A Winnsboro historian was chosen by Wood County Bar Association to receive the organization of professional lawyers Liberty Bell Award. Bill Jones, a former teacher and coach as well as real estate investment professional, has been named this year's award winner. He was honored Monday, May 18, in the Wood County District Courtroom.

The award is given to a non-lawyer in Wood County who has made the most selfless contribution to his or her community to strengthen the effectiveness of the American system of justice by instilling better understanding and appreciation of the law. Any non-lawyer is eligible to receive this award.

A person who receives the Liberty Bell Award must demonstrate the fol- lowing: promotes a better understanding of government; encourages greater respect for the law and the courts; stimulates deeper sense of individual responsibility so citizens recognize their duties and their rights; contributes to the effective functioning of our institution of government; and instills better understanding and appreciation of the law.

Jones is a native of Wood County attending Winnsboro public schools. He has been married to his wife, Betty, for 40 years. Jones is a graduate of East Texas State University and has long been active in business, local government, community, civic and cultural affairs in Winnsboro and Wood County.

Jones is a founding member of Friends of Jim Hogg Park; active in local elections, Winnsboro Center fo Fine Arts, past chairman of Wood County Historical Commission, active in local elections, past chairman of Wood County Appraisal District, Wood County Military Veterans Monument committee; and guest columnist for Winnsboro News "Historical Reflections."