1917 letter from Mama (Annie) Jones to Trixie

Sayre, OK
December 15, 1917
Dear Sister, I wrote you a few nights ago but was in such a hurry I failed to say anything about the check.  Many thanks for it.  Was glad to get it.  About the ring- I said the last time Lucile was in that I believe I would sell it and pay some of these debts.  She said let me buy it.  I told her I was just joking so guess I better not let it go as she would think better let her have it.  She has gone to Fort Worth.  Mrs. McDonald (her mother-in-law at the time) phoned me that she had a letter from Clarence saying they were still quarantined so she would get to see him after the 23rd as that is when the quarantine is lifted.  Juanita was sick all day yesterday so I didn't get to go out and see about anything.  I sure would like to go see Shelley but don't know yet.  I haven't any shoes but could wear my slippers and overgaiters- I gave Juanita a dose of camomile tablets night.  She seems about alright this morning.  I will get my teeth in a few days.  Dr. Asbury said I will always have trouble with the lower ones as my gums are all gone and there is nothing for them to fit tight on.  Stanley sent Juanita $10 for a coat and cap.  She wrote to him for money to buy them with.  I will pay 8.00 on my teeth as I had made her a coat and the cap costs 2.00- long stocking cap.  I haven't washed for over two weeks. I will have to wash but can't stand this kind of weather.  The hydrants are all frozen up and it is just too cold.  I made Mrs. Connora's silk dress. Finished it yesterday. We owed them 3.75 for pasture rent.  So I made the dress for that.  I am going to try to sell the piano, cow and the rest of the chickens and pay what we owe.  I don't want to be tied down with anything.  The cow has 1.18 mortgage on her.  I just renewed the note on her for 60 days.  I don't know whether papa got all his pay or not.  He only sent me 55.00 and you know that won't go very far when it comes to paying bills.  Byron is working in Russell's drug store.  I don't like him to run with John R. He has a tough name. Well, guess I better quit and get to work.  I will have to go to town this eve and try to collect.  Write when you can.  Lots of love, Mother
I wrote you last night. You can try to get meat scraps from butcher shop.  get a package of some kind of laying powders- no ones hens are laying around here.  I have just one that lays every other day.

Letter from Papa Jones to Trixie- 1918

Byron Jones- Army Bound! Letter and Photos.... 1918

The train that Byron took when he left for the Army.

This is what Trixie wrote on the back:  "Byron Jones, the day he went to the Army.  One of the saddest days of my life."  Trixie loved her brother so very much!

Byron leaving on the Train for the Army.  

Camp Pike- Tuesday, Sept. 24-1918
Dear Sister, I have a few minutes spare time just now, so will write to you and let you know, I received the box with the eats in it, today.  I just knew it was from you, before I ever got ahold of it.  You are always so good to think of everyone that way.  Maybe you think I wasn't glad to get it.  The cake was sure good, it was fresh and fine as could be.  I got the box just before dinner, so I took the cake to dinner with me for dessert.  You are getting pretty classy when you have cake for dessert in the Army.

I have just got in from the drill field, it sure was warm this afternoon.  They are drilling us pretty muchly now, so we don't have much time.  My ankle never has bothered me yet, and I don't believe it will, I hope not anyway.  I would sure like to see all of you this evening.  Has the little baby grown much?  (I think this baby would be Aunt Marjorie) Kiss them all for me.  I got a letter from mamma a few days ago.  I am going to try to answer them tonight.  I still have no idea how long I will be here.  Nor no one else knows either.  I saw Eddy Brady last Saturday night, we had a little chat down at the YMCA.  I had seen him once before about 3 weeks ago over in the casual co.

He has been transferred from there only a few days.  He said Guy Russell was moved too but they are not in the same co.  I haven't seen Guy but once.  I saw Henry Raudill today.  I remember when we used to go to school together out at Sayre.  I used to think he could write so good on a slate.  Sis, you may have a little trouble reading this as I am writing on my knee, I mean writing with the paper resting on my knee and can't very well do it.  Well can't say I love Army life, but I know I have to stay in it, so I will try to like it a little.  Believe me a fellow sure toes the mark around these "diggins".  If I can get along as well as I have so far, I will make it alright.

Well sis, it is supper time, so will have to quit.  I am going to tell you again that I sure was tickled to get the box from you.  You don't  know how it made me feel.  Lots of love to all  Byron.  PS- theres not a night that passes but what I think of all my folks and it helps me try to do right.

