Jones Family History

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Since we know very little of the Jones family before they had settled in America, the following is simply general information about the Jones families in Wales.  


This from the “House of Names”

While the ancestors of the bearers of Jones came from ancient Welsh-Celtic origins, the name itself has its roots in Christianity. This surname comes from the personal name John, which is derived from the Latin Johannes, meaning "Yahweh is gracious."

This name has always been common in Britain, rivaling William in popularity by the beginning of the 14th century. The feminine form Joan, or Johanna in Latin, was also popular, and the surname Jones may be derived from either the male or female name. "Though its origins are in England, the surname is predominately held by people of Welsh extraction due to the overwhelming use of patronymics in Wales from the 16th century and the prevalence of the name John at that time." [1]"Next to John Smith, John Jones is probably the most common combination of names in Britain." [2]


Early Origins of the Jones family


The surname Jones was first found in Denbighshire (Welsh: Sir Ddinbych), a historic county in Northeast Wales created by the Laws in Wales Act 1536, where their ancient family seat was at Llanerchrugog.

The name Jones, currently one of the most prolific in the world, descends from three main sources: from Gwaithvoed, LordCardigan, Chief of one of the 15 noble tribes of North Wales in 921; from Bleddyn Ap Cynfyn, King of Powys; and from Dyffryn Clwyd, a Chieftain of Denbighland.

All three lines merged in Denbighshire about the 11th century and it is not known which of the three can be considered the main branch of the family. Later some of the family ventured into England. "[The parish of Astall in Oxfordshire] was formerly the residence of Sir Richard Jones, one of the judges of the court of common pleas in the reign of Charles I.; and there are still some remains of the ancient manor-house near the church, which are now converted into a farmhouse.”

Jones Spelling Variations


Welsh surnames are relatively few in number, but they have an inordinately large number of spelling variations. There are many factors that explain the preponderance of Welsh variants, but the earliest is found during the Middle Ages whenWelsh surnames came into use. Scribes and church officials recorded names as they sounded, which often resulted in a single person's name being inconsistently recorded over his lifetime. The transliteration of Welsh names into English also accounts for many of the spelling variations: the unique Brythonic Celtic language of the Welsh had many sounds the English language was incapable of accurately reproducing. It was also common for members of a same surname to change their names slightly, in order to signify a branch loyalty within the family, a religious adherence, or even patriotic affiliations. For all of these reasons, the many spelling variations of particular Welsh names are very important. The surname Jones has occasionally been spelled Jones, Jonas, Jone, Joness and others.


Early Notables of the Jones family (pre 1700)


Prominent amongst the family during the late Middle Ages was Gwaithvoed Lord Cardigan, Bleddyn Ap Cynfyn, and Dyffryn Clwyd Jones, the three patriarchs of the Jones family; John Jones of Gellilyfdy (c. 1578-c.1658), a Welsh lawyer, antiquary, calligrapher, manuscript collector and scribe; Richard Jones (1638-1712), first Earl of Ranelagh; Sir Samuel Jones (1610-1673), an English politician who sat in the House of Commons in 1656 and 1660; Colonel Philip Jones (1618-1674), aWelsh military... 
Another 74 words (5 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Jones Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


Migration of the Jones family to Ireland


Some of the Jones family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 143 words (10 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


Migration of the Jones family to the New World and Oceana


In the 1800s and 1900s, many Welsh families left for North America, in search of land, work, and freedom. Those who made the trip successfully helped contribute to the growth of industry, commerce, and the cultural heritage of both Canada and the United States. In the immigration and passenger lists were a number of people bearing the name Jones 

Jones Settlers in United States in the 17th Century

  • Chadwallader Jones, who landed in Virginia in 1623 [4]
  • Alexander Jones, who arrived in New England in 1631 [4]
  • Alice Jones, who arrived in Boston in 1635
  • Charles Jones and Humphrey Jones, who both settled in Virginia in 1636
  • Anne Jones, who settled in Virginia in 1648
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Jones Settlers in United States in the 18th Century

  • David Jones, who arrived in Boston, Massachusetts in 1712 [4]
  • Arthur Jones, who arrived in Virginia in 1724 [4]
  • Cornelius Jones, who arrived in Georgia in 1732 [4]
  • Roger Jones, who arrived in South Carolina in 1738

Jones Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

  • Christian Jones, who landed in Pennsylvania in 1801 [4]
  • William Jones, who landed in New York in 1815 [4]
  • James Jones, who arrived in Puerto Rico in 1816 [4]
  • Sarah Jones, who settled in New York in 1821
  • Caroline Jones, who landed in New York in 1824 [4]
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Jones Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century

