Origins
The ancestry of the family bearing the foregoing double name of Floyd-Jones has been authentically traced back to the time of King James the Second, antedating this troublous period fully six hundred and twenty-six years. The favorite family christian names which occur in every generation, and in almost every branch of the family are: Thomas, David, William, Samuel, John and Elbert. Like most of the Welsh surnames, it is derived from the christian name. The primitive orthography “Johnes” is undoubtedly the correct mode of spelling it. Family traits are as distinctly marked as national character and in part, the former result from the latter. The Welch origin of the family of Jones is evident in other respects than in the peculiarity of the name alone. The family of Major Thomas Jones, whose descent from a noble Irish family, which intermarried with one from Wales, there is a tradition, is supposed (but without any certainty) to have originated in Merionethshire or Glamorganshire. However that maybe, the characteristics of the Welsh race are plainly discernable in family members and are very marked in all of those who have become prominent in any walk of life. Almost to a man choleric, sanguine, social, hospitable, independent and honorable, judgment and penetration, with remarkable memory, have distinguished the leading members of the family. A fondness for genealogies marks the elder members, no less than local and personal pride, and that clannish feeling which is so prominent among the Scotch, and the people of New England.
Major Thomas Jones
After the King’s defeat at the Battle of the Boyne, fought between the English, under William the Third, and the Irish, under James the Second, 1690, emigrated to this country from Straubane, Ireland, in 1692, having been a Major in the army of the dethroned monarch. Major Jones was a Protestant gentleman, of Straubane, which is in the county of Tyrone, province of Ulster, in Ireland, where he was born. His family, which was formerly from England, but originally of Welsh extraction, had long been seated in the north of Ireland. In 1692,he was at the Island of Jamaica, at the time of the destruction of Port royal, by the great earthquake of 7th of July, being engaged in one of the expeditions, under “Letters of Marque.” In that same year this émigré came to Warwick, Rhode Island, and gave up a sea life. At this place e met and married Freelove Townsend. more . . .
David Jones
David Jones, eldest son of Thomas and Freelove Townsend Jones, was born September 16, 1699, he married Anna Willet, daughter of Colonel William Willet, of Willet’s Point, and Mary Doughty Willet, on Nov. 22, 1722. She was born in 1704. David succeeded to the patrimony in 1737, and later was chosen a member of the General Assembly, continuing in that body until 1758, and occupying the honorable position of speaker for a period of thirteen years. He was ever the staunch champion of the rights of the people against every species of parliamentary encroachment, and no man of his day participated more largely, or more deservedly in public esteem and confidence. Many antedotes are still current of his boldness, firmness and decision in maintaining what deemed to be their rights. Anna died Jan 21, 1750, leaving issue of six children. Anna, Sarah, Thomas, Arrabella, David, Mary. The following epitaph was found upon the headstone of David’s grave )which was written by himself)…”Here lies interred the body of the Honorable David Jones, who was born Sept. 16, 1699, and died Oct. 11, 1775. Aged 76 years and 14 days.” beneath this lonely spot in peace is laid, The moldering fragments of a mortal’s frame, No busy noise invades this silent shade, no vain aspiring longings after fame, I once have trod the maze of life, Like you have labored after empty joys; Like you, have bustled in the stormy strife--- Been grieved for trifles, and amused with toys. As I am now, so you ere long must be. Keep this in mind; “You soon must follow me.”
Thomas Jones
Thomas Jones, who was called the “Young Judge,” was also a judge of the supreme Court of the Colony and the latter part of his life was a record to him of stirring events, both before and during the Revolution. He married Anne, a daughter of Lieutenant-Governor James DeLancey, Dec. 9, 1762. She was the aunt of the Right Rev. Bishop William Heathcote DeLancey, of Western, new York, and also aunt to the wife of James Fennimore Cooper, the celebrated American novelist. She was born in 1745. The father of Thomas Jones built in 1770 a splendid mansion which he named Tryon Hall in honor of Governor Tryon. This was the summer home of Thomas, with his winter or city residence being Fort Pitt. It was called in those days Jones’s Hill. In the Revolution Thomas remaining loyal to the crown was attained and his property confiscated. On the evening of the 4th of Nov. 1777, twenty-five patriot’s marched directly towards the house of Judge Jones. One day latter, the assailants broke in one of the panels on the door, and seized Judge Jones. On the following evening Judge Jones and captors arrived safely at Fairfield, Conn. The following May he was exchanged for patriot General Silliman. After this June in 1781 he went to England, where he died July 25, 1792.