1917 Letters- Aunt Lucile's first marriage, Papa Jones stationed as an Army Surgeon during WWI, etc.

Each letter is transcribed below:

Dear Sister and all,
Ed (Trixie's brother Edgar Jones) just brought up all of your letters and the electric iron.  Hope you are all well there.  You take Geo at his word and come right on over.  I don't think it is as hot here as it is there. I am so worried about the babies.  Juanita was so tickled that she just ran around like a chicken with her head cut off.  You need the rest and the change.  Lucile will soon be home.  Papa says every few days something about you all coming.  He said several times that if he had the money, he would send for you.  You could get someone to look after the chickens.  They wouldn't need much looking after.  Hope Byron is all right.  DIdn't he give you his letter?  I told him to. I told in it that I think I got the package.  J was so tickled over her things.  She thinks the little doll is grand.  I wrote you yesterday and also sent a package.  Guess you will get them today.  I hope Martha's baby is alright. (I think this is Martha Ann Gideon-Hiatt- Trixie's sister-in-law whom she loved dearly) Suppose they took it to a chiropractor.  I guess I will quit and get to ironing.  The power doesn't come on until about three.  Just get your things together and come on.  Hope you are feeling alright by now.
Lots of love,
Mother (Annie 'Mama' Jones) 

   June 15, 1917
Dear Sister and all,
Well as the rush is over, will write a few lines so will be sure to get it mailed this evening.
Suppose Lucile wrote you that she as going to get married maybe the last of this week.  I don't know why she didn't come home.  She wrote me first of the week to send some things for her and to finish the blue things.  I was just about sick for several days and didn't get much done.  So when I did get it started, it did take me longer than for I just got them off this evening.  I heard C (Clarence McDonald) left here yesterday eve to enlist. So I guess he went to W. too don't know where he has to go to enlist. I don't see why they would want to marry and then him enlist.  If he passed, he would have to go right away.  She might have wanted her things last night.  Guess they can wait.  She said they were going to Okla City and then maybe by your house and then she was going back to school.  We got the Rabbits off too.  Give one to Martha's baby.  There are only 3 left.  They are awfully tame.  I had to crochet some more lace for L.  All of it had to be out on by hand.  I also made L a pink crepe night dress.  If I had enough time, I would have made her a little one piece blue slip or something like that and put a collar of the yellow crepe on it.  Doesn't seem like she has any suitable clothes but guess she knows what she wants to do- Tell Byron we received his letter and his money order and will write him soon.  Just wrote him a few days ago.  I also enclosed for you a picture of some of those dresses if he doesn't forget it.  Dad is about ready to depart.  Don't know what place he will be going.  Edgar left for Okeen for the harvest fields.  I look for him to land in Avant before long.  He didn't say anything about going tho'.  Has Stanley came up yet?
I am having to watch the incubator pretty close now as it is about time for it to hatch.  I have only 148 little chicks now.  They all seem to be doing just fine.  I want to try to get a little sewing done next week.   Haven't made J anything yet.  I may want to go to Colorado with Stanley.  I mean go out there after he has been there awhile.  I am afraid he would be called.  So not sure what to do.  I must quit and get busy.  Had to let things go this morn to get those things ready.  Write soon and kiss the babies.  Gladys came yesterday at noon.  Mr. Scott came came up after Geart last night and brought the babies.  Couldn't see them as it was about dark and they didn't come in.  They are about the size of yours.  Juanita went to the lake with Carrie yesterday evening about 7 and stayed all night as they were going about this morning early and cook breakfast,  She hasn't come home yet.  I never can find a stopping place but must quit.  Lots of love to all- Mother    

Dear Trixie and all,
I will write a few lines this beautiful morning.  The wind will be blowing hard before I get through.  It is almost 10 o'clock.  Juanita went home with Leta.  They will bring her the first of this eve.  Edgar went to Okeen for a few days ago. I believe I told you I haven't heard from him.  Well the expected has happened.  Suppose you heard that Lucile and Clarence were married Thursday the 15th.  They wrote me to keep it a secret.  They can't keep it a secret so no use to act so silly.  I certainly hopes she finds in "C" what she expects.  He is a good boy but so young.  She may be at your house now but didn't say anything about going when she wrote.  I expect their means are limited.  I know what L would like to do.  I am waiting for the dentist to come up and pull my teeth.  I decided if I had to get it all done, I might as well go ahead and let Dr. A. do the work and get it done before your papa left (for the army).  He talked of going today but will wait until about Tuesday.  That will give me more time to get his clothes washed and in order.  I suppose you got the little rabbits.  I aim for you to give Martha's baby one of them.  I forgot to tell you, when I get my new teeth I am going to make some kind of arrangement about the care of the chickens and then I am going to visit somewhere.  I might go to Texas to grave houses.  Maybe L and C can keep house by that time that is if he doesn't join .  He was going to take the exam.  I don't see what he means to marry and then leave right away.  Well, I will quit.  It is about time for Dr. A to come.  Did I tell you that Gladys came?  Write.  Lots of love- Mother

