Fones Family Genealogy & History

Elizabeth Fones Winthrop Feake Hallett was a significant early settler in the Massachusetts Bay Colony, known for founding Greenwich, Connecticut, with her second husband, Robert Feake. After a controversial marriage to William Hallett while still married to Feake, she faced scandal in Puritan society but found acceptance in the more tolerant Dutch colony of New Netherland. Fones was recognized for owning property in her own name, which was notable for a woman of her time. Her life was marked by dramatic events, including surviving an attack by the Hackensack tribe. Her legacy continues through numerous descendants in the United States.

Elizabeth Fones was born on January 21, 1610, in Groton Manor, Suffolk, England, to Thomas Fones, a London apothecary, and Anne Winthrop. Her uncle, John Winthrop, was a prominent Puritan leader and eventual Governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Her marriage to her first cousin, Henry Winthrop, connected her closely to the influential Winthrop family, shaping her role in colonial America.

Alfred Civilion Fones, a pioneering American dentist from Bridgeport, Connecticut, is celebrated as the founder of the dental hygiene profession. In 1906, Fones created the term "dental hygienist" and, in 1913, established the world's first school of dental hygiene. He trained Irene M. Newman, his cousin, to become the first dental hygienist, emphasizing public education in oral hygiene. His innovative approach led to a significant reduction in dental caries among Bridgeport students, marking a milestone in preventive dental care. Fones' legacy continues with the Alfred Fones Award, recognizing outstanding contributions to dental hygiene.

Alfred Fones was born to a father who was both the mayor of Bridgeport from 1886 to 1888 and a practicing dentist. His father's influence and pioneering role as Bridgeport's first "dental commissioner" likely inspired Fones' own groundbreaking work in the field of dentistry.

Daniel Fones, born on March 9, 1713, in Conanicut Island, Jamestown, Rhode Island, was a prominent military commander and privateer during King George's War. He captained the Rhode Island privateer vessel Tartar, playing a crucial role in the 1745 Siege of Louisbourg. Fones skillfully commanded the vessel in an eight-hour engagement against the French frigate Renommée and participated in the blockade of Louisbourg, capturing the merchant ship Deux Amies. His notable achievements also include rescuing the Connecticut warship Resolution during the naval battle off Tatamagouche. After his naval career, Fones contributed to his community by serving in the General Assembly and later opened David Fones Tavern in North Kingstown.

Daniel Fones was the son of Jeremiah Fones, who was laid to rest at Chestnut Hill Cemetery in Exeter, Washington County, Rhode Island.

William Hardin Davis Fones was a prominent American jurist, renowned for his tenure on the Tennessee Supreme Court from 1973 to 1990, including serving as chief justice. Known for his progressive influence, Fones modernized Tennessee law with significant reforms, such as introducing new evidence rules and advocating for a public defender system. His court overturned gender-biased statutes, expanded negligence lawsuit rights, and upheld pivotal decisions like the state open meetings law and bans on snake handling in religious services. A political independent, Fones was the only Democratic-endorsed incumbent elected in the 1974 partisan election, solidifying his influential judicial legacy.

William Fones was born in Friendship, Tennessee, and later moved with his family to Memphis during the Great Depression. He was married to Rebecca Barr for over 50 years, and they had two children. Fones passed away in Memphis in 2010.