Among the many men who have made good use of their opportunities is Ward Augustus Jones. He has prospered from year to year and has conducted his business matters so carefully and successfully that all his acts display an aptitude for successful management.
He was born at Canajoharie, New York, December 23, 1886, a son of Frederick and Henrietta (Schrauder) Jones. The former was born at Canajoharie, on August 14, 1844, and died in the same place on February 7, 1914, having followed the business of a retail coal dealer and realtor. He was the son of Charles Jones who was born in Germany in 1817, and died in 1856. His wife, Charlotte (Willock) Jones was born in Hanover, Germany. Henrietta (Schrauder) Jones, mother of Ward Augustus Jones, was born in Canajoharie, November 11, 1857, and is now residing there, at the age of sixty-seven years. She is the daughter of the late Henry and Sophia (Jones) Schrauder, the former of whom was born in Germany and was a stone-mason. His wife was also born in Germany.
Ward Augustus Jones attended public and high school, graduating from the Canajoharie high school in 1904 and from the Albany Business College at Albany, in 1905. He then became associated with the Albany branch of the Quaker Oats Company at Albany, first as an assistant in the office for two years, and afterward as representative for the eastern New York territory, thus serving for seven years, or until the death of his father, which occurred in February, 1914. On May 1 of that year he took over the business of Jones Brothers, coal dealers, which had been established in 1877 by his father and his uncle, Augustus Jones. This business was formerly located on the bank of the old Erie canal, but after buying out the business he removed it to No. 5 East Main street and continued there under the old name of Jones Brothers until September 15, 1923, when he sold out to L. C. Timmerman & Son. Since that time he has been devoting his time to looking after his real estate interests and has also taken an active part in local politics.
During the World war Mr. Jones was active in Liberty Loan and Red Cross work. He was appointed postmaster at Canajoharie, by President Coolidge, to serve for four years, his appointment taking effect May 1, 1924. In politics Mr. Jones is a republican. He is a trustee of the village of Canajoharie, a member of Hamilton Lodge, No. 79, A. F. & A. M.; Hiram Union Chapter No. 53, R. A. M.; the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and the Modern Woodmen of America. He is also a member of Fort Rensselaer Club and finds his diversion in hunting, fishing and automobiling. He is an attendant at St. Mark's Lutheran church.
On July 27, 1911, at Jersey City, New Jersey, Mr. Jones was united in marriage to Miss Anne L. Ryder, who was born on July 8, 1886, at Summit, Schoharie county, New York, a daughter of Daniel and Helen (Odell) Ryder — the name Ryder being of French descent. Her father was born at Summit, October 27, 1843, and died at the same place on April 1, 1911. He was a son of Isaac T. Ryder, also born at Summit. His wife was Susan (Germond) Ryder. Mrs. Helen (Odell) Ryder, mother of Mrs. Ward A. Jones, was born December 16, 1847, at Charlotteville, New York, and is now living in Richmondville, aged seventy-six years. She is a daughter of William and Nancy (Carter) Odell, the former of whom was born in Charlotteville, New York, and the latter was born in Jefferson.
Mrs. Ward A. Jones is a member of St. Mark's Lutheran church, a member of Tekaharawa, Chapter No. 488, Eastern Star, of Canajoharie and in politics she is a republican. The qualifications of Ward A. Jones for responsible duties were recognized when President Coolidge appointed him as postmaster at Canajoharie and he is proving an acceptable incumbent in that office.