DeGARMO JONES was born at Albany New York, November 11, 1787, and came to Detroit a few years subsequent to the War of 1812, and soon became, and for many years remained, a prominent factor in many of the business enterprises of Detroit and Michigan. It was through his sagacity and means that the plaster beds on the Grand River were first brought to light. He purchased at an early period the farm that bears his name, and it made him and his heir; wealthy. He was one of the first stockholders of the Bank of Michigan, was one of the contractors for tin building of the old Capitol, and was largely interested in vessels at an early date. He was also engaged in the forwarding business and owned and occupied a large warehouse. In 1835 he was one of the first Directors of the Detroit & St. Joseph, now the Michigan Central Railroad. He served as Alderman at large in 1827, 1830,and 1838; as Adjutant-General of the Stale during part of the year 1829; as Mayor of the city in 1839, and as State Senator in 1840 and 1841. He was well educated, active in moral reform, a Trustee of the First Protestant Church in 1820, and universally esteemed. He died November 14, 1846. His son, bearing the same name, served with credit as an officer during the Rebellion. Source: History of Detroit and Wayne County and Early Michigan By Silas Farmer 1890 George C. Bates says that DeGarmo Jones was a drummer boy in 1812. "Sudden and quick in quarrel, with a temper requiring a curb bit. Mr. Jones was a sort of western Vanderbilt, with a great big head, enlarged views, interesting industry, who saw far ahead into the future, and had he lived longer, would have cut deeper and deeper into the tablet of time his career, for he was a most public spirited, enterprising, go ahead man. He was born in Albany, N, Y., November 11, 1787, married Catherine H. Annin and came to Detroit in 1819. He died November 14, 1846. At the time of his death, besides his wife, Oatheriue H. Jones, he left three children: Matilda Cass Joues, born 1833, married Augustus Porter Thompson in 1853. She died in 1665. DeGarmo Jones, born 1835, married Caroline Sauger, duughter of Henry K. Sanger. He was an officer in the Civil war and died in Buffalo iu 1864. Alice Kercheval Jones, born 1838, married Albert M. Steel. She died in 1887. DeGarmo Jones was trustee of the "Detroit High School" in 1833. The school was then operating in the old council house. "The rooms are being completely refitted and furnished for school purposes." Of this school D. B. Crane was the principal and the trustees were: Gov. Geo. B. Porter, Eurotas P. Hastings, Maj. Henry Whiting, William Woodbridge, Charles Larned, Charles Cleland, Jonathan Kearsley, Charles Moran, Benjamin K. Larned, Joshua Howard, DeGarmo Jones, Peter Desuoyers and Francis P. Browning. The school was in operation from August 1, 1833. The building was, before this, occupied by Mr. Howe for a classical school room. DeGarmo Jones was a member of the common council in 1838; mayor in 1839; state senator in 1840. He held many other offices during his life. The City of Detroit Michigan 1701 - 1922 Vol 2 edited by Clarence Monroe Burton, William Stocking, Gordon K. Miller