Thomas S. Jones, proprietor of the Union Saloon and Restaurant, was born in this State in 1842, and is the son of Shelton and Mary (McLemore) Jones. The parents are also natives of this State. The father was a boot and shoe and harness-maker. He died in Lincoln County in 1844. His wife then married Patrick O'Neal. She died ilk 1873. Our subject was reared on a farm, and lived in different counties; until 1875, when he came to this county, and after farming two years; moved to this city and engaged in the dray business, running five drays. He was in the general freight transfer business, and also dealt in coal, continuing until 1880, when he opened a family grocery and saloon in the southwestern portion of the city, and did business there for fourteen months. He sold out and went to Nashville, where he ran a saloon about twelve months, and returned to this city and again entered the saloon business here, and continued up to the present time, having recently added a restaurant. During the exposition in New Orleans, in 1883, he spent some months in that city tending bar in a very popular house. In 1861 he enlisted in the Confederate service under Col. Wm. B. Bate, ex-governor, and remained twelve months, then re-enlisted, but while home on a furlough was taken prisoner, required to take the oath and remained at home. In 1865 he was united in marriage to Miss M. E. Matthews, of Davidson County, and daughter of Buck Matthews. She was born in this State in 1844, and is the mother of one child named Mary, who died in infancy. He and wife are both members of the church. In politics he is a Democrat.

Goodspeeds History of Tennessee