  • Mr. Ebenezer Jones Jr., U.E. (b. 1720) from New York, USA who settled in Home District, Saltfleet Township [Hamilton], Ontario c. 1780 he served in the Orange Rangers, married to Sarah Lockwood they had 5 children [5]
  • Capt. John Jones U.E., aka "Mahogany Jones" born in Maine, USA from Pownalborough, who settled in Grand Manan Island, Charlotte County, New Brunswick c. 1780 he served in the Rangers, member of the Port Matoon association as well as Penobscot Association [5]
  • Mr. Garret Jones U.E. who settled in Belle Vue, Beaver Harbour, New Brunswick c. 1783 [5]
  • Mr. Thomas Jones U.E. who arrived at Port Roseway [Shelburne], Nova Scotia on October 26, 1783 was passenger number 290 aboard the ship "HMS Clinton", picked up on September 28, 1783 at Staten Island, New York [5]
  • Mrs. Hannah Jones U.E. who arrived at Port Roseway [Shelburne], Nova Scotia on October 26, 1783 was passenger number 319 aboard the ship "HMS Clinton", picked up on September 28, 1783 at Staten Island, New York [5]
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Jones Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century

  • Ty. Jones, aged 50, a farmer, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick in 1833 aboard the ship "John" from Liverpool, England
  • John Jones, aged 24, a farmer, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick in 1833 aboard the ship "John" from Liverpool, England
  • Robert Jones, aged 20, a labourer, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick aboard the ship "Billow" in 1833
  • Richard Jones, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick aboard the ship "Protector" in 1834
  • William Jones, aged 19, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick aboard the ship "Highlander" in 1834
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Jones Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

  • Roger Jones, English convict from Shropshire, who was transported aboard the "Ann" on August 1809, settling in New South Wales, Australia [6]
  • James Jones, English convict from Surrey, who was transported aboard the "Almorah" on April 1817, settling in New South Wales, Australia [7]
  • John Jones, English convict from Middlesex, who was transported aboard the "Almorah" on April 1817, settling in New South Wales, Australia [7]
  • Robert Jones, English convict from Middlesex, who was transported aboard the "Almorah" on April 1817, settling in New South Wales, Australia [7]
  • John Jones, English convict from Middlesex, who was transported aboard the "Asia" on September 3rd, 1820, settling in New South Wales, Australia [8]
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Jones Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

  • Mr. Andrew Jones, Australian settler travelling from Hobart, Tasmania, Australia aboard the ship "Bee" arriving in New Zealand in 1831 [9]
  • Mr. Stephen Jones, Australian settler travelling from Port of Hobart, Tasmania, Australia on board the ship "David Owen" arriving in New Zealand in 1832 [9]
  • Thomas Jones, who landed in Wellington, New Zealand in 1839 aboard the ship Success
  • Thomas Jones, who arrived in Wellington, New Zealand aboard the ship "Success" in 1839
  • Joseph Jones, aged 21, a gardener, who arrived in Wellington, New Zealand aboard the ship "Martha Ridgeway" in 1840
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Jones Settlers in New Zealand in the 20th Century

  • Chris Jones, aged 22, who arrived in Auckland, New Zealand aboard the ship "S. S. Waimana" in 1926


Contemporary Notables of the name Jones (post 1700)


  • Eddie Jones (1934-2019), American actor, best known for playing Clark Kent's father in the ABC television series Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman
  • Charles Larimore Jones (1932-2006), American architect of the U.S. Air Force's forward air control doctrine, awarded two Distinguished Flying Crosses, two Bronze Stars, Multiple Air Medals and the Purple Heart
  • Kenyatta Lapoleon Jones (1979-2018), American football offensive tackle for the New England Patriots (2001–2003), Washington Redskins (2003–2004), Tampa Bay Storm (2008) and New York Sentinels (2009); he died at the age of 39 from cardiac arrest
  • James Wormley Jones (1884-1958), the first African-American FBI special agent
  • Stephen Howard Jones (1942-2017), known as Steve "Snapper" Jones, an American ABA and NBA player, and later television analyst, brother of Nick Jones, former ABA and NBA player
  • Mickey Jones (1941-2018), American musician and actor; he had 17 gold records from his musical career of over two decades including work with Kenny Rogers and The First Edition, Bob Dylan and Johnny Rivers; he had a recurring role on the ABC sitcom Home Improvement
  • Larry Wayne "Chipper" Jones Jr. (b. 1972), American former Major League Baseball player, inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2018
  • Ila Jones (1903-2017), American supercentenarian
  • Judith Jones (1924-2017), née Bailey, an American writer and editor, best known for having rescued The Diary of Anne Frank and publishing Julia Child's Mastering the Art of French Cooking
  • Melvyn "Deacon" Jones (1943-2017), American organist and founding member of Baby Huey & the Babysitters
  • ... (Another 113 notables are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)


