ships were from London, and three from Plymouth.]  A hurricane struck on the way, plague was found aboard some ships, and one ship was lost along the way.  It was August 1609 that 7 of the 9 ships arrived Jamestown.  An Elizabeth Jones [sometimes spelled Joones ] arrived in the Patience "sick, hungry, and travel worm".  She was described as "servant of Thomas Dunthorne".  She becomes known as "an ancient planter", and has a long history of survival among the early years of settlement.

The above shows the reverse side of the state quarter for Virginia.  I thought it might be of interest to show what each state was most proud.  Jamestown 1607 - 2007 declares 400 years of history.  Elizabeth Jones has 398 of them!

Anyone connected out there, or share an interest in this time period?  Please post.  Virginia...the first colony to begin the settlement along the coastal waters.

Bermuda 1639

Juan Bermuder (Spanish 1503-1511) first discovered this island.  The island was included in the third charter of the Virginia Company 1612, and 60 English settlers were sent to colonize.

In 1639, David Jones was described as "of Bermuda, planter".  A George Smith, "Citizen, grocer of London", along with this David Jones, leaves "share in Warwick on South Side, now in occupation of John Walker, on the west, and James Dorsett on the east.  Lots of folks involved here. [Smith and Jones connections go way back!]  Are there any other JONES still on the island?  Let's network...:-).

A post can be found at  http://thejonessurname.blogspot.com on Wednesday, January 11, 2012.

Barbados 1628

The "Triangular Trade" routes of the early colonial period included Barbados.  London merchants had their fingers in just about every pie [competition with Dutch West India Company], and in 1628 sent a ship to begin the settlement on this island.  On July 5th, 1628 the "master" of the ship Marygold arrived Carlisle Bay.  This "master" was John Jones!  Of course it would have to be a "John". 

The following is a reference which is very helpful for those with Barbados connections.

Anyone out there with interest in the JONES surname and Barbados please comment.

This post has several themes including geographic (g.), chronological (ch.), and resources (r.).  Come join in the branches.

A post on this topic can be found http://thejonessurname.blogspot.com , January 6, 2012.

New Zealand

Cook had his job cut out for him in 1770 when charted all of New Zealand.  "Terra Australis" was the goal, and those folks from the Royal Society had much to learn.  In the same manner, I have much to learn about the JONES surname in this part of the world! 

The younger brother of my Grandfather Jones had family members that left old Kentucky for this New Zealand.  I do not know if they were successful here, but are there any JONES families in the Islands that have their roots in old KY?  I would suspect that there are some with the surname.

It was more than eight years ago that the Public Radio Station in New Zealand called me and discussed my work as a genealogist on the surname JONES.   This gave me some sense that there must be an interest in this surname, but have not had any further contact.  Anyone out there with an interest in New Zealand and the JONES surname?  Let's network y'all...:-).

Australia

After the suggestion of Matthew Flinders, the fifth continent to be discovered was named Australia.  The eastern coast came to be named New South Wales, and must of had some folks from Wales during this part history.  I have been unable to identify the first with the surname JONES, and ask if there is anyone out there in genealogy land who might know, please network.  I would guess that there are a few folks with the surname JONES residing down under.

This theme is one of geography, Australia...(g.)...anyone there?

Came From Canada 1623

On this side of the great pond, several distinct geographic areas developed along the way.  For Canada and the JONES surname, it seems to involve a Welsh settlement of Sir William Vaughan around the year 1619.  It was called "Camriol" and was south of present day St. John's and on the east side of Avalon Peninsula.  A way to get rich wrote one family member.

It was from here, that a Rice Jones arrived Virginia in 1623 by the ship John & Francis.  He is described as "Rice Jones, Planter of Warwick River" by 2 December 1628.  He is listed as "came from Canada".  As far as I can determine, this is the first JONES who was involved with the settlement of Canada.  All those folks north of the border...any JONES in the family trees?  This geographic area has its own distinct history.  Networking anyone?

[see Cavaliers and Pioneers, Abstracts of Virginia Land Patents and Grants 1623 - 1666, by Nugent, p. 10.]

U.S.

The United States are the forth geographic area to have lots of folks with the surname JONES.  Each state varies as to the absolute numbers and distribution of this surname among the population.  On a national level, some of the earliest data is the 1790 census.