David Richard Floyd
David Richard Floyd was married to Sarah Onderdonk on Sept. 20, 1785, she being the third daughter of Hendrick Onderdonk and Phoebe Tredwell. David Richard Floyd took possession of the Fort neck estate in approx. 1782., it being with his mothers consent, and that of his uncle, Judge Thomas Jones, when the latter became civilly dead by reason of the Act of Attainder. To perpetuate the name of Jones the family name of the mother of David Richard Floyd, and appertaining to the vast estate which he inherited from her, coming by entailment from Thomas Jones, his wife, his first American ancestor of this surname. In conformity with the Will of her father; that her eldest son “must” take the name of “Jones” in addition to his. He therefore, affixed the name to his own by act of Legislature of the State of New York. David Richard Floyd-Jones died Feb. 10, 1826. His remains as also those of his wife, Sarah Onderdonk Floyd-Jones, who died Feb. 29,1844, were interred in the Fort Neck Burial Ground and his descendants, the Floyd-Jones family, still retain most all the real estate and the double name. Their issue being David Thomas Floyd, born April 25, 1787, died June 12, 1787. Andrew Onderdonk Floyd-Jones, born Jan. 9, 1794, died Feby. 11, 1794.rubella Floyd-Jones, born Feby. 6, 1790, died May 5, 1790. Brigadier General Thomas Floyd-Jones, born July 23, 1788.Major Henry Onderdonk Floyd-Jones, born, born Jan. 3, 1792.
Thomas Floyd-Jones
Thomas Floyd-Jones, the eldest succeeding to the estate, some 6000 acres of land. He commanded a company of detaches militia, in the Second Regiment of new York Infantry commanded by the Colonel Daniel Bedell, at Fort Green, Brooklyn, Kings County, in the war with England, 1812 to 1815. This brings the foregoing branch of the family down to the year 1851. The property had come by “Entailment” to the last possessor, and this law having been abrogated, the entail was now considered broken. Pub. 1907 T. Floyd-Jones.
William Jones
William, the brother of David Jones, and third son of the first Thomas, and Freelove Townsend Jones. William was born April 25, 1708, and married Phoebe Jackson, daughter of Colonel John Jackson, of Hempstead, Queens County, Long Island. William died Aug. 29, 1779. Phoebe, his wife, died May 10, 1800, both being interred in the burial plot on South side of turnpike, West of the Massapequa Lake. Their issue was, David, Samuel, William, Thomas, Gilbert, John, Walter, Richard, Hallett, Freelove, Margaret, Phoebe and Sarah.
Samuel Jones
Second son of William Jones, was born on July 26, 1734., was one of the most distinguished Lawyers that New York has produced. In his early years he followed the sea, but abandoned that calling and devoted himself to the study of law. Samuel Jones was considered a patriot during the revolution, being a member of a committee of “One Hundred” appointed in New York, May 1, 1775, to direct the movements of the people of New York, for the protection of the citizens and to resist the attempt of great Britain to subdue the colony. His appellation was “Father of the New York Bar.” he married Ellen Turk, daughter of Cornelius Turk. She died about 1766, soon after marriage, without leaving issue. He then married Cornelia Haring, daughter of Elbert Haring, and Elizabeth Bogart of New York. Samuel Jones, in time being admitted to the Bar, was speedily engaged in an extensive and lucrative practice. At the request of the then governor John Jay he organized the office of Comptroller in 1796, and was the first one to hold that office in the state. In 1789, with Richard Varick, he was responsible for the revision of the statutes of New York State. He died on the 21st of November, 1819. His wife Cornelia, died July 29, 1821. Both are interred in the West Neck Burial Ground, Massapequa, L.I. Their issue was seven sons: The first child William, died in infancy. The youngest, Walter, died in infancy. The surviving sons were: Samuel, William, Elbert Haring, Thomas and David.