Historic Events for the Jones family



Arrow Air Flight 1285

  • Mr. Joseph A Jones (b. 1963), American Sergeant from Knoxville, Tennessee, USA who died in the crash [10]

Empress of Ireland

  • Mr. Edward John Jones, British First Officer from United Kingdom who worked aboard the Empress of Ireland and survived the sinking [11]
  • Mr. John Mackenzie Jones, British Junior 2nd Engineer from United Kingdom who worked aboard the Empress of Ireland and died in the sinking [11]
  • Mrs. Miriam Jones, née Roberts British Matron from United Kingdom who worked aboard the Empress of Ireland and died in the sinking [11]
  • Mr. Henry Andrew Jones, British Saloon Steward from United Kingdom who worked aboard the Empress of Irelandand died in the sinking [11]
  • Mr. Daniel Henry Jones, British Seaman from United Kingdom who worked aboard the Empress of Ireland and survived the sinking [11]
  • ... (Another 11 entries are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Flight TWA 800

  • Mrs. Ramona U. Jones (1932-1996), aged 64, from West Hartford, Connecticut, USA, American passenger flying aboard flight TWA 800 from J.F.K. Airport, New York to Leonardo da Vinci Airport, Rome when the plane crashed after takeoff ; she died in the crash [12]

Halifax Explosion

  • Mr. Robert  Jones (1877-1917), Canadian Engine Room Artificer aboard the HMS Highflyer from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada who died in the explosion [13]
  • Mr. Robert  Jones (1887-1917), Welsh Carpenter aboard the SS Picton from Port Madoc, Wales, United Kingdom who died in the explosion [13]

HMAS Sydney II

  • Mr. Wilfred George Jones (1895-1941), Australian Chief Shipwright from Naremburn, New South Wales, Australia, who sailed into battle aboard HMAS Sydney II and died in the sinking [14]
  • Mr. Ivan David Jones (1918-1941), Australian Acting Engine Room Artificer 4th Class from Fremantle, Western Australia, Australia, who sailed into battle aboard HMAS Sydney II and died in the sinking [14]
  • Mr. Philip Trevor Jones (1897-1941), Australian Chief Petty Officer from Frankston, Victoria, Australia, who sailed into battle aboard HMAS Sydney II and died in the sinking [14]
  • Mr. Donald Edgar Jones (1920-1941), Australian Able Seaman from West Ryde, New South Wales, Australia, who sailed into battle aboard HMAS Sydney II and died in the sinking [14]
  • Mr. David James Jones (1914-1941), Australian Acting Stoker Petty Officer from Glebe Point, New South Wales, Australia, who sailed into battle aboard HMAS Sydney II and died in the sinking [14]
  • ... (Another 1 entries are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

HMS Cornwall

  • Edward John Jones (d. 1942), British Able Seaman aboard the HMS Cornwall when she was struck by air bombers and sunk; he died in the sinking [15]

HMS Dorsetshire

  • Norman Jones, British aboard the HMS Dorsetshire when she was struck by air bombers and sunk; he survived the sinking [16]
  • William James Jones (d. 1945), British Able Seaman aboard the HMS Dorsetshire when she was struck by air bombers and sunk; he died in the sinking [16]

HMS Hood

  • Mr. Richard Jones (b. 1919), Welsh Able Seaman serving for the Royal Navy Reserve from Holyhead, Anglesey, Wales, who sailed into battle and died in the sinking [17]
  • Mr. Roy T R Jones (b. 1924), English Boy 1st Class serving for the Royal Navy from Southend-on-Sea, Sussex,England, who sailed into battle and died in the sinking [17]
  • Mr. Ronald G S Jones (b. 1919), Welsh Ordinary Seaman serving for the Royal Navy from Tonpandy, Glamorgan, Wales, who sailed into battle and died in the sinking [17]
  • Mr. Robert W Jones (b. 1924), English Boy 1st Class serving for the Royal Navy from Barton-upon-Irwell, Lancashire, England, who sailed into battle and died in the sinking [17]
  • Mr. Kenneth Jones (b. 1923), English Ordinary Seaman serving for the Royal Navy from Northallerton, Yorkshire, England, who sailed into battle and died in the sinking [17]
  • ... (Another 10 entries are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

