Captain John Jones

Captain John Jones Jr. (1743-July 4, 1776) was the son of Colonel John Jones and Hannah Morse. He married Betsey (or Betty) Hapsgood in 1769. Jones was born on the family homestead in Dover, but his christening was recorded in Natick as his father John Jones  was heavily involved in Natick town affairs as surveyor and justice of the peace, and was also a deacon in the church. According to his father’s records and his grandson’s writing, Captain Jones:

“the enterprising and patriotic young man was in due time commissioned as Captain in the Continental army; he was at the battle of Bunker Hill, and for a short time at the siege of Boston. He went to Quebec with his company in Colonel Doolittle’s regiment and returned as far as Crown Point, NY where he died of small-pox July 4, 1776, leaving a widow and four small children on his farm in Princeton.”

His brother Adam is also known to have served. 

In a letter home to his wife dated April 22, 1775 Captain Jones recalled the opening battle of the revolution.

Loving Wife, 

There was a hot battle fought Between the Regulars that marched to Concord and our People on Wednesday the 19th of this instant in which many on both sides were slain but most of the Enemies as we heard before we Marched. As we marched to Concord we were often informed that the Enemy had marched from Boston a second time & had got as far as Lincoln–We hurried on as fast as possible Expecting to meet them in Concord but when we arrived there we were informed that they had returned from their first engagement to Charleston–from which they are gone to Boston–We are now stationed in one of ye colleges as are many more of ye arm–all in good health Through ye Divine goodness and hope for ye blessing of Heaven. In ye first Combat among those that were slain were Lieut John Bacon of Needham two Mills's, Nat. Chamberlain and two others from Needham, Elias Haven from Springfield. If you have an Opportunity you may send Brother Hapgood a shirt and pair of Stockings–Tis uncertain when we shall return may we all be Enabled to repent & turn to our God that he may save us from Ruin.

I am with the Greatest Respect Your Affectionate & Loving Husband till Death 

JOHN JONES