Jones, Francis L.

The following data is extracted from Biography and Genealogy of Western Massachusetts, 1639-1925.

FRANCIS L. JONES started to work at the age of eight years, but through kindly home influence, has overcome the handicap of a lack of early educational advantages, and has become a prominent and respected citizen of his community. His family is well and favorably known in Palmer, Massachusetts, and the section surrounding. When the call to arms came at the opening of the Civil War, his father and four of his uncles joined the Union forces and served creditably throughout the struggle.

Francis L. Jones, son of Ira L., and Jennie Thresher Jones, was born in Greenwich, Massachusetts, April 5, 1870, and was one of seventeen children. His schooling stopped when he was eight years of age, and he began to make his own way in the world. When he was nineteen years of age he went to Boston, Massachusetts, where he became a carpenter's apprentice, learning the trade in the employ of McKay brothers. He was with the McKay firm for three years, and then transferred his activities to Bondsville, Massachusetts, where he entered the employ of Potter Brothers, lumber dealers and building contractors. With this firm he remained seven years, advancing to the position of foreman before he ended his term of employment with them. Removing to Greenwich, New Hampshire, he established a contracting business, and carried on his affairs successfully for eight years. Then, leaving, he came to Palmer, Massachusetts, in December, 1905, to engage in the same line of business. Success has followed him, and he is one of the best known builders and contractors in this section. Some of the most imposing buildings have been erected under his supervision. He has built the Congregational and the Episcopal Churches of Palmer, and among others the Buck's Oil Plant in Worcester, Massachusetts. He is deeply interested in the civic betterment of his community, and has a large circle of friends. He has been a member of the Fire Department of Palmer for seventeen years, and is Commander of the Sons of Veterans. For the past six years he has been master of the Palmer Grange, and is a member of the Federated Men's Club of Palmer. He and his family are attendants at the Congregational Church.

Mr. Jones married, June 28, 1894, at Greenwich, Massachusetts, Mabel L. Granger, daughter of William and Florrila (Vauger) Granger. Mr. and Mrs. Jones are the parents of two children, Philip F., born in Greenwich, June 12, 1902, and Freida M., born in Greenwich, December 11, 1904.

Source: Biography and Genealogy of Western Massachusetts, 1639-1925

  Go Back