HMS Prince of Wales

HMS Repulse

  • Mr. Selwyn Jones, British Steward, who sailed into battle on the HMS Repulse and survived the sinking [19]
  • Mr. Howard Wynn Jones, British Able Bodied Seaman, who sailed into battle on the HMS Repulse and died in the sinking [19]
  • Mr. Hugh W Jones, British sailor, who sailed into battle on the HMS Repulse and survived the sinking [19]
  • Mr. Maldwyn Price Jones, British Able Bodied Seaman, who sailed into battle on the HMS Repulse and died in the sinking [19]
  • Mr. Henry Norman Jones, British Ordinary Seaman, who sailed into battle on the HMS Repulse and died in the sinking [19]
  • ... (Another 10 entries are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

HMS Royal Oak

  • Raymond Herbert S. Jones, British Leading Telegraphist with the Royal Navy aboard the HMS Royal Oak when she was torpedoed by U-47 and sunk; he survived the sinking [20]
  • Thomas H. Jones, British Leading Stoker with the Royal Navy aboard the HMS Royal Oak when she was torpedoed by U-47 and sunk; he survived the sinking [20]
  • Thomas John Jones (1922-1939), British Boy 1st Class with the Royal Navy aboard the HMS Royal Oak when she was torpedoed by U-47 and sunk; he died in the sinking [20]
  • Sydney Walter Jones (d. 1939), British Seaman with the Royal Navy aboard the HMS Royal Oak when she was torpedoed by U-47 and sunk; he died in the sinking [20]
  • Henry George Jones (1918-1939), British Able Seaman with the Royal Navy aboard the HMS Royal Oak when she was torpedoed by U-47 and sunk; he died in the sinking [20]
  • ... (Another 2 entries are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Pan Am Flight 103 (Lockerbie)

  • Christopher Andrew Jones (1968-1988), American Student from Claverack, New York, America, who flew aboard thePan Am Flight 103 from Frankfurt to Detroit, known as the Lockerbie bombing in 1988 and died [21]

RMS Lusitania

  • Mr. William Ewart Gladstone Jones, English Third Electrician from West Kirkby, Liverpool, England, who worked aboard the RMS Lusitania and survived the sinking [22]
  • Mr. Michael Jones, English Trimmer from England, who worked aboard the RMS Lusitania and survived the sinking [22]
  • Miss Mary Elizabeth Jones, English Stewardess from Bishopston, Bristol, England, who worked aboard the RMS Lusitania and died in the sinking and was recovered [22]
  • Mr. Arthur Rowland Jones, English First Officer from England, who worked aboard the RMS Lusitania and survived the sinking by escaping in life boat 15 [22]
  • Mr. Hugh Jones, English Greaser from Liverpool, England, who worked aboard the RMS Lusitania and died in the sinking [22]
  • ... (Another 16 entries are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

RMS Titanic

  • Mr. Albert Jones (d. 1912), aged 17, English Saloon Steward from Southampton, Hampshire who worked aboard theRMS Titanic and died in the sinking [23]
  • Mr. Arthur Ernest Jones (d. 1912), aged 38, English Plate Steward from Woolston, Hampshire who worked aboard theRMS Titanic and died in the sinking [23]
  • Mr. H. Jones (d. 1912), aged 29, English Roast Cook from Alresford, Essex who worked aboard the RMS Titanic and died in the sinking [23]
  • Mr. Reginald V. Jones (d. 1912), aged 20, English Saloon Steward from Southampton, Hampshire who worked aboard the RMS Titanic and died in the sinking [23]
  • Mr. Thomas William Jones, aged 32, English Able Seaman from Liverpool, Lancashire who worked aboard the RMS Titanic and survived the sinking escaping on life boat 8 [23]
  • ... (Another 1 entries are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

USS Arizona

  • Mr. Hubert H. Jones, American Chief Water tender working aboard the ship "USS Arizona" when she sunk during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on 7th December 1941, he survived the sinking [24]
  • Mr. Willard Worth Jones, American Seaman First Class from Tennessee, USA working aboard the ship "USS Arizona" when she sunk during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on 7th December 1941, he died in the sinking [24]
  • Mr. Woodrow Wilson Jones, American Seaman Second Class from Alabama, USA working aboard the ship "USS Arizona" when she sunk during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on 7th December 1941, he died in the sinking [24]
  • Mr. Leland Jones, American Seaman First Class from Tennessee, USA working aboard the ship "USS Arizona" when she sunk during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on 7th December 1941, he died in the sinking [24]
  • Mr. Quincy Eugene Jones, American Private First Class from Texas, USA working aboard the ship "USS Arizona" when she sunk during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on 7th December 1941, he died in the sinking [24]
  • ... (Another 9 entries are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)


The Jones Motto


The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Heb dduw, heb ddim
Motto Translation: Without God, without anything.

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