Samuel R. Jones, the son of Wilson and Elizabeth (Downen) Jones and the grandson of the Reverend Samuel and Elizabeth (Middleton) Jones, was born November 14, 1820 in Black Township, Posey County, Indiana. When Samuel was twenty years of age, he married Mary Barton on August 15, 1841. In 1850 Samuel was thirty years of age, farming in Black Township. His wife Mary was also thirty years old and born in Indiana. Their children included Wilson T. 8, Mary Jane. 6; Elizabeth A.4; Benjamin Franklin. 6/12. Four other children died at an eary age: Eveline (born 6-24-1857; died 8-26-1857); Samuel R. (born 12-17-1848; died 1-25-1849); Francis M. (born 10-25-1854; died 1-14-1864); George W. (born 7-17-1858; died 7-19-1858). The 1860 census shows Samuel (39), Mary (42), Wilson (18), Mary Jane (10), Elizabeth (13), Benjamin Franklin. (10), William R (8) and Francis M (5). All children were born on the family farm in Indiana. By 1870 Samuel had moved the family to Carmi, White County, Illinois. His farm had a value of $5,000. Listed in the census were Samuel (50), Mary (51),Benjamin (20), William (17), Evaline Barton (13) born in Illinois and most likely related to Samuel's wife Mary, and a male farm hand (17). By 1880 Samuel and Mary are still living on the family farm. Samuel is listed as 59 and Mary as 60 years of age. Living with them was Sarah Hartley (adapted daughter , age six), Charles Tarrant (26 and a boarder) and Serena West (26 and a domestic servant). Living on the next farm was his son William R., his wife Rachel and their three children. Samuel passed away on May 17, 1888 at Carmi, White County, Illinois and Mary died on December 28, 1896, also at Carmi. Both are interred in the Little Zion Cemetery located near the town of Carmi. Five of their children are interred in the Samuel Jones Cemetery located in Posey County which was named in his grandfather's honor.