The Jones County Genealogical and Historical Organization of Jones County is announcing that the Jones County history and family history book “Echoes From Our Past” is at the printers.

For more than two years, the book committee has been collecting and compiling written family histories as well as other historical information about Jones County.

The early settlers of Jones County found a wild but beautiful place in which to rear families and to raise crops and livestock.

The timber industry soon provided other means of livelihood. In an effort to preserve this rich history, 540 written family histories and stories, together with many photographs, have been shared by their descendants. Printed “in their own words,” each story is unique.

“Echoes From Our Past” contains 702 pages. In addition to family history, it also includes photos of city of Laurel elected officials from the first mayor to the current administration.

There are several chapters covering Jones County and its unusual history, its military history, 60 histories of older churches, a list of early communities and post offices, truths and legends, and other information and stories, plus a surname index.

Book committee members are Rick Ellzey, chairman; Ed McNease; Jim Robinson; Jean H. Holifield; Royce Stringer; E. Roy Hammond; Dorothy Baugh; Susan Blakeney; Beverly McNease; and Nell Lowe.

Pre-order forms for the book may be picked up at the circulation desk at the Laurel-Jones County Library, by visiting the library’s genealogy department during genealogy hours or from any member of the book committee.

You may go on line to the webpage, www.rootsweb.com/~msjcgho/ , print the pre-sale form, complete the form, include your check and mail to JCGHO, P. O. Box 2644, Laurel, Ms. 39442. The books are $50 each(including sales tax) plus $5 for shipping and handling, if mailed.

Prepayment ensures delivery as soon as possible when the books are delivered to JCGHO.

The book will be available for sale to the public for the first time at the press conference, reception and book signing on the main floor of the Laurel-Jones County Library. The exact date will be announced at the time the books are received.

Delivery is expected before Thanksgiving.