JONES, John E.
Date of death: 13 Nov 1918 France
Source: The Franklin Democrat, November 29, 1918
JOHN JONES DIES
ON FRENCH SOIL
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Third Overseas Soldier from This
County to Give Life.
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John E. Jones, a son of William J. Jones, died October 24, in a front line hospital in France following a short attack of influenza, which on the second day developed into acute asthma. News of Private Jones’ death was received Tuesday by the father, William J. Jones, in a letter from Lieut. A. W. Bunham, officer in charge of the ambulance company to which Private Jones was attached. “Everything possible was done to save your son,” Lieut. Bunham wrote. “He was given a Christian burial with military honors and was buried in a little French village cemetery where many other American soldiers have been laid to rest. Your son was a good soldier and I can pay no greater tribute to him.”
Private Jones was twenty-seven years old. He was born in Franklin and had lived here almost continuously until he was called into service in April of this year. He first went to Camp Taylor and was in both Camp Greenleaf and Camp Dix before being sent to France. He arrived overseas in August. He had written home telling of his exciting experiences as an ambulance driver in front line engagements.
Besides his father, Private Jones is survived by three brothers, Jesse and A. A. Jones of Franklin, and Chas. Jones of Indianapolis, and two sisters, Mrs. Flora Stout and Mrs. Nellie Rice. Private Jones’ mother died two years ago.
Private Jones was a member of Hesperian Lodge, Knights of Pythias, and is the first knight out of twelve members of the local lodge in foreign lands to make the supreme sacrifice.
The flag on the court house was lowered to half-mast as a token of respect for the supreme sacrifice made by Private Jones who is the third Johnson county soldier boy to die overseas while in the service of his country.
Submitted by Cathea Curry