John Lewis Jones

Altoona Tribune, Thursday, February 24, 1921, Pg. 1

Death of J. L. Jones.

John Lewis Jones was born in Henry county, Indiana, April 5, 1834, and died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Ella Swank, in Altoona, Kansas, February 22, 1921, aged eighty-six years, ten months and eighteen days. Mr. Jones spent his early life in his native state. He was married July 2, 1854, to Mary Catherine Proctor. To this union were born three sons and two daughters, all of whom survive, except Edna E, who died in the month of September, 1879.

He moved to Sauk county, Wisconsin, in 1858, and after one year in that state, came to Kansas and settled in Linn county, at Twin Springs which was the home for more than fifteen years. In 1875 he with his family, moved to Altoona, Wilson county, Kansas, where he engaged in the blacksmithing trade, which he followed for more than twenty-five years. He was known far and wide, being one of the oldest citizens of the community. His wife departed this life September 1, 1895. He has made his home with his daughter, Mrs. Ella Swank, since that time. He enlisted in 1863 in the 6th Kansas Cavalry and served until the regiment was mustered out in 1865. He was a member of the Masonic and Odd Fellows fraternities. He was a good husband and father, loved and respected by all alike. He suffered much the last three years of his life and walked about with great difficulty, assisted by his son, Harra, who was his constant companion for more than two years.

He was a follower of his Lord and Savior, a member of the Christian church; when he came to Altoona there being no church. His faith never wavered, and as the shadows of twilight crossed his pathway, he realized the nearness of his eternal home, and the love of the God, who receives unto Himself the pilgrims of earth.

They who mourn the loss of a father are Eli, of Altoona, C. E. of Lyndon, Kansas and Harra of Altoona, one daughter, Mrs. Ella Swank, of Altoona, three grandchildren, and three great grandchildren, and many other relatives and friends weep for one loved and lost awhile. He is not lost to us as the shadows lengthen for the afternoon of each life we are brought nearer the day of reunion where all shall meet in the Paradise of God, where sickness and sorrow and death never come, neither is there night there for the Son of the Living God is the light in the land of eternal day.

The funeral services were held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Swank, on Wednesday, Februay 23rd at 2 o’clock, conducted by J. R. Creamer, pastor of the Methodist Episcopal church, the Masonic lodge conducted services at the cemetery in Altoona. The funeral was largely attended, for everyone who knew Grandpa Jones was his friend, and another pioneer and honorable citizen passes on. Both the Masonic and Odd Fellow lodges attended the funeral in a body.