In 1909, there was a booklet published by the U.S. Government that listed all the surnames and their variations which were represented by at least 100 white persons in the U.S. in 1790.  There were approximately 5700 surnames plus variations of the spellings.  The average size of each family, the total number of heads of families, the total number of all other members, and a breakdown of the number of families per state was given.

For the JONES surname, the total number of "Heads of Family" was 2,561.  The average family size for these JONES families were 5.6.  All other members were found to be 11,739.

North Carolina and Virginia headed the list with 558 and 345 respectively for the states given.  Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and Maryland had similar numbers at 289, 287, and 239.  A third group of states;  New York, South Carolina, and Connecticut followed at 210, 190, and 173.  New Hampshire and Maine were at 104 and 87.   Vermont and Rhode Island brought of the rear at 59 and 20.

So, to North Carolina and Virginia you would come to find your JONES surname at this point in history. 

The data were first analyzed at "U.S. Census of 1790 and The Jones Surname", Monday, Sept. 12, 2011, @ my blog http://thejonessurname.blogspot.com.  Anyone wish to join me in this topic please comment below.

Across The Great Pond

The initial colonization of the New World involved folks from Wales, Ireland, and England, all with the surname JONES.  Coming across the great pond took much effort and drive, which in some cases even cost the very life of that individual. 

The colonization period is coded with the theme chronology (ch.), and deals with those who carried the JONES surname.  On the most part, it geographically deals with the American continent and the surrounding islands for the dates 1580 - 1650. 

For the JONES surname the following has been written:

     First JONES to the New World...Friday, July 29, 2011

    The First Jones to Virginia...Friday, August 5, 2011

     Jones in Virginia 1623 - 1666...Sat., February 2, 2013

which can be found at http://thejonessurname.blogspot.com.

It is often this chronological period that gives a great deal of difficulty to the genealogist trying to swim across the great pond.  Those who share an interest in this time period, please identify yourself in the comment section below.

England

The third country to have a major role in the origin and history of the JONES surname is England.  It is the transliteration of the Welsh to the English during the transition period produced by the Act of Union 1536 that seems to be the main factor.  [Certainly other factors also involved.] 

My own posts that give some background to this topic are:

    1)  Early English Records and the Jones Surname, March 21, 2011

    2)  Ancient Petitions A Transition Period, April 18, 2011

    3)  The First JONES Surname in English Records, March 21, 2011

    4)  Jones Surname 1273 - 1500 in England and Wales, May 17, 2011

    5)  Jones Surname in England and Wales 1500 - 1700, June 2, 2011

All posts can be found at  http://thejonesgenealogist.blogspot.com  .  Other subjects and themes can be found here also.

England and the surname JONES, one of the three countries that are key to the geography (g.).  Those who have an interest in this theme, please post in the comment section.

Ireland

The next geographic area to be coded is Ireland.  The original Celtic tribal groups exchanged their cultures and languages across the Irish Sea for many generations.  It was not until Hadrian IV (1154-1159 AD), the first and only English Pope, gave the "o.k." for Henry II to take control of Ireland, that a large number Welsh  Calvary and archers arrived to put their foot in the door.  It is from this Welsh influence that many with the surname JONES have their origins.  It was around Dublin that this (and later) invaders had their most significant influences.  Anyone who has an interest, and shares a JONES surname, please identify your self in the comment section of this post.

My blog posts that have discussed this geographic area are:

      Jones Surname to Ireland = http://thejonessurname.blogspot.com  Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2011

      Jones Surname to Ireland (part II) =  http://thejonessurname.blogspot.com Wednesday, Nov.2, 2011

      Irish Counties and The Jones Surname = http://thejonessurname.blogspot.com Wed. Jan. 16, 2013

Ireland, it is a key area to network for the JONES surname.  Who's out there?

Wales

It would only seem proper to begin this networking thing with the subject of Wales.  The JONES surname has its origin and roots in this geographic (g.) area of the world.  Wales is roughly 150 miles north to south, and around 90 miles east to west.  It is surrounded by water on three sides, and by two rivers on the eastern border. [The Dee out of the north, and the Severn out of the south.]  There is a narrow land bridge between the two rivers, which forms a funnel into this mountainous part of western Albion.  It is this land bridge which locates the beginning of my own JONES family tree.

Over the years, I have come to organize its chronology (ch.) in roughly  200 year periods.  It goes as follows:
                 400-600 AD = the Land [Annales Cambriae begins the history 447AD]
                         This is the period after Roman withdrawal with the folks left to claim and organize the
                          land.  The battle of Badon hill ca. 516 - 517 AD.

