Andrew McClure Jones papers, W.0070

Abstract: Patent documents, newspaper clippings, and other papers of Andrew McClure Jones.Scope and Content Note: This collection contains several scrapbook pages pasted with newspaper clippings. Several of the newspaper articles included are written by Jones while others refer to his ministerial trips throughout Alabama, the publication of his book Colportage Sketches, and the invention and sale of his improved wagon-jack. The collection also includes newspaper clippings of inspirational poems, short stories, and illustrations. The collection also includes family documents, a copy of Jones' patent document for the wagon-jack, and a contract with an agency for selling the wagon-jack.Biographical/Historical Note: Andrew McClure Jones was born in South Carolina on January 5, 1834. A Methodist minister, Jones was licensed to preach in 1854. In December 1859 he enrolled as a student at Southern University. From 1863-1864, Jones served as chaplain to the Fifty-fifth Georgia Regiment. After leaving the army, Jones worked as circuit riding minister, traveling throughout Alabama and preaching at churches in Marion, Havana, Tuskegee, and Phenix City. Jones also distributed Bibles for the American Bible Society; the 1880 census lists him as a Bible agent living in Morgan County. In 1879, Jones patented an improved wagon-jack, which was advertised and sold by the American Patent Agency.He married Lucy Ann Forsyth on November 14, 1866. The couple had two children: a son, Neely Forsyth, and a daughter, Lucy. After Lucy Forsyth's death, Jones married her sister, Fannie Ophelia Forsyth on October 17, 1872. Jones died on July 29, 1890.Source: Keener, J. O.., "A. M. Jones Obituary," Alabama Christian Advocate, August 28, 1890, and census records onlin