Jones was born in 1847 in Birmingham, Penn. He attended school until 1859, when he was 12, and then commenced work in the rolling mills as an apprentice to the trade of millwright and engineer.

According to family tradition, family funds would not permit him to take lessons in both violin and mechanical drawing. He chose drafting. He also worked with his father, who was a mechanical engineer and master mechanic in Pittsburgh.

Following a mining accident in 1883 that took the life of eight miners, he and his family moved to Iron Mountain.

He was instrumental in the discovery and development of the Hamilton Mine, serving as superintendent. He later served in the same leadership role with the Antoine Ore Co.

The Daily News is bringing back photos of “yesteryears.” Each week, an historical photograph will be posted on The Daily News’ Facebook page. Readers will be asked to identify the location, as well as share a memorable experience of the location. “Back to the Present” will then be published in the Wednesday edition, including a current photo. Readers can comment on The Daily News’ Facebook page, or email tcastelaz@ironmountaindailynews.com with subject “Back to the Present.”

Jones was also an inventor. In addition to building the Ardis Furnace in 1908, he held numerous patents including a railroad spike and ball-bearing railroad car wheel.

With his family growing, John and his wife Rachel built their residence on a 140-acre tract on Grand Boulevard on Iron Mountain’s northside in 1890. The home, which cost $7,000, was designed by N.B., Parmelee & Son architects of Iron Mountain. A tunnel wide enough for a team of horses joined Jones’ home with that of his son next door.

The home boasted a large greenhouse, built in 1906 with glass and girders from the gondolas of the original giant Ferris Wheel that was used at the Chicago World’s Fair in 1893.

In a 1906 issue, the Iron Mountain Press stated, “Probably the most beautiful country home in the Upper Peninsula is that of Mr. and Mrs. John T. Jones on the banks of Lake Antoine. It contains about 20 acres and embraces many natural advantages. Nature has been aided very materially in the work of beautifying by Mr. Jones. This spring Mr. Jones planted some 15 hundred fruit trees and nearly all are flourishing. He is now engaged in building a large greenhouse. In this connection it is interesting to note that the glass used in the construction of the building was used for a number of years in the Ferris Wheel, which was recently destroyed at St. Louis.”

After the failure of the Ardis furnace, he lost everything, which included his Lake Antoine home.

John and Rachel Jones posed in the conservatory between 1905-1910.

The family posed in front of the front porch at the resident in 1900-1905. Those identified include John Jones, seated left, with possibly daughter Ardis; Rachel seated at right and son Arthur standing at far right. The couple had nine children.

A view of the Grand Boulevard home now owned by the Pugh family trust. (Marguerite Lanthier/Daily News photo)