Elmira Prison Camp OnLine Library Death of a Prominent Colored
Citizen -- Born a Slave -- Died Rich -- Originator of
Underground Railroad Elmira Daily Gazette and Free Press,
December 17, 1900 The death of John W. Jones, one of the best
known colored citizens of this city, occurred last evening at
7:30 o'-clock. Mr. Jones has been subject to attacks of heart
disease for the past five years. A few weeks ago he was stricken
with pneumonia. From that time on he was confined to his bed.
Mr. Jones came to this country in 1844. Some years ago he
purchased a farm of sixteen acres located on upper College
Avenue. To-day the land is a valuable piece of property. He was
sexton of the First Baptist Church for many years. From 1861
till 1863 Mr. Jones acted as one of the promoters of the
underground railroad. He was active in the cause of the slave
and it is said that he was the originator of the underground
railroad. He was a great success as an originator and be the
adoption of some of his ideas the societies of the Fi