David S. Jones
The sixth child and youngest son of Samuel and Cornelia Haring Jones, was born at his father’s country seat, West Neck, South Oyster Bay, Queens County, Long Island, on Nov. 3, 1777. He graduated from Columbia College, in 1796. As a natural consequence he became eminent in that department of law, to which his attention was chiefly directed. After a long and laborious professional life of nearly 50 years, he desired to return to his birthplace, and settled there for the balance of his days. In carrying out this desire he acquired a portion of the Massapequa farm, and erected what was considered to be at the period the finest mansion on Long Island in 1836. Mr. Jones improved the place by making an immense trout lake of 100 acres in extent. This lake was always considered the largest and finest trout preserve in the world. His city residence was at No. 2 Bond Street, which with Great Jones Street, was in the early half of the century, one of the most aristocratic residential portions of New York City. He first married November 2, 1802, Margaret Jones, a daughter of Dr. Thomas Jones, M.D., Philadelphia, P.A., of an entirely distinct family and Livingston, his wife, a daughter of Phillip Livingston, and a signer of the Declaration of Independence. The children by the first marriage were as follows: Henry Phillip Jones, Cornelia Catherine Jones, Samuel Jones, Eleanor Jones, Phillip Livingston Jones, Renssalear Westerlo Jones, William Alfred Jones, Clinton Jones, De Witt Clinton Jones, Margaret Jones. His second marriage took place Feby. 13, 1827, to Susan Le Roy, a daughter of Herman Le Roy and Hannah Cornell, his wife. Their issue being: Herman Le Roy Jones, Margaret Livingston Jones, Mary Le Roy Jones, Susan Le Roy Jones. His third marriage was on June 11, 1833, to Mary Clinton, elder daughter of De Witt Clinton and Maria Franklin, his first wife. The children of this marriage were: De Witt Clinton Jones, John Jay Jones, David Thomas Jones, Walter Franklin Jones, Julia Catherine Jones, Florence Clinton Jones, Mary Clinton Jones, wife of David S. Jones.
William Jones
William Jones, the second son of the first Samuel was born October 4, 1771, was for several years a useful and intelligent member of the Legislature of New York State. His personal friends and associates were those of the most distinguished men of the period, among whom were Martin Van Buren, eighth President of the United States; Governors Thomkins and Clinton, General Cadwalader and Colonel Bond, of Maryland. He was especially noted for his fondness for thoroughbred horses, with which stables were well filled and his name will go down in the annals of horse racing as one of the fathers of the sport, as it existed a century ago. They were from the very best stock in the world and all bred on Long Island. Major William Jones, after marriage resided, until 1793, at his fathers house, West Neck, South Oyster Bay. He afterwards removed to Cold Spring Harbor, L.I. Were he built a fine residence on the west side of the harbor. His wife died May 1, 1847. Major William Jones died Sept. 16, 1853, at an advanced age. Their issue were eight children; Samuel W. Jones, David W. Jones, Cornelia Haring Jones, Susan Maria Jones, Elbert W. Jones, Eleanor Jones, Hannah Amelia ones, David Youngs Jones.
Thomas Floyd-Jones
Cornelia Haring Jones, the first daughter and third child of William and Kezia Youngs Jones was married on Jan. 28, 1812, to General Thomas Floyd-Jones, of South Oyster Bay, Long Island, the descendant of David Jones. This marriage between Thomas Floyd-Jones, second child of David Richard and Sarah Onderdonk Floyd-Jones, of South Oyster Bay, to Cornelia Haring Jones, his third cousin, daughter of William and Kezia Youngs Jones, of Cold Spring Harbor, L.I., brings the joining of the families of the two brothers, David and William Jones, sons of the first Thomas Jones, after a period of over one hundred years. Cornelia died December 29, 1839, Thomas died August 23, 1851. Both were interred in the Fort Neck Burial Grounds. The issue of this union was David Richard Floyd-Jones, Sarah Maria Floyd-Jones, William Floyd-Jones, Elbert Floyd-Jones.
David Richard Floyd-Jones
The first named to whom descended the old Homestead of his ancestors was born on the 6th of April, 1813, at the family mansion, and seems to have received the mantle of his progenitors, at least, in full measure. He received the rudiments of his education at Christ Church Academy, Manhasset, L.I., and entered his sophomore Class of Union college, Schenectady, in 1829. Graduating in 1832, he commenced the study of law with Judge Samuel W. Jones, of that place, and commenced practice in New York in 1835, as the partner of James P. Howard. He continued the practice of law until 1840, when he was chosen a member of the assembly of New York, re-elected in 1841 and again in 1842. In the fall of 1862, he was elected to the office of Lieutenant-Governor of the state, (on the ticket with Horatio Seymour), the duties of which he discharged with unswerving devotion to the Union. He was a firm and consistent Democrat of the old school of Jefferson and Jackson, a good citizen, a good friend, and a wise advisor, and at the close of the War tended most powerfully to keep the Democratic party in this state true to its allegiance to the national cause. He died January 8, 1871, and was interred in the family grounds on the Fort Neck estate. His funeral being one of the largest ever on Long Island, friends coming from all parts of the State to pay the last sad mark of respect to his memory. His painted portrait hangs in the office of the Secretary of State. His wife died July 22, 1906, the funeral taking place at Grace Church, Massapequa. The issue of David Richard and Mary Louisa Stanton Floyd-Jones was seven children: Stanton, George Stanton, Thomas Richard, Mary Louisa, Henrietta, Sarah Hall, Thomas Langley.
