Born Penygroes, South Wales, May 1, 1845. Song of Hugh Jones. Educated in Wales until 1857. Came to America, settled in Columbia, Wisconsin in 1858. Married Elizabeth Owen; two children.

Worked on farm in Wisconsin until 1865. Became agent for Dodge Reapers and Champion Mowers, Berlin, Wisconsin, 1866-1868. Became travelling salesman for L. J. Bush and Company, Milwaukee Wisconsin, 1868-1870. Employed by E. H. Gammon and William Deering, 1870-1881. With E. H. Gammon established the Plano Manufacturing Company at Plano, Illinois, becoming its president, 1885-1890. Vice-president and chief engineer until 1900. Sold out to the American Bridge Company in 1900. Became president of the Koken Iron Works at St. Louis, Missouri.

In 1901 he became assistant vice-president and contracting manager of the American Bridge Company of New York. Since 1901 Director of the International Bond and Development Company; World Today Company. Trustee and Treasurer of the University of Chicago Divinity School. Member American Society of Chemical 2Engineers. Clubs: Chicago Athletic, Quadrangle, Homewood Country. Office: Monadnock Block, Chicago. Home: 6033 Jefferson Avenue.