"Joseph L. Jones was born in Marlboro, New
Hampshire, May 30, 1825. In June 1846 he moved to Brattleboro with his
brother Samuel H. Jones, forming the company of S.H. Jones &
Company. Eventually he came in the employ of Jacob Estey, remaining with
that company until the time of his death in 1901, leaving a record of 57
years of almost continuous service in the manufacture of musical
instruments. During his years with the company he was
employed in the making of keys and keyboards, and for thirty-one years was a
bellowsmaker, finally being put on pedal work.
He married September 3,
1854, Harriet E. Fowler, who died in 1880."
-Cabot's Annals
of Brattleboro, 1922
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"Joseph Jones, the veteran
reed-organ maker, who has been in the employ of the Estey Organ Co.
over half a century, celebrated his seventy-ninth birthday
anniversary last Friday by taking one day's vacation. He is
probably the oldest reed-organ maker in American, having
manufactured melodeons in partnership with his brother, for several
years prior to the purchase of the business by the late Jacob
Estey."
The Music
Trades, May 30, 1904
|
"Joseph L. Jones, who was admitted to the Brattleboro home for the
aged and disabled this week is one of the pioneers in the organ
building industry of this country. He has for more than 40
years been an employee of the Estey organ company. It was in
June of the year 1846 that Joseph L. Jones, then a young man of 21,
and Samuel H. Jones, an elder brother, came driving over to
Brattleboro from Winchester, N.H. bringing in a two-horse wagon all
of their earthly posessions, consisting of two work-benches, tools,
and a small quantity of lumber for use in their trade, and a trunk
of clothing and other personal effects.... This was the beginning of
the organ industry in Brattleboro. It was a small beginning,
but that "great oaks from little acorns grow" is as true in the
industrial world as in the natural world."
Februay 4,
1906
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