Charles M. Jones

CHARLES M. JONES. M. D. The medical men of Baxter Springs are a band of enlightened, progressive men, devoted to their noble profession and representing the best citizenship of the section. Among these, Dr. Charles M. Jones takes a leading position. He was born in Fleming County, Kentucky, December 5, 1859, and is a son of Dr. William B. and Sarah C. (Strahn) Jones.

Ammon Jones, grandfather of Dr. Jones, was born and educated in Virginia, where he was an old-time planter. He married Matilda Browning and they had issue as follows: William B., Porter E., Commodore, Martha, Dorcas and Alice. In 1867 Ammon Jones removed with his family to Richmond, Missouri, and there continued to farm until his death.

Dr. William B. Jones was born in Fleming County, Kentucky, completed his literary education there and went to Missouri prior to the removal of the family. He read medicine at St. Louis and was graduated there in 1879. He subsequently practiced at Richmond, Missouri; Holton, Kansas; Florence, Kansas; and finally came to Cherokee County. He engaged in practice for two years at Columbus and then located at Galena, where he still resides. He married Sarah C. Strahn, of Fleming County, Kentucky, and they had seven sons, namely: Charles M., of this sketch; W. S. and Clemuel H., both physicians in practice at Galena; Ammon K., a blacksmith located at Joplin, Missouri; W. Dudley, a passenger engineer in the employ of the "Frisco" system, running from Sapulpa to Paris, Indian Territory; William, residing with our subject; and Porter, of Galena.

Dr. Charles M. Jones was educated in the schools of Florence, Kansas, and was graduated from the high school at the age of 17 years. He then entered upon the study of medicine under his father and took his first examination in 1879, when but 19 years of age, too young to be permitted to practice. On February 10, 1880, he was granted a license to practice as a one year's student. In 1882 he returned to college, took his second course and was graduated February 23, 1883. After graduation, Dr. Jones practiced at Florence for 11 years and then removed to Fall River for five years and then located at Baxter Springs. Here his ability has been generally recognized and his practice is a large and lucrative one.

On May 30, 1880, Dr. Jones was married to Elva Ladue, of Florence, Kansas, who died July 6, 1884, the one son of this marriage living but one short year. In 1885 Dr. Jones married Fannie Cowgill, of Florence, Kansas, who at death left one daughter,—Bertha. In September, 1894, Dr. Jones was united in marriage with his present wife, formerly Ella Ashwill, of Fall River, Kansas.

Politically, he usually votes with the Democratic party in national affairs, but is otherwise not affiliated. He was twice elected mayor of Fall River. Fraternally he is a member of the Masonic bodies; Order of the Eastern Star; Knights and Ladies of Security; and Modern Woodmen of America. He is a member of the Christian Church and has served as Sunday-school superintendent. Devoted to his profession, he has scarcely permitted himself any relaxation since taking up its duties. In 1901 he made a visit to St. Louis and took that occasion to enjoy a post-graduate course. Personally he is held in the highest esteem at Baxter Springs and professionally belongs to Cherokee County's eminent physicians.

History of Cherokee County Kansas and its representative citizens, ed. & comp. by Nathaniel Thompson Allison, 1904, transcribed by Carolyn Ward, instructor from USD 508, Baxter Springs Middle School, Baxter Springs, Kansas, 3/11/97.