This contains a transcription of the Henry M. Jones of Hinsdale, NH biography from Biographical Review Volume XXIII: Containing Life Sketches of Leading Citizens of Cheshire and Hillsboro Counties, New Hampshire, Biographical Review Publishing Company, Boston, 1897.
Pages 73-74
HENRY M. JONES, a former resident of Hinsdale, was born in Phillipston, Mass., July 24, 1811, son of Cyrus and Sally (Barker) Jones. His father died about the year 1822, and his mother died in 1841. When eleven years old, young Henry moved with his mother to Hinsdale. In his youth he lived for a time with Squire Hinds, working upon a farm. When a young man he learned the carpenter’s trade. For several years he was engaged in building, and he superintended the erection of many residences in Hinsdale. He later operated a saw-mill and still later manufactured tubing for conducting water from the flume to the water-wheel. After following the latter business successfully for a number of years, he gave it up and was subsequently engaged in planing boards for builders, having a shop at the upper end of Canal Street.
In his younger days a Whig, he later became a Republican. He served as a Selectman for a number of terms, was three times elected a Representative to the legislature, and he was a member of the Constitutional Convention in 1876. The title of Captain, by which he was familiarly known, was derived from his long connection with the Ashuelot Guards, of which he was the commander. In his business dealings as well as his official life he displayed sterling integrity, and his ability as a legislator was above the average. He was for many years an active member of the Congregational church, and his every-day life gave amply evidence of his sincerity. His quiet, unassuming manner and uniformity of disposition were among the principle traits of his character. He was always ready with a reason for his convictions, which he firmly asserted, but in such an agreeable manner as to gain the good will rather than the enmity of an opponent. He was, above all, extremely solicitous for the welfare of his fellow-men; and at his death, which occurred in Hinsdale, when he was seventy-five years old, his many deeds of kindness were revived in the memory of the entire community, which sincerely mourned his demise.
On December 7, 1842, Mr. Jones was united in marriage with Julia Worthington Hooker, daughter of Henry Hooker, of Hinsdale. He reared three sons, namely: Henry A., born March 29, 1845; Charles A., born February 25, 1848; and Frederick H., born November 30, 1866. Charles A. Jones, who manufactures and deals in carriages at Keene, N. H., married Emeline C. French, December 27, 1888. His mother makes her home with him. Frederick H. Jones was graduated from the Hinsdale High School. He then was employed in a drug store in Keene. Subsequently he passed a successful examination before the Board of Pharmacy in 1885, and in 1890 he became a member of the firm of Jones & O’Brien, of Hinsdale. This concern started in business as druggists and dealer in clothing and furnishing goods. In 1894 they annexed an adjoining store, giving them double the amount of floor space, and they are now doing an excellent business. Mr. Jones has charge of the drug department, while his partner attends to the clothing and furnishings. They carry a large stock in each line. On January 9, 1894, Mr. Jones married Alice M. Spencer, daughter of James and Jane Spencer. In Masonry he is a member of the Blue Lodge of the chapter and commandery in Keene, and of Aleppo Temple of the Mystic Shrine in Boston. In 1896 Mr. Jones made an extended pleasure trip to the Pacific Coast, visiting various places in California and Arizona.