Jones, Joel W., 1806-1878.

Military Store Keeper, U.S. Arsenal.

Joel W. Jones was born Oct. 1, 1806 in Troy, New York. At age 14 and 15, unhappy at his treatment as a ward of his uncle, he twice ran away, and finally struck out on his own, enlisting in the U.S. Army at age 18. He served in the Midwest and in campaigns against the Winnebago, and was promoted as a non-commissioned officer to Sergeant Major of the 1st Regiment U.S. Artillery in 1836. He went with this command to fight in the Second Seminole War in Florida.

His later career was at the United States Arsenal. He retired from his position there in 1851 to return to civilian life in Schenectady, New York.