JOHN ELIAS JONES. MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, March 5th, 1936.In the death of John Elias Jones, which occurred on Sunday evening, February 23rd, the city sustains the loss of one of its most respected Welsh citizens, who was greatly esteemed for his many sterling traits.
Mr. Jones was born in Nefyn, North Wales, on April 5th, 1864, the son of Robert and Ann Jones. His grandfather, a well-known character, conveyed passengers from Nefyn to Pwllheli for years. Mr. Jones at one time coveted the idea of becoming a journalist, and for a time was on the staff of Beriah Gwynne Evans in Cardiff, who published "Cyfaill yr Aelwyd."
His health failing him, in 1888 he decided to cross the Atlantic. For a short time he resided in Chicago before locating to Milwaukee. He was associated with the Northwestern Mutual Insurance Company for twenty two years, where he was held in high esteem by the officials, and was retired on pension when incapacitated. In 1934 he sustained a paralytic stroke, and in December 1935, had the misfortune to fall downstairs, sustaining a fractured arm and severe bruises. After returning home from the hospital he was bedfast until his death.
In 1892 he was married to Miss Margaret Owens, who came here from Llanfairfechan in 1887. The union was a happy one, and typical Welsh hospitality was always in evidence at their home. It was always the writer's home when visiting Milwaukee, and we shall kiss the affable welcome that always greeted us, for both Mr. and Mrs. Jones were ardent Cymry and fond of the Welsh language. Mr. Jones was also a good entertainer and conversationalist, for he was well versed in the topics of the day.
The funeral services were held in Wise's Funeral Chapel on February 26th, the rev. Roscoe Grahan, The rev. Monfi Parry and the Rev. D. R. Davies officiating. A quartet from the Welsh Church sang Welsh and English hymns. Internment was in Wales, Wisconsin, where "Bydd myrdd o ryfeddodau" was sung at the graveside. Besides his bereaved widow and faithful companion for almost half a century, deceased is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Ralph H. Cahill and Miss Margaret Jones and one son John Elias Jones Jr.