Matthias A. Jones

Matthias A. Jones, born around 1836 in Walton County, Georgia, was the son of Henry Jones and Sarah Lightfoot Vickers. He was one of 10 children: Abraham Benjamin, Martha Adaline, Elizabeth “Eliza,” Henry Clayborn, Mary Elizabeth, Lydia Ann, John U., Sarah S., and James D. Jones.

Matthias is my 3rd great-uncle; our nearest common ancestors are his parents, Henry and Sarah.

On September 18, 1850, the Jones family was enumerated in Division 88 of Walton County. Matthias, listed as “Mathew,” was 15 years old and living with his parents. His father Henry was a farmer with real estate valued at $1,900, assisted by eldest son Abraham. Also in the household were siblings Martha, Mary, and Lydia, along with a 15-year-old named James Young. They lived next door to the Silas Patton family, whose son George would marry Matthias’s sister Martha two years later.

Although the exact date is unknown, Matthias married Mary E. Rowe, likely in Walton County. Together they had at least five children:

• Sarah Matilda Jones (born about 1858)
• James William Jones (born about 1859)
• Susan Adaline Jones (born about 1862)
• Mary Elizabeth Jones (born about 1868)
• Otis M. Jones (born 1872)

Despite extensive searching, Matthias and his family do not appear in the 1860 census—a frustrating gap during the early years of his marriage.

In 1864, Matthias, then 27, was recorded as a farmer in the 27th Senatorial District, 419th Militia District of Walton County. He was exempted from military service due to disability.

On February 13, 1866, his father Henry made a significant legal gesture: he conveyed 75 acres of land to Matthias—not for Matthias’ benefit, but in trust for his wife Mary. The deed ensured Mary’s right to use the land during Matthias’ lifetime and, if she survived him, throughout her widowhood. Upon her remarriage or death, the land would pass to her surviving children. If none survived, it would revert to Henry or his estate. This arrangement protected Mary’s financial security and preserved the land within the family.

Matthias’ mother, Sarah, died on June 8, 1866, and was buried in the Jones family burial ground in Between, Walton County. His father Henry died on June 22, 1867, though his tombstone incorrectly lists June 13, 1865. Probate records confirm the 1867 date. Henry’s will left cash and personal property to several daughters but no direct inheritance to sons Henry, Abraham, or Matthias. Instead, he directed that approximately 50 acres be divided among their children.

On August 19, 1867, Matthias signed the Reconstruction Oath, swearing allegiance to the United States, which enabled him to vote.

 

Reconstruction Oath signed by Matthias Jones

By 1869, Matthias and Mary were living in the Brooks District of Monroe. He was listed as “in trust for Mrs. Mary Jones,” managing the 85-acre property gifted by his father. The tax digest noted three children—Sarah, James, and Susan—and valued the land at $200.

In the 1870 census, the family lived in the 421st District of Brooks. Matthias, a farmer, had real estate worth $250 and personal property worth $100. Mary maintained the home, assisted by Sarah and James. Matthias, Sarah, and James were unable to read or write. They lived next to his brother Abraham and his large family.

A tax digest from between 1871 and 1876 shows Matthias as trustee for his wife and children, managing 88 acres valued at $300. By then, daughter Mary had been born, and Otis would arrive in 1872.

Matthias remained in the Brooks District into the late 1870s. A property tax digest from between 1877 and 1882 lists his household and kitchen furniture at $15, livestock at $30, and other property totaling $64.

Later property tax records show Matthias acting as agent for:

• Mary E. Jones (deceased): 87 acres valued at $300
• His children: 87½ acres valued at $350, with household goods and livestock totaling $435

These records suggest Mary died before 1880, though her exact death and burial details remain unknown.

In the 1880 census, Matthias—listed as “Mias Jones”—was widowed and living with daughters Susan and Mary. He was still farming. Next door lived a young family headed by William Jones (20), likely his son James W. Jones, though no marriage record has been found. Matthias’s sister Lydia, age 40 and unmarried, lived next door to William.

1880 Brooks, Monroe, Walton County, Georgia census

Based on court and land records, Matthias died between June 1880 and September 1883. He was likely buried in Walton County, though no grave has been located.

On September 22, 1883, Matthias’ children began transferring ownership of the family homestead. The 85-acre tract, originally gifted by Henry Jones Sr., was sold in parts:

• Sarah Matilda Annison and Susan Adaline Jones sold their combined two-fifths interest to James W. Jones for $160.
• On January 14, 1885, James, Mary, Sarah, and Susan sold their combined four-fifths interest to Sheats & Ray for $348. The deed was recorded on January 21, 1885.
• Sheats & Ray quickly sold the land to H. S. Walker, likely acting as agents.

In January 1888, 14-year-old Otis petitioned the court to have his brother James appointed as his guardian. James accepted the role and posted a $200 bond.

On May 7, 1888, James petitioned to sell Otis’ one-fifth interest in the remaining land, citing low income and the need to fund Otis’ education. The court approved, and in June 1888, James sold Otis’ share to Jasper M. Turner for $60.

These transactions marked the complete divestment of the Jones family’s ancestral homestead, which had passed from Henry Jones Sr. to Matthias, and then to his children. The land was sold for a combined total of $310.

Nearly two decades later, the property was still known as the “Mathias Jones place.” In 1897, Jasper Turner sold the 87-acre tract to Mrs. A. L. Vauthorn for $700, a testament to the enduring legacy of the Jones family in Walton County.

References

• Artis M. Jones, Certificate of Death no. 23955, Georgia Department of Public Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics, 1935.
• Estate Papers: Walton County, Georgia, Probate Estate Case Files 1820–1900, images 8 and 1208, FamilySearch.
• Mathias Jones, Georgia, Returns of Qualified Voters and Reconstruction Oath Books, 1867–1869.
• Mathias Jones, U.S. and International Marriage Records, 1560–1900.
• Matthias A Jones, 1864 Census for Re-Organizing the Georgia Militia.
• Mary E. Jones, Georgia, U.S., Property Tax Digests, 1793–1892.
• Sarah Jones tombstone, Jones Family Cemetery, Walton County, Georgia.
• U.S. Federal Census, Brook, Walton County, Georgia, 1870.
• U.S. Federal Census, Division 88, Walton County, Georgia, 1850.
• Walton County, Georgia, Court Records 1885–1893, images 199 and 213, FamilySearch.
• Walton County, Georgia, Deeds 1860–1869, image 262, FamilySearch.
• Walton County, Georgia, Deeds 1882–1885, 1885–1887, images 225 and 299, FamilySearch.
• Walton County, Georgia, Deeds 1892–1896, image 215, FamilySearch.
• Walton County, Georgia, Deeds 1896–1901, image 184, FamilySearch.
• Walton County, Georgia, Probate Administrator Bonds 1857–1878, 1879–1891, Guardianship Bonds 1879–1891, 1857–1878, image 486, FamilySearch.