The founder of this branch of the Jones family in the United States was of Welsh parentage and birth, descending from a line of Welsh ancestors who had lived in his native parish for a great many years. They were members of the Established Church and usually people of some substance.
(I) Abraham Jones was born in South Wales, parish of Llauocheifelgenelyglin, county of Cardigan, January 14, 1794. He learned the trade of a cooper at which he was employed in Wales until the year 1820. In that year he came to the United States and finally settled in Albany, New York. He soon found employment at his trade with a Welshman, John Thomas, a cooper, of Albany, New York, with whom he worked for several years. Later he entered the employ of Mr. Allen Brown, head of the Hudson River Transportation Company, became superintendent, continuing until Mr. Brown's death, when he retired, and died July 31, 1873. He was a highly respected citizen and a leader among his countrymen. He became a member of the Baptist church in Albany, supported the Whig party and later became a Republican. He had a brother, Rev. Jesse Jones, who was a minister of the Welsh Baptist church. He came to the United States and preached in New York state until superannuated. He died at the age of ninety years, October 27, 1888. Abraham Jones married, in Albany, January 9, 1827, Rev. William Leonard officiating, Jane Jones (not a relative), born in North Wales, Parish of Haudegwing, county Caernarvon, March 1, 1804, daughter of Roland Jones, born in the same county, November 25, 1753, died in Albany, New York, about 1854; married Margaret ————, born March 26, 1766, died March 19, 1840; came to the United States and located in Albany about 1820, and made that their home thereafter. Mrs. Jane Jones was an active member of the Baptist church with her husband. Children:
- Isaac, see forward.
- Sarah S., born in Albany, New York, July 7, 1829, died there unmarried, January 9, 1908.
- Margaret, born August 29, 1831, died December 24, 1856, unmarried.
- Jesse A., born August 18, 1833, died October 27, 1888; was employed in the car trimming department of the New York Central Railroad shops at West Albany.
- Elizabeth, born June 8, 1837; resides in Albany, unmarried; all were members of the Baptist church.
(II) Isaac, eldest child of Abraham and Jane (Jones) Jones, was born in Albany, New York, October 12, 1827. He learned the trade of carriage maker early in life and followed it all his active days except fifteen years as pattern maker for the New York Central Railroad Company. He is now living a retired life at his home in Albany, at 46 First street. In his earlier years he was an enthusiastic member of Albany's volunteer fire department, belonging to the company known to local fame as "Market Boys No. 9." When the volunteers were superseded by the paid department, No. 9 was organized into the Exempt Firemen's Benevolent Association, and as such existed until 1908, when it was disbanded and the property divided among the surviving members. Mr. Jones was a Democrat in politics in his younger days, but now is independent. He was weighmaster and superintendent for several years.
He married, in Albany, June 11, 1851, Rev. Noble officiating, Elizabeth Ann Pioneer, born in Albany county, New York, August 17, 1832. She is a member of Tabernacle Baptist Church, Albany. She is a granddaughter of Thomas Pioneer, born of Dutch ancestry; he married Phoebe Foster, of Dutch and English parentage. She died leaving a large family among whom was Thomas Jr., a successful farmer on the Shaker Road; married Jemima Parie, born in New York, 1817, died February, 1881, daughter of John and Elizabeth (Hoes) Parie. John Parie was born in France, came to America during the revolution, and was a farmer of the Mohawk Valley. Elizabeth Hoes was born of Dutch parents. Thomas Pioneer and Jemima Parie were the parents of one daughter, Elizabeth Ann, who married Isaac Jones, and has four children:
- Sarah, born May 24, 1853; married Edward Easton, of Loudonville, and has nine children.
- Emma, born December 21, 1855; married Bowen Staley, engaged at the State Capitol, Albany, as clerk, and has a son, John Bridgford Staley, an ensign in the United States navy, and Elizabeth Staley.
- Jesse, born January 7, 1857, married Irene Sager, and has Jesse A. and Wolcott Jones; he is a railroad clerk engaged in the Albany office.
- Charles, born May 15, 1863, died when ten years of age.
- Edward, born April 1, 1867; unmarried, resides at home.