William Jones 1st RI Light Artillery, Btry B

Gravestone of William Jones in Gettysburg National Cemetery

NPS Photo

Quick Facts

Significance:

1st Light Artillery, Battery B

Place of Birth:

Boston, Massachusetts

Date of Birth:

December 6, 1837

Place of Death:

Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

Date of Death:

July 3, 1863

Place of Burial:

Rhode Island, Row B, Site #4

Cemetery Name:

Gettysburg National Cemetery

Rhode Island, Row B, Site #4

William Jones is the alias for John Mahoney. William (John) was born in Boston, MA. Testimony from his half-brother provides insight into John's decision to leave Boston for Providence, Rhode Island where he enlisted. It was most likely that he had taken the William Jones alias to avoid the widespread prejudice against the Irish at the time. From correspondence, after his deployment, William (John) first asked that all letters be addressed to his alias to ensure their delivery. While serving with the 1st Rhode Island Light Artillery, William (John) was killed in action instantly when he took a shell fragment to the head July 3, 1863.

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