MR. ROBERT W. JONES, MIDDLE GRANVILLE, NEW YORK.
It is with sorrow and regret that we record the death of Mr. Robert W. Jones, Middle Granville, New York, which took place quite suddenly at his home, on October 30th, 1889.Mr. Jones was very highly esteemed by all who knew him, and held a prominent position among the Welsh people of this country, socially and politically. He had also been a Past Worthy President of the Order of True Ivorites. The following obituary reflects truly the general sentiment od esteem and sorrow which prevails among all his friends and acquaintances.
On Wednesday, October 30th, the stillness of the morning was broken by the solemn tolling of the village bell, telling the startled citizens of Middle Granville that some mortal had passed to immortality; and when it was announced that Robert W. Jones was dead a pall of sadness settled on every heart, for all realized that a devoted husband, a kind father, a true friend and noble man had gone to his eternal rest.
The character, standing and career of the deceased demands more than a passing notice. He was born in Carnarvon, North Wales, April 26th, 1833, and emigrated to America in 1852, making his home for a short time in Pennsylvania. Thence he removed to Fair Haven, Vermont, residing there until he came to Middle Granville, twenty years ago, where he has since lived, his avocation being that of a druggist. On May 19th, 1854, he married Kate, only daughter of the late John W. Humphrey. Two daughters were born unto them, Sidney, who married Mr. T. B. Wheeler of West Rutland, Vermont, and Aggie, wife of Mr. John H. Roberts of this place, all of whom survive him.
He filled many positions of responsibility and honor, and always with distinguished ability and fidelity to duty. For eight years chorister of the Welsh Presbyterian church, for fourteen or fifteen years a member of the Board of Education of Middle Granville, he ever served faithfully and to the satisfaction of his associates and the public. Hw was appointed Postmaster by President Hayes, succeeding Capt. George W. Baker, and was reappointed by President Arthur. He was succeeded by William Lyon during the Cleveland administration, and was promptly recalled to the same position when the Republicans regained power; and it can be recorded of him that during his long term of office no complaint was ever filed against him. In his death the Masonic fraternity loses one of its most zealous and consistent members. He belonged to Granville Lodge F. and A. M., Poultney Chapter and Council and Killington Commandery of Rutland, Vermont. He was also one of the leading members of the Welsh Society of true Ivorites, whose members bore him tenderly to his last resting place.
The deceased was a man of dignified demeanor, sterling and uncompromising integrity, steadfast in his adherence to every principle of justice and duty. In politics he was a Republican, and as an illustration of his unwavering character, he told the writer, some weeks ago, that he never voted for a Democrat. He led the campaign Glee Club always in this place, and the Club was usually sought for in all parts of the country.
It was found necessary to hold his funeral on Friday, instead of Saturday, as first announced, and though many were not made aware of the change, the vast assemblage that gathered from near and far to pay a tribute of respect to his memory, justly attests his high character and the great esteem in which he was held by his multitude of friends and acquaintances. Rev. Thomas Owen, West Pawlet, Vermont, and the True Ivorites took part in the burial service. The Masonic fraternity was represented in large numbers, and were unanimous in their expressions of regret that some unexplained accident or mistake prevented their order, which was so dear to the deceased, from officiating at his funeral, and from droppingthe sprig of acacia on the casket that contained all that remained of their beloved brother. This was especially to be regretted, as it would have been in full accord with the wishes of the family.