52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks #3: John Jones
My Dad’s grandfather, Charley Jones, was always one of those conundrums in the family … the genealogy brick wall that I could never get through. Until recently. About 6 months ago, I was able to push through the brick and start tracing my Jones family history … all the way back to early settlers of America. How cool is that?!
I have chosen my 5th great grandfather, John Jones, to write about this week. I have no family stories to tell because, for all practical purposes, my dad didn’t know anything about Charley’s parents or who came before him. Nothing. Nada. John Jones is Grandpa Charley’s 2nd great grandpa. I wonder what Charley knew about him?
Facts about John Jones
John Jones was born on May 8, 1750 to James Gabriel and Frances (Mason). He was born in Albermarle County, Virginia. At age 25, he married Barshaba Blankenship in 1775. Together, they had 13 children that I know of. I’ve only uncovered death information on some:
- Judah (1776)
- Hezekiah (1778-1848, my line)
- John M (1780-1842)
- Pleasant (1782-1848)
- David (1785-1835)
- Sarah (1786)
- James (1788)
- Rhoda (1790)
- Barshaba (1792-1860)
- Polley (1793)
- Lewis (1795)
- Nancy (1798)
- Steven (1800-1870)
John was 91 years old when he died on September 16, 1841 in Maury County, Tennessee. He is buried in Mount Carmel Cemetery in Giles County, Tennessee.
Private John Jones, Revolutionary War
John was a Private in the Virginia Militia during the Revolutionary War earning an annual allowance of $80.00, according to his pension records … although I’ve come to understand this “annual allowance” may not have been that, exactly, as the “common soldier” received an $80 lump sum payment after service ended if he fought through the war. John received $240 in pension at age 85 (the War Department Pension Office wasn’t established until 1833).
From what I can piece together, John served a short time with no records of dates, then enlisted (or reenlisted) in 1778 and served for three years. He was discharged having fought no battles. He then reenlisted (again?) and was present at Yorktown when British General Cornwallis surrendered. I guess if you’re only going to fight in one battle, that’s the one!
Plowing through brick walls is always the best feeling.
Yes, it is … and I have several to bust through!
Congrats on breaking through your brick wall!
Thanks!
My grandmother was
Maggie Jones, sister of Charley Jones. Their father was Whitman Hill Jones, and mother was Eliza McConnico.
A Simpson Family Tree on Ancesstry.com lists James Jones 1724-1771 and Frances Mason 1727-1790 as John Jones parents.
Thanks for the information, Melba! I was able to find my Charley’s father listed on a death record as William, which helped a great deal in linking back to earlier families.
Niki – am working on McMillans and I think Elizabeth Little Jones, wife of John McMillan (1835) was the daughter of John M. Jones, son of John Jones. Do you have anything on Elizabeth to connect her to John M. Jones?
If you can share, please contact me at my email address.
Hi Kathy, I’ll take a look and reach out soon. Thanks for commenting!