This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: Jones, Boys Classification: Obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/BhB.2ACI/209 Message Board Post: OBITUARY Although the community knew that S. V. Jones was very ill, and that little hope was entertained of his recovery, yet it was not expecting death was so near, and the news of his demise early on forenoon of Tuesday last came as a shock and deep sorrow to his wide circle of friends and acquaintances. Seldom is the opportunity given man to pass into that bourne when no traveler returns, as was given the deceased. He was clear in mind to the last minute. Just before he died, his son, C. L., came to his bedside and his father took his hand in his and pressed it with a Masonic grip with wonderful firmness for one so ill. S. V. Jones was born on a farm in Rock County, Wisconsin, 77 years ago. He attended the district school in winters. When he was twelve years old, his father died. S. V. remained on the farm for a few years after this, and in the meantime continuing his schooling. In early manhood he went to central Illinois; taught school and attended normal school at Bloomington, Ill., to fit himself as a topographer and go with Major Powell's party to explore the Colorado river and the Grand Canyon of the Colorado, under the auspices of the U. S. government. The expedition made the exploration in 1871 and 1872. As far as history had seen the recesses and awful areas recorded, only the eye of the Creator and labyrinths of these canyons before the Powell expedition surveyed and charted them. S. V. Jones was one of these intrepid, self-sacrificing, patriotic men. In token of this valor and sacrifices, the U. S. government has erected at Hopi Point, overlooking the Grand Canyon, a larg! e bronze memorial tablet, in raised letters, giving the names of the intrepid party of explorers. The name of our deceased townsman stands out boldly upon the tablet with the others. In December, 1872, he returned to Marshall county, Illinois, and on January 22, 1873, he married Jennie R. Boys. Six children were born until this union, two of whom died in infancy. His widow and children -- C. L. Parker, Ethel and C. R. of Sioux City and I. A. of Omaha. For a while after his marriage he taught school and also fit himself for the bar. He was admitted to the bar in Woodford county, Ill., and was associated in practice with some o the leading lawyers of the state. He came to Parker, Territory of Dakota, Sept. 19, 1883, and here immediately entered into legal practice. In this he was actively and successfully engaged until a short time before his death. He was an ardent and lifelong republican. His services to his party on the stump or in counsel was free and unflagging. He also served in several important official positions. During the campaign for statehood, he was untiring in his labors and speeches for division and admission into the union of the Territory of Dakota. His last public speech was during Liberty Loan drive in 1918, when he eloquently addressed the people of Norway township in the Bethany Norwegian United Lutheran church in favor of subscribing for the bonds. He was a member of the Masonic Blue Lodge of Parker and of the I.O.O.F. Lodge of Parker, and passed through all the chairs of those lodges. He was also a member of the Crown Chapter, R. A. M. of Hurley. His counsel, instruction and fidelity to those lodges were marked. Funeral was held at the home of the family on Thursday afternoon July 8, under the auspices of the Masonic lodge. Interment was in the family lot in Rosehill cemetery. A brother, Ira Jones, and a Sister, Gertrude Jones came form Evansville, Wis., to attend the funeral. His children were all present also. To the wife and children, the sympathy of all is extended in this, their hour of great sorrow and bereavement. Farewell, neighbor; may that Peace that passeth human understanding accompany thee-- The New Era, Parker, S. Dakota. reprinted in the Evansville Review, July 15, 1920, p. 4, col. 3, Evansville, Wisconsin