                  600-800 AD = the Language [identity of culture based upon a shared language]
                          This is the period of Welsh language.
       
                  800-1000 AD = the Laws [social organization and agreed behaviors codified ]
                           This is the period of Welsh laws.  Hywel Dda, The Law.

                  1000 - 1200 AD = the Living [struggle among the clans and Norman invasion]
                           This is the period of internal struggle and external attack.

                  1200 - 1400 AD = their Liberty [struggle with the Marches and independence ]
                            This is the period of independence and rebellion. Owen Glyndwr's rebellion 
                             overlapped 1400 - 1411 AD.

                  1400 - 1600 AD = their Livelihood  [economic survival and trade]
                             This is the period of economic expansion and new developments.

Certainly an over simplification, but helps my brain organize the chronology. [My little "Ls".]
Any other folks out there who have suggestions or comments, please post.  My blog on Welsh genealogy can be found at  http://welshgenealogy.blogspot.com .  Those who have a special interest in Wales and its history please identify yourself in the comment section below.

Coat of Arms (a.)

There is much discussion and much confusion surrounding a family "coat of arms".  Many countries of the world have their own history and traditions about the coat of arms.   This theme is the "coat of arms" (a.) for the surname JONES.  It will be coded (a.), and will refer to any discussion that has to do with this topic.

For my own family tree climbing, a certain coat of arms was used by many generations.  This symbol became a helpful way to trace back my own ancestors.   My own research into the coat of arms used by various folks who carried the surname JONES became a fascinating trip through history, and a method to get around a number of brick walls.  Anyone who has an interest in this topic is invited to join the discussion, and to become part of the network for Jones Genealogy.

Resources (r.)

The next theme deals with a wide range of items.  Resources I call it, but conceptually contains those things that have proven helpful in your tree climbing experience.  It may be a book, a library, an archives, a museum, a court house, or even another individual.   The post will be coded (r.).

For example, the main library at the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa was a store house of references that made a lot of my tree climbing much easier.  It contains a complete set of the Domesday Book (English translation of course), an index of English records, complete sets of various genealogical references, and...on and on it goes.  There was also a rare book room with all sorts of texts that were helpful to the genealogist.   Many hours were spent among the stacks when my tree climbing had taken me to the shores of that big island call England.  Of course you physically have to go there, but in today's world this is not often considered.  Anyway, this library is a wonder resource for those who need help establishing certain connections and willing to make the trip.

Individual Researchers (i.)

By now you have to be thinking...what is all this stuff.  Well...again, the purpose of this blog [and multiple posts] is to try and provide a platform on which those who share an interest in the JONES surname can network.

This post list the next theme....individual researchers.  It is coded (i.).   This theme will seek to connect those who wish to list or identify themselves as researchers (genealogist) on a particular topic or family group.  There are many, many, many, JONES families that are not genetically related.  Thus, many family groups may be aided by folks who have researched a particular JONES family line.  This could be from around the globe, with the JONES surname being found in most English speaking parts of the world.

For example, my name is "The Jones Genealogist".  I have an interest in just about everything pertaining to the surname JONES.  Doing genealogy for 54 years, I have a lot of bumps and bruises from climbing around those JONES family trees.  I want to be identified as an "individual researcher" who can be contacted for help for a variety of themes. [all those listed in this blog]  I would list my interest in the comment section of the post, and hope that others will identify themselves along the way.  If a person identifies themselves, the post will be coded (i.), so the reader may search to blog for those who wish to help.  So here goes...any individual researchers out there?

Key Variables (k.)

Family tree climbing will often present with a variety of factors that change the course of the family tree.  These factors are usually beyond the control of the individuals involved, but may be the reasons for the actions or reactions of the ancestors.  Recognizing or understanding these forces can make a difference in getting around many brick walls.   For example, the English Civil War played a major role in separating family groups into two main camps.  My JONES ancestors were clearly on one side, which helped me separate many of the family groups which presented themselves to my own tree climbing experience.  This I called a "key variable" in my JONES family, since it made my family searches a little easier.

This theme is titled "Key Variable(s) (k.)".  It may represent any factor/force that influence the family tree.  It is coded (k.).  There may be researchers that have a particular interest in one of these factors (variables) and is willing to share their knowledge.  Come, let us research together.

DNA (d.)