William Floyd-Jones
The second son was born March 10, 1815, and married Caroline Amelia Blackwell Nov. 16, 1847. She was born July 31, 1822, being the daughter of Robert Blackwell and Eliza Jane Moore Blackwell, of New York. After a very successful mercantile career in the City of New York William retired to that part of the estate which fell to his lot, which was the Massapequa house and farm. His character was that of the highest order, and most lovable kind, During the latter part of William’s life the Brooklyn Water System acquired, by purchase from him of the Massapequa Lake and stream, which had up to this time always been used as a trout preserve, which had been fished on by his guests, many of them being noted men, who were expert anglers. Among tem were Chester A Arthur, 21st President of the United States; Daniel Lord, the celebrated Lawyer; Royal Phelps, the New York merchant, and Judge George C. Barrett, of the Supreme Court, New York. William Floyd-Jones’ wife died December 9, 1886. William Floyd-Jones died February 7, 1896, in New York city. Both are buried in the family ground, Grace Church Yard, Massapequa. Their issue was five sons and tree daughters: Fannie Floyd Jones, Robert Blackwell Floyd-Jones, Ella Floyd-Jones, Jeannie Floyd-Jones, William Chauncey, Royal Phelps, Frederick, William.
Fannie Floyd-Jones, the first child and eldest daughter, was born April 3, 1849; married on June 28, 1870 to Charles Duncan Leverich. He was born Oct. 29, 1840, being son of Chas. P. Leverich, of Newtown L.I., and Matilda Duncan Gustine Leverich. Their issue were three daughters: Carrie Duncan Leverich, born Dec. 11, 1875; Matilda Gustine Leverich, born Dec. 10, 1880; Gertrude Riker Leverich, born Oct 28, 1887 Robert Blackwell Floyd-Jones, the first son of William and Caroline Amelia Blackwell Floyd-Jones was born August 1, 1850 Ella Floyd-Jones, the second daughter, was born June 1, 1852; married to Wm. Carpender born Jan. 30, 1844. Their issue was four children: Edith, born, April 1, 1880; Noel Lispenard, the only son, born May 6, 1882; Jeannie Floyd-Jones Carpender was born November 20, 1887, Ella Floyd-Jones Carpender, the youngest , was born October 9, 1892. Jeannie Floyd-Jones, the third daughter of Wm. And Caroline Amelia Blackwell Floyd-Jones, was born December 28, 1853, and was married on Nov. 9, 1880, to William Robison. Their issue was one daughter: Margaret Robison, who was born Oct. 31, 1881. William Chauncey, the second son was born December 7, 1855 and married Peppina Avezzana on June 16, 1903. She was born April 11, 1864, being a grand daughter of General Guiseppe (Joseph) Avezana, the great Italian Patriot, who was a close friend of Garibaldi. On the maternal side the Avezana family intermarried with the English (later Irish) family of Plowden, who were great Catholics and were descended from Roger, the Crusader, who was at the Siege of Acre, 1194. Royal Phelps, the third son was born may 10, 1859 and died March 18, 1900. He was buried in the family plot, Grace Church Yard, Massapequa, L.I. Frederick, the fourth son was born Dec. 7, 1860 and married Florence L. Conrow, of Orange, new Jersey, April 12, 1882, without issue. He married his second wife, Rachel English Leavitt om October 5, 1905. William, the fifth son was born Feb. 11, 1867. He was married to Lillian Isabel Ferris, in 1896 She was born November 8, 1868, and was buried in the family plot, Grace Church Yard, Massapequa, L.I. Issue one son, William Floyd-Jones, born September 2, 1898.
Elbert Floyd-Jones
The third son of Thomas Floyd-Jones, and Cornelia Haring Jones Floyd-Jones, was born Feby.7, 1817. Educated at Loft Cornelius’s School, Locust Valley, L.I. As also at Clinton Academy, East Hampton, L.I.. He remained with his father at the Homestead, and was brought up to follow agricultural pursuits. The family characteristic, fondness for that noblest of all animals, the trotting horse, was especially exemplified in him during his whole life. He bred and owned many, which achieved renown, both on the turf, and in the stud. His knowledge and opinion was of the highest character in this respect leading to his being consulted and chosen arbitrator on many disputed questions. He married Emily Glentworth, of Philadelphia, P.A., June 5, 1838, at the parsonage of St. George’s Church, Hempstead, L.I., the Rev. William M. Carmichael officiating. Pub. 1907 T. Floyd-Jones