Person:Anson Jones (3)

Washington County, Texas, 1850 census:^[3]

Jones, Anson 47 yrs Farmer (real estate = $15,000) b. New York

      M. E. [f] 35 yrs b. New York

      Wiley 10 yrs b. Texas

      Henry 8 yrs b. Texas

      Oliver 6 yrs b. Texas

      M. E. [f] 12 yrs b. Texas

      Nancy E. 14 yrs b. Texas

      S. A. [f] 2 yrs b. Texas

      Am. M. [f] 4 yrs b. Texas

[NOTE: This is definitely Anson Jones & Mary (Smith) Jones, but I have no idea who all these children are. They don't match at all with any of Anson's three known children born before 1850, nor with any of his nieces, nephews, or young cousins -- including those not surnamed "Jones." And where are Samuel (9 years), Charles (7 years), and Sarah/Sallie (5 years)?]

[Obituary of Anson Jones, unnamed Texas newspaper, January 1858]

Of course we can never expect anything in the way of facts, relative to home affairs, to be as well and as succincly related in home papers, as in those abroad. Of all the sketches of our lamented ex-Presient, Anson Jones, that we have seen in our own papers, not one comes up to the following, from the New York Herald. Every Texan will recognize the truth and acknowledge the beauty of it, and feel ashamed to know that such a man as Anson Jones was not better appreviated while the lamp of life burned:

Dr. Anson Jones was a native of Philadelphia [sic] where he was educated. He adopted the medical profession as his pursuit, and entered the University of Pennsylvania, where he graduated with honor and distinction. He subsequently emigrated to Texas, when it was regarded as one of the States forming thge Mexican Republic under a recognized constitution, which the citizens of Texas were sworn to support. When, however, the constitution was overthrown and atatorship established on its ruins -- while an armed force was sent into Texas to enforce obedience from its citizens to its tyrannical decrees, which demanded that all private arms should be delivered up and taxes paid without representation -- revolution and resistance was determined on by the American colonists. Dr. Jones took an active and prominent part, with Lamar, Wharton, Grayson, Austin, Rusk and others, in proclaiming the independence of Texas and fighting for its establishment. He joined the forces under General Houston, and was attached to General Lamar's cavalry force, both as an officer and as a surgeon. He was actively employed in the memorable battle of San Jacinto, fought in April, 1836, when Santa Ana was defeated and made prisoner. Dr. Jones was mounted, and charged, with Lamar's force, the breastworks of the enemy, who were thrown into confusion, while the infantry followed up the advantage and soon put them to flight.

The horse pursued the enemy till after dark, the watchword being "Remember the Alamo." Santa Ana was not captured until the next day, when he was found secreted in a swamp by some Texas rangers and carried into camp. It was well, however, that they did not know who he was until he was carried into camp, or his life would have been summarily taken by his captors who remembered the massacre of Colonel Fannin, and the sacrifice of life in the Alamo. It required all the influence General Houston could exercise to save him. General Lamar was in favor of trying him by a court martial and shooting him. Houston, however, overruled matters, and caused Santa Ana ultimately to be sent back to mexico, under pledges that he never redeemed.

Dr. Jones in returning towards the camp after night, from the pursuit over the battle ground, the moon having in the meantime risen, found a wounded Mexican soldier seated upon the ground and piteously begging for assistance.

The doctor was a man of generous and humane feelings. He dismounted and assisted the poor fellow to mount his horse behind the saddle, and then got up himself, drawing the Mexican's arms around him, so that he could keep on until they reached the camp. On the way the Mexican managed to get a few dollars from his pocket, which he offered to Jones, which he refused to take, and begged the wounded man to keep them for future use. On reaching the camp the doctor had him quietly taken from the horse, and proceeded to dress his wounds and to make him as comfortable as he could. The Mexican recovered and was filled with the warmest feelings of gratitude towards his benefactor. The doctor afterwards became prominent as a civilian, and rose to be Secretary of State of independent Texas; and, at a time when Texas was endeavoring to enter the family of nations, on the most favorable terms, his diplomatic and other State papers exhibited marked ability, and were written in a style and with a force which would have reflected credit on a similar office in much older States. His able discharge of the responsible duties won for him the applause and admiration of people both in and out of Texas. He was subsequently elected President of the Republic by a large popular vote. This high office he filled with great credit to himself and usefulness to the State. He was an advocate for annexation to the United States, and gave the weight of his influence in thart direction. He subsequently retired to his farm, and ceased, to a great extent, to take an active part in public affairs. He was a man remarkable for his unostentatious and unobtrusive, quiet deportment; yet he was of pleasing address and attractive social habits. The sudden and unlooked for termination of his life, in mature manhood, will no doubt be deeply deplored by a large circle of friends both in Texas and in the United States.

1. ↑ ^{1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3} Handbook of Texas Online.

   Jones, Anson

2. ↑ ^{2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3} Find A Grave.

   Anson Jones

3. ↑ ^3.0 3.1 Washington, Texas, United States. 1850 U.S. Census Population Schedule
   p. 307B, dwelling/family 362/362.
4.   Texas Tax List Index.