[Ancestors of Alberta West, Feb. 2000.FTW]
712"The first school no. of Spoon River was conducted by Mary Fink in a shed adjoining the home of Peter Jones, father of John Jones, present postmaster." --family records

another source saysl: b. Palatine Twp, Montgomery, New York

713Notes for MARY ANN FINK:
"The first school no. of Spoon R. was conducted by Mary Fink in a shed adjoining the home of Peter Jones, Father of John Jones, present postmaster." --family records Also, from the History of Maquon in the Centennial Maquon Homecoming publication, Sept 13 and 14, 1957, p. 5: "Prior to this time, school had been conducted first, in 1836, in a shed adjoining the residence of Peter Jones, on the property where J>S. White now lives. Miss Mary Fink was the first teacher and the only textbook was the Holy Bible." The History of Maquon and Vicinity, 1827-1976, says that Peter Jones' home was at 422 Main St. where the school was held. Yet another entry on page 40 of the same book says: "The first school was taught in Maquon in 1836. It was supported by subscriptions and conducted in a shed adjoining the house of Peter Jones, in the sourthwest part of the village. The teacher, Miss Mary Fink, taught reading and writing, but no ciphering. Textbooks were Webster's Spelling Book and the New Testament. Writing was done on precious and well-cared for unlined foolscap, with ink home-made from white oak, copperas, and oxgall and chicken quill pens." Note: According to my dictionary, foolscap is a size of paper, about 14 by 17 inches, originally watermarked with a fool's cap and bells.

Conley2 JONES (Stephen1) was born in Cayuga Co., New York State 26 JUN 1819. His headstone says 1818.
He married Mary FINK in Knox Co., IL, 2 JAN 1838. Conley Jones history says that he had 11 children.. nine living...5 sons and 4 daughters.
Mary became the mother of Julia JONES in Illinois, about 1842. Mary became the mother of Charles JONES in Illinois, about 1846. Mary became the mother of Melville JONES in Illinois, about 1846. Mary became the mother of Melvina JONES in Illinois, about 1847. Mary became the mother of Clarence JONES in Illinois, about 1849.
Conley became the father of Julia JONES in Illinois, about 1842. Conley became the father of Charles JONES in Illinois, about 1846. Conley became the father of Melville JONES in Illinois, about 1846. Conley became the father of Melvina JONES in Illinois, about 1847. Conley became the father of Clarence JONES in Illinois, about 1849.
Conley JONES and Mary FINK had the following family:
13 i. Julia3 JONES (#650) was born in Illinois about 1842.
14 ii. Charles JONES (#651) was born in Illinois about 1846.
15 iii. Melville JONES (#652) was born in Illinois about 1846.
16 iv. Melvina JONES (#653) was born in Illinois about 1847.
17 v. Clarence JONES (#654) was born in Illinois about 1849.

712Barbara McCoy, <barbmccoy@worldnet.att.net>, rec'd Feb 2000:
"Jones, Conley, farmer, son of Stephen and Lyda Lanphere Jones, the former of Vermont, the mother of Pennsylvania, was born in Cayga County, NY, June 26, 1819. His early life was passed on farm, and has always followed farming; came to Maquon Town ship when 19 years old. He was educated in common schools of New York; January 2, 1838, married Mary Fink, who has borne 11 children, 9 living, 5 sons and 4 daughters. Republican. In September, 1875, went to California on a pleasure trip, spending a year on the Pacific slope. While there, traveled all over the state. He now resides in Maquon, but still conducts his farms. He has 800 acres of fine land." History of Knox County, 1878 pg. 685 (Barbara McCoy copy).

another sources says: Married: 31 DEC 1838 in Knox County, Illinois