HON. WALTER D. JONES, common pleas judge for the Second Judicial District of Ohio, and one of the best known and most highly esteemed residents of Piqua, was born in this city, June 21, 1857, son of Hon. M. H. and Jane (Wood) Jones. His father, who resides in Piqua, and who is one of the best lawyers in Miami County, was born in the District of Columbia in 1825, and became a resident of Piqua, Ohio, at a comparatively early date. For a number of years he was associated with his son, the subject of this sketch, in a law partnership in this city, the firm commanding the leading practice here, and he might almost be called the Nestor of the bar, having been engaged in legal practice here for a period of sixty years.

Walter D. Jones was reared and educated in Piqua, being graduated from the high school here in 1872. He then began industrial life, learning the printer's trade, at which he worked in the office of the Miami Helmet and in other newspaper offices for several years. In the meanwhile, under his father's direction, he was acquiring a stock of legal learning, and having successfully mastered the principles of his profession, was admitted to the bar at Columbus, Ohio, before the Supreme Court of the State, in 1878. His first practice was in partnership with his father, with whom he continued for a number of years, or until his appointment by Gov. Bushnell as common pleas judge, to fill the vacancy caused by the election of Judge Theodore Sullivan to the Circuit Court bench. In the November election of 1899 he was elected by the people to fill the unexpired term of Judge Sullivan; he was re-elected for a full term in 1902 and again re-elected in 1907. In this position, which he holds at present, he has shown all the capabilities of an upright and learned jurist, taking a comprehensive view, of every case, and impartial in his decisions, which are based upon a sound knowledge of the principles of law and a careful consideration of the evidence in every case which comes before him. His uniform courtesy, as well to the younger as to the older members of the profession, has made him popular with all, and he is much esteemed by his legal confreres, as he is respected by the citizens generally throughout the district, who see in him a faithful and capable public servant. Before his elevation to the bench he served for twelve years as city solicitor of Piqua, being elected for six terms, a record which shows the confidence reposed in him by his fellow citizens.

In his political principles Judge Jones is a stanch Republican, but has not been an active member in the ranks of his party; preferring to devote his best energies to the creditable performance of the duties pertaining to his judicial office. Of decided literary tastes, he is an able writer, but hitherto has not sought to gain a reputation with his pen. He is a prominent member of the Masonic order, has served as worshipful master of Warren Lodge, No. 24, F.& A.M., and as high priest of Piqua Chapter, No. 31.

In 1879 Hon. Walter D. Jones was united in marriage with Miss Laura Harlow, then and now a resident of Piqua, but who was born in Tennessee, and who in her eighteenth year accompanied her parents, Rev. William D. and Kate (Tuttle) Harlow, to Miami County, Ohio. Their union has been blessed by the birth of one child, a daughter- Laura C. It is a matter of pride to Judge Jones that he has not had to go to some distant State to achieve success, but has carved out for himself an honorable career in the city of his birth and among those who know him best the friends of his early years, and those of his own name and blood.