He was born in Rutledge, Tennessee, to Samuel Joseph and Sara Elizabeth (Legg) Jones.

His father was an American Civil War veteran from the Union side who was active in politics and in the affairs of his community.

[1] Jones was educated in the Tennessee public schools, He began his career as a self-taught practical engineer, while still in his teens.

They were married in 1911 and purchased a house at 300 Main Street, in the town of Superior where they settled down.

The displays in the museum are focused on local artifacts and include exhibits of photographs, mining equipment and geological samples.