Merrill C. Jones (1842-1887)

JONES

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 2/5/2011 at 23:30:56

From Story County Watchman June 3, 1887

M. C. Jones, who has been sick for a long time passed away on Saturday night and on Tuesday the Masons of Ames and the county generally took charge of the funeral exercises. Mr. Jones was Master of Arcadia Lodge and Warden Bosworth had charge of the ceremonies assisted by Past Master O. T. Fuller, of Pioneer Lodge, Des Moines. The day was ushered in with promise of rain thus deterring many from coming who would otherwise have attended, yet there were 150 Masons in line from various points in this county and Boone. On the arrival of the special train from Boone at 1 o'clock the Lodge was called to order and opened in due and ancient form, after which the line of march was formed and proceeded to the residence of the deseased, the Colo, Cambridge, and Maxwell Lodges leading followed by Nevada and, Boone, then Arcadia Lodge of Ames, thogether with G. A. R. Post No. 30, of which he was a member, the Sons of Veterans, and a large concourse of citizens. The services at the house were conducted by Rev. Everly, and after which the line of march was resumed and all proceeded to the cemetery where the usual ceremonies of the order were carried out. The assemblage then returned to town and dispersed, the various lodges going to their halls and dismissing in form. During the time the line was formed the rain was poring down a good portion of the time and umbrellas and rubber coats were in good demand.

Mr. Jones was born in Northfield, Vt., July 20th, 1842 and came to Ames in 1885. He was Station Agent of the Northwestern railway at this point and had been in their employ for the past fourteen years, which alone indicates the sterling qualities of the man. He was also Mayor of the city and W. M. of Ardadia Lodge A. F. & A. M. at the time. The esteem in which he was held is thus shown better than words express it and we simply say that the sympathy of the entire community is extended to the bereaved family in this their hour of trial.