The Hon. Theodore W. Jones was born during the temporary
residence of his parents in the beautiful city of Hamilton,
Ontario, September 19, 1853. His parents soon returned to
New York, their native State, and there remained until he
was twelve years old. In 1865 this family decided to make
Illinois their home and settled in Chicago.

Mr. Jones was one of a very large family; his parents were
poor and unable to give him even a common school education.
Compelled to support himself, at the age of fifteen years he
was driving an express wagon. He was an industrious boy,
full of pluck and energy. Without money and by his own
unaided efforts, step by step, he pressed on and soon built
up a most successful express and moving business.

Discouraged by no difficulty, the ambitious young expressman
turned his attention toward acquiring an education. He was a
diligent student. Through the aid of private tutors and the
"midnight oil," he was able, when twenty-five years of age,
to enter Wheaton College, Wheaton, Ill., where he remained
three years. Leaving college, he returned to his business in
Chicago and has been exceedingly prosperous.

Mr. Jones is the owner of a large brick storage warehouse,
Twenty-ninth Street and Shields Avenue, and other valuable
property in this city. In his employ are three lady clerks
and about fifty men, all colored.

In 1894, Theodore W. Jones was elected on the Republican
ticket to the responsible position of County Commissioner of
Cook County, Ill. He ably and well performed the duties of
this office.

That he labored earnestly and unselfishly to advance the
interests of the colored people we need relate only the
following fact: During Mr. Jones' term of office the colored
people of Cook County drew $50,000 yearly salary. This was
about seven times the amount paid into the county treasury
by our race.

He is a valued member of the National Negro Business League.
He was present in Boston at the organisation and has
organised a branch league in Chicago, known as the Business
Men's League of Cook County. This league entertained the
National League in Chicago, August 21, 22, 23, 1901.

There has been so much controversy concerning the Negro, so much said
and written about his alleged inferiority, such an