Dedication and Celebration: Honoring Civil War Veteran William Jones- Massachusetts 54th Infantry Company B
Wednesday, May 1st, 2024 11am
Join us for a momentous day of history and celebration as we unveil the headstone of 54th Mass veteran, William Jones. His grandfather, Jethro Jones served in the French and Indian War, and the Revolutionary War. A lifelong Sheffield resident, William Jones enlisted in the war at the age of 45 alongside two of his nephews, Henry Jones and Samuel S. Jones, both 19-year-old Pittsfield natives. Jones' unwavering commitment to the Union's cause and the fight for freedom was nothing short of inspirational.
The dedication will take place at Center Cemetery in Sheffield on Berkshire School Road at 11am. Members from the Massachusetts National Guard and the Massachusetts 54th re-enactors will be present. Representative Smitty Pignatelli as well as members of the Sheffield Center Cemetery board, Sheffield Historical Society and Mount Everett National Honors Society will also be on hand.
This event is part of many talks and exhibits in our After Elizabeth Freeman: the Untold Story of the Black Community of Sheffield series- a collaboration with Westfield State University. Jocelyn Jones Arnold, William’s great great grandniece, has led us through the historical and genealogical research that led to the discovery of the remarkable life of her uncle and shed light on his life and service in the 54th as well as the family’s connections to notable Berkshire-based African Americans including W.E.B DuBois, Samuel Harrison, and Ulysses Franklin Grant. Funding for this project is from Massachusetts Humanities Council and the Sheffield Historical Society.
Wednesday, May 1st, 2024 11am
Join us for a momentous day of history and celebration as we unveil the headstone of 54th Mass veteran, William Jones. His grandfather, Jethro Jones served in the French and Indian War, and the Revolutionary War. A lifelong Sheffield resident, William Jones enlisted in the war at the age of 45 alongside two of his nephews, Henry Jones and Samuel S. Jones, both 19-year-old Pittsfield natives. Jones' unwavering commitment to the Union's cause and the fight for freedom was nothing short of inspirational.
The dedication will take place at Center Cemetery in Sheffield on Berkshire School Road at 11am. Members from the Massachusetts National Guard and the Massachusetts 54th re-enactors will be present. Representative Smitty Pignatelli as well as members of the Sheffield Center Cemetery board, Sheffield Historical Society and Mount Everett National Honors Society will also be on hand.
This event is part of many talks and exhibits in our After Elizabeth Freeman: the Untold Story of the Black Community of Sheffield series- a collaboration with Westfield State University. Jocelyn Jones Arnold, William’s great great grandniece, has led us through the historical and genealogical research that led to the discovery of the remarkable life of her uncle and shed light on his life and service in the 54th as well as the family’s connections to notable Berkshire-based African Americans including W.E.B DuBois, Samuel Harrison, and Ulysses Franklin Grant. Funding for this project is from Massachusetts Humanities Council and the Sheffield Historical Society.