Marcellus Jones: Difference between revisions
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Jones enlisted in Company E of the [[8th Regiment Illinois Volunteer Cavalry|8th Illinois Cavalry]]<ref>[http://www.8thillinoiscavalry.com/history.htm History of the 8th Illinois Cavalry]{{dead link|date=June 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> on August 5, 1861. He was commissioned a second lieutenant on December 5, 1862, first lieutenant July 4, 1864, and captain on October 10, 1864. All three commissions were signed by Illinois Governor [[Richard Yates (19th century politician)|Richard Yates]]. |
Jones enlisted in Company E of the [[8th Regiment Illinois Volunteer Cavalry|8th Illinois Cavalry]]<ref>[http://www.8thillinoiscavalry.com/history.htm History of the 8th Illinois Cavalry]{{dead link|date=June 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> on August 5, 1861. He was commissioned a second lieutenant on December 5, 1862, first lieutenant July 4, 1864, and captain on October 10, 1864. All three commissions were signed by Illinois Governor [[Richard Yates (19th century politician)|Richard Yates]]. |
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On July 1, 1863 at Gettysburg, Jones commanded one of the regiment's sentry posts on the Chambersburg Pike, the road [[Robert E. Lee]]'s Confederate army used to march from [[Cashtown]] to Gettysburg. About 7:30 a.m., Jones noticed a cloud of dust on the road to the west, indicating that the [[Confederate States Army|Confederates]] were approaching. At that point, Jones borrowed Corporal Levi S. Shafer's carbine, aimed it with the assistance of a fence rail, and fired a shot at "an officer on a white or light gray horse." |
On July 1, 1863 at Gettysburg, Jones commanded one of the regiment's sentry posts on the Chambersburg Pike, the road [[Robert E. Lee]]'s Confederate army used to march from [[Cashtown]] to Gettysburg. About 7:30 a.m., Jones noticed a cloud of dust on the road to the west, indicating that the [[Confederate States Army|Confederates]] were approaching. At that point, Jones borrowed Corporal Levi S. Shafer's carbine, aimed it with the assistance of a fence rail, and fired a shot at "an officer on a white or light gray horse." |
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==Honors== |
==Honors== |
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Revision as of 05:41, 6 June 2022
Marcellus Ephraim Jones (June 5, 1830 – October 9, 1900) is reported as being the soldier who fired the first shot at the Battle of Gettysburg (1863).
Early life
Jones was born in Pawlet, Rutland County, Vermont, a son of Ephraim and Sophia (Page) Jones. In 1858, Jones moved to DuPage County Illinois. He lived in Danby (now Glen Ellyn), until the American Civil War when Abraham Lincoln called for volunteers.
Civil War
Jones enlisted in Company E of the 8th Illinois Cavalry[1] on August 5, 1861. He was commissioned a second lieutenant on December 5, 1862, first lieutenant July 4, 1864, and captain on October 10, 1864. All three commissions were signed by Illinois Governor Richard Yates.
On July 1, 1863 at Gettysburg, Jones commanded one of the regiment's sentry posts on the Chambersburg Pike, the road Robert E. Lee's Confederate army used to march from Cashtown to Gettysburg. About 7:30 a.m., Jones noticed a cloud of dust on the road to the west, indicating that the Confederates were approaching. At that point, Jones borrowed Corporal Levi S. Shafer's carbine, aimed it with the assistance of a fence rail, and fired a shot at "an officer on a white or light gray horse."
Honors
In 1886 a memorial was placed at the location where Jones fired the first shot of the battle. Jones was present for the dedication of the memorial, which remains on the north side of U.S. Route 30 (Chambersburg Pike) at the intersection of Knoxlyn Road.
Death
Marcellus E. Jones died on October 9, 1900 and was buried at Wheaton Cemetery in Wheaton, Illinois.
