Seaborn Jones family papers, 1813-1966, bulk 1840-1921

Summary

Creator:
Jones family
Date:
1813-1966, bulk 1840-1921
Extent:
22.5 Linear Feet 44 boxes
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

Seaborn Jones family papers, ms3730, Hargrett Rare Book and Manuscript Library, University of Georgia Libraries.

Background

Scope and content:

The collection consists of biographical information, correspondence, legal papers, financial papers, writings, photographs, printed material and artifacts. The correspondence includes family, personal, business letters, and several Civil War Letters. There are also letters and notes from tenants who worked on the Jones' plantations, which included Ogeechee, Crab Apple, and Canaan. Legal matters consist of cases the firm handled, deeds, estate papers, fi fas, bonds for title, wills, contracts, and guardianship papers. The firm John J. Jones & Son served as counsel for the Central of Georgia Railway, and these lawsuits against the railroad often involved the killing of cows and pigs on the tracks. There is material about the Ideal Theatre built by Seaborn Jones in Waynesboro (GA) for a movie theater. Financial papers include bills and receipts from various stores and receipts from cotton sales. Writings include information on the history of Canaan plantation and a diary by John James Jones about his trip to Europe in 1926.

Biographical / historical:

John James Jones (1824-1898) was born in Burke County, Georgia to Seaborn Henry Jones (1798-1859) and Margaret Walker Jones. He married Evaline Toombs (1829-1900) and had a son named Seaborn Henry Jones (1861-1921). John James Jones was a lawyer and legislator, he was a member of the United States House of Representatives from the 8th District of Georgia from 1859 until 1861 when he withdrew to serve in the Confederate Army during Civil War. His son Seaborn married Helen Gresham and had a son named John James Jones (1904-1988). Seaborn was also a lawyer and he and his father formed the firm John J. Jones & Son in Waynesboro, Georgia.

Access and use restrictions

Preferred citation:

Seaborn Jones family papers, ms3730, Hargrett Rare Book and Manuscript Library, University of Georgia Libraries.