Jonas Cattell's grandfather and namesake arrived in what is now Salem in 1803. He settled on a large section of land of which he gave the northern section of this land to his son, Enoch. This is the land where Jonas would eventually build his home at 999 Jennings Ave. When Jonas was only two years old both of his parents died of typhoid fever. Orphaned, Jonas went to live with his Aunt and Uncle in what is now Damascus, Ohio. Once Jonas was old enough, he took ownership of his father's land and became a farmer.
Jonas was very passionate and outspoken about his anti-slavery beliefs. Besides his role as a justice of the peace for Perry Township, he was an Ohio State Senator for two years in 1856 and 1857. He tried to run for the third year but was voted out due to his being too radical and "fanatical" views on reformatory legislation. The Quakers were most certainly ahead of their time when it came to their work and beliefs and Anti-Slavery in this country.
In 1835, He was one of five gentlemen Quakers to begin the abolitionist movement in Salem by forming the Philanthropist Society. It was not long after the Anti-Slavery Bugle was started and the Western Anti-Slavery Society was formed.
Jonas built his home with his abolitionist work in mind. There were several hiding places built in the home to hide the fugitive slaves traveling the Underground Railroad thru Salem. There were secret doors in the back of closets, metal panels built into fireplaces, and tunnels leading to safety from his home to the wood behind. Daniel Howe Hise would write in his journals about transporting fugitives to the "country" most likely referring to the home of Jonas since he was the northernmost station in Salem.
Even though Mr. Cattell held two terms with the state senate and was a very active member of the community of Salem, it was very difficult finding information on his life. We know that he was very active in working to stop slavery in this country. He most likely obtained his strong beliefs while living with his aunt and uncle. He tells a story in a letter of one instance involving a certain runaway slave... (which you can Google search this story), Jonas also wrote in his later years about how the merchants in Salem would take advantage of their dealings with Cleveland to transport the slaves there in the wagons they drove hauling merchandise to sell. They had an understanding with the Captains of the vessels sailing Lake Erie to Canada to arrange passage for their "cargo".

According to the 1870 US Census for Ohio, he was married to Cordelia. The children were Sophia, Mary, Eliza, Winnie, and Sarah.