The blueprint for our human existence is contained in this thing abbreviated DNA.   Deoxyribonucleic acid it is formally called.  It is that double helix, genetic coding, replicating, series of codons that give our cells instruction.  Half of our DNA is from mom, and half is from dad.  For the male, it is the same DNA that every former generation of males in the family tree have passed down to the next generation.

For the genealogist, this DNA can be an answer to some of the questions that give us problems in surname analysis.  It certainly has produced a lot of opportunities to clarify descent, such as haplogroups, and haplotypes.  [analysis which tags certain ethic groups ]

This theme will be coded (d.).  A great deal of groups which follow the Jones surname DNA exist.  In some cases, individual Jones families may share the same DNA.  However, on the whole, there is not a single DNA pattern that fits all family groups.  This theme will give those a way to network their interest in the JONES surname DNA.

Chronology (ch.)

One's family history is full of events.  Birth begins, and death ends these earthly events.  The genealogist seeks to organize and record these events for their own family.  It is a family chronology.   This theme deals with the measuring of time by regular divisions and that assigns these events to their proper dates.  A careful chronology is especially helpful in separating certain family groups when they cluster together along the tree branches.   Regular divisions by month, year, or even century [if you get back that far] is part of organizing the family story as it progressed through the pages of history.

The word chronology is coded (ch.).  Family time lines and events can be place in records that give a "big picture" of the family tree.  This theme will contain subjects like dates, events, documents and their organization into helpful forms that will aid the research into difficult surnames like JONES.  Anyone who has experience in forming a family chronology can place their own ideas in the comment section at the end of the posts coded (ch.).

Geography (g.)

Since the dawn of man, the earth's surface has help define who we are, and from where we came.  The study that deals with the earth and its life, especially the description of land, sea, air, and the distribution of plant and animal life upon this surface is called geography.  For the genealogist, our ancestors lived, loved, and labored in specific areas around the globe.  The geographic features of these areas were often included in surveys, land grants, patents, maps, and all kinds of historical records that become important in this thing called genealogy.   An understanding our ancestor's geography can be the solution to many of the brick walls that we face.  Therefore, the first "theme" of the network will be geography.  It will be the context in which our families' survived.  It may be a county, or country, or nation, or any other location that helps identify the lineage of our family trees.  Future post that contain this theme will be coded (g.) in the labels given.  Then, as the number of topics and subjects expand, the reader can search for the theme "geography" by placing (g.) in the search line shown on the post page.  Let's give an example:


     For those who carry the surname JONES, the genealogy will at some point lead to Wales.  Those who have a interest in Welsh genealogy, Wales, and topics dealing with researching the JONES surname in Wales can find this topic under "Wales", and the post will be coded (g.).  If "Ireland", the post will be under "Ireland", and also coded (g.).  If "Australia", likewise, where the reader can just place "(g.)" in the search box and find all the post that have something to do with the theme "geography".  A network will be started...:-).

You can then place any comments that give your interest in this topic.  You may give additional information or reference which have been of help to you along your own tree climbing adventure.

The Purpose

An account of the descent of a person, family, or group from an ancestor, is the goal of genealogy.  This activity is not always easy, especially with those who have a very common and widespread surname like JONES.  An individual who traces or studies this descent of persons or families is called a genealogist.  Every family seems to have one, i.e., the one who asks all the questions and tries to write everything down.  Sometimes it helps to have a little assistance by finding others who share this terminal virus.  So here goes.

It is the purpose of this blog to help those researching the JONES surname.  The goal is to organize a network of individuals who share the excitement of this endeavor.  It will be based upon a series of "themes" that have helped me during the past 50+ years piece together my own JONES family.  Others who share interest in a particular topic or theme can then join the network on this subject.  Each post will be coded by theme(s), and will allow input by others utilizing the "comment" section of each post.  Then, the search bar can be used to find the post(s) pertaining to each theme.

The themes will be coded and titled as follows:

(g.) = geography
(ch.) = chronology
(d.) = DNA
(k.) = key variable(s)
(i.) = individual researcher(s)
(r.) = resources
(a.) = coat of arms

Each theme will be expanded as the posts are written.  Anyone who shares interest in the theme can respond in the comment section at the end of each post. [You may need to sign into blogspot.com to get access to the comment section, but it does not cost to do this.]

So lets get going...help build the network for Jones genealogy.  There may be other themes that you may add to the network.