Interim Content

Jonas, Abraham

Biography

12 Sept. 1801–8 June 1864. Auctioneer, merchant, newspaper publisher, lawyer. Born in Exeter, Devonshire, England. Son of Benjamin Jonas and Annie Ezekial. Jewish. Immigrated to U.S.; settled in Cincinnati, ca. 1819. Married first Lucy Orah Seixas, before 1825, probably in Cincinnati. Moved to Williamstown, Grant Co., Kentucky, 1825. Served in Kentucky legislature, 1828–1830, 1833. Married second Louisa Block, 11 Oct. 1829. Grand Master of Grand Masonic Lodge of Kentucky, 1833–1834. Moved to Columbus, Adams Co., Illinois, 1836. Moved to Quincy, Adams Co., 1838. Founded newspaper Columbus Advocate, 1840. Organized second Grand Masonic Lodge of Illinois, 1840; served as Grand Master, 1840–1842. Instrumental in establishment of Masonic lodge in Nauvoo, Hancock Co., Illinois, and advancement of JS in Masonry, 1842. Served in Illinois legislature, 1842–1844. Died in Quincy.

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