a side trip to Jonesdale, Waldwick Township, Iowa County, Wisconsin

                  Rev. Griffith Jones

Reverend Griffith Jones was born in Wales in 1828. He emigrated to America in 1845 where he met Catherine Rowland.  They were married in 1848.  He and his wife helped to organize the Welsh Calvinistic Methodist Church and he ministered to the Dodgeville congregation.

Griffith and Catherine had nine children, four boys and five girls.  Oldest to youngest: John G., William G., Hannah G. Margaret G., Lacy G., and Marie Ann. 

As the family grew, Griffith moved his family to the country in Waldwick township.  They were engaged in farming.   Griffith Jones died on February 10, 1902. 

Griffith erected a mill along the Dodge Branch of the Pecatonica River in 1871. The Dodge Branch is a twenty-two mile long; spring fed tributary originating in central Iowa County, just north of Dodgeville. The stream is part of the Upper East Branch Pecatonica River watershed, and flows southeast, draining into the East Branch of the Pecatonica River near Hollandale.   

The original name was the Waldwick Mill but later changed to Jonesdale Mill.

 

The "Golden Meadow Mill" was built on the same stream, by Allen & Co., but owned and managed by William Uren & Co.

In 1887 John Ley built the Union Hotel. He had lumber shipped up the Old Helena River and transferred it by horse and wagon to the village.  John also operated a dance hall. The facility was also used for silent movies and home talent shows.  He was also involved with the Butcher Meat Market and the Jonesdale Barber Shop.

The Illinois Central Railroad was built through Jonesdale in 1887 with the track layers reaching Jonesdale on March 3rd of that year.  Henry Carter became the first station agent and lived in John Ley's hotel. His office was in a box car until the depot was finished in 1888. 

The Wisconsin Railroad Commission approved it's abandonment in 1938 and on July 25, 1942 the last train ran on the tracks. The tracks were quickly taken up followed by the demolition of the depot.  Less than 50 years from a bustling place to it's demise.

The lumber yard, opened for business in 1894. It was owned by J. Richart.  Much of the lumber was hauled out of Jonesdale by the Illinois Central Railroad.  

Main Street stores included those of Kramer, Reeves and Girardin.  The Post Office was located in the Reeves Store with Frank Van Matre as the postmaster.  When the telephone line was run through the village in 1904, the closest telephone for most villagers was also located in the Reeves Store.  

The village blacksmith shop was owned by Jerry Sullivan, who also repaired wagons.   Horse shoe repair was 50 cents per set.  

Dick Gribble had a farm implement store and also sold grain.

Farm machinery, including the John Deere riding plows, harrows, seeders, drills and corn planters, was sold by R. G. White at the Buggy Shop.  

Then and now photo comparisons:

Some of the information and most of the older photos appear in the book Jonesdale 1885.  It was edited by Tonia James-Anderson, Written by Jackie Gempler, Leotta Ley, and Tonia James-Anderson.  Book is a spiral bind edition and available through the Iowa County Historical Society. www.iowacountyhistorical society.org