John W. Jones

John W. Jones (c.1823 - May 4,1886) was an English-American soldier who served in both the Mexican–American War and the American Civil War. During the Dakota War of 1862 Jones served as the Ordnance Sergeant of Fort Ridgely and was instrumental in the defense of Fort Ridgely alongside Lieutenant Timothy J. Sheehan during the Battle of Fort Ridgely. During the battle it is stated that Jones's cannon fire was critical in holding back the attacking Dakota under Chief Little Crow which ultimately saved the fort.

Early life and military career John W. Jones was born in the county of Middlesex in England in 1823. Jones immigrated to the United States sometime before 1845.

Mexican American War Jones volunteered for service in the United States Army beginning on August 20, 1845 and served in the Mexican–American War with Company K of the 1st Regiment of Artillery. While serving in the 1st Regiment of Artillery Jones was the drill and gunnery instructor for Thomas W. Sherman who later served in the American Civil War as a Major General.

Jones earned an official commendation letter from President of the United States James K. Polk following the Battle of Monterrey for his conduct during the battle.

Artillery instructor Jones was later stationed at Fort Ridgely in Minnesota Territory by February 1856 where he was the fort's Ordnance Sergeant and placed in charge of the fort's cannons and ammunition as part of the United States Army Ordnance Corps.

Battle of Fort Ridgely

During the Battle of Fort Ridgely Jones was able to create three ad hoc artillery detachments around the fort which guarded against Dakota surprise attacks. These detachments consisted of Sergeant Jones and an experienced artilleryman Dennis O'Shea manning one M1841 6-pounder field gun, and Sergeant James G. McGrew of Company B of the 5th Minnesota and a civilian from the Lower Sioux Agency J.C. Whipple, who manned two separate batteries of M1841 mountain howitzer cannons. Jones's commission to the rank of Captain was followed by an appointment to lead the 3rd Minnesota Light Artillery Battery, a new light artillery battery raised to fight in the Dakota Territory. Jones was mustered out of service with the 3rd Minnesota Light Artillery Battery on February 27, 1866. He is buried in block 44, lot 178 of the Oakland Cemetery in Saint Paul, Minnesota.

Personal life Jones was married to Maria Jones, he had a total of 4 children, only 3 of which survived their infancy. Jones's first child was a stillbirth during the Battle of Fort Ridgely.