Dear Sister, Your letter of 19 was received this morn.  We were glad to hear from you but sorry you are having such a time with your tonsils.  Say, it is a capital idea for you to bring those babies up here.  It is hot . Has registered 106 last wednesday but cooler now.  I am sure that the heat here is not so oppressive as it is there and the change would be of benefit to all of you.   If the babies were to get sick, we can care for them here better than if you were at home.  Talk it over with Geo and act as you both think is best.  My business is picking up but it is not the best season of the year for collecting.  Let us hear from you at once.  Lovingly, Dad
ps- the electric iron came today.   

Dear Sister, Mom had all of her teeth extracted this a.m. Is still on the bed from the effects of gas.  She is now the toothless wonder.  We have not had anyone rain here yet.  I am expecting to start for that part of the world in a short time.  I sent the babies Friday one each for Geo Lou and Geraldine and one for Martha's boy.  Love to all- Dad-

Dear Sister and Geo- as mama is writing I will not write much.  Many thanks for the candy, cigars, etc.  which I found on returning  from our dinner of turkey at the officers mess.  Mama and Juanita came Monday about one.  Did Geo Lou and Geraldine get their xmas presents from Papa J?  Love to all- Dad

Dear Trixie and all- Juanita wrote your card thus am.  We came out here about 11:30 and your papa has been on duty all day and will be until 9 am tomorrow so we haven't got to be with him all the time.  This is the third time he has been on since he came back Thanksgiving when he returned from home.  Thanksgiving he was on that day and night after getting in at about 12:30 pm.  We have had a very pleasant visit but it does not seem like Christmas for we have all been home on xmas with the exception of Stanley and Shelley.  We are all certainly scattered now.  I hope you all had a nice time.  I know the babies did.  The doll heads I sent may have not fit and you may have not needed them.  I thought they were so hard to get that I would get them while I could.  I know you wanted some last summer.  You sell them if you don't need them and get them something else.  I intended to have written you the day I sent them but was so busy and had to go to dentist every day that just didn't.  The bag was not an xmas present.  I just sent it to you.  I couldn't give (rest of letter is missing)

Trixie, Lucille, and Geraldine

Geraldine, Trixie and Lucille.  Isn't Trixie beautiful?  The girls are beautiful as well!  I love Aunt Sis's big bow.  

Geraldine.  Wasn't she gorgeous!  That face and those eyes....

The three Gideon girls again!  I don't think I ever looked as fabulous as Trixie did when my boys were those ages.  I don't think she ever took a bad photo!  

Byron Jones- A True Gentleman (Brother of Trixie)

This week I am writing about my twice-great Uncle, Byron Jones.    I want to thank his very kind Daughter, Donna Jean Jones-Wallingford and Grandson, Jay Wallingford, for helping out and sharing some really good stories and memories.  Byron truly was a wonderful man.  I know my Grandmother and mother always told me that Trixie loved him so very much. 


Byron Jones was born on April 29, 1897 and was the the fourth in line of the Jones children.
I grew up hearing from my Grandmother Mildred and my Mother that Uncle Byron always was one of the kindest people. With that being said, he was my Grandmother's favorite Uncle. As a child, she spent a lot of time with Uncle Byron, Aunt Ethel and their family. She always told me he had such a kind personality. He was always fun and had a gentle heart.

I decided to contact some of his family as I have tried over the last year to contact at least one family member of each of the Jones family (more about that later). I researched (with the help of my Grandmother's old address book and my mother) and found Byron's Grandson, Jay, online. Jay was so helpful and nice. I appreciate him sending me some stories about his "Grampa". The following is what Jay told me about the time he shared with his Grandfather. I loved it so much, I just added it exactly as he told it.

He was a very generous man and was willing to help out his family as well as my grandmothers family also. He was kind,faithful & slow to anger. He was my hero growing up & I admired him very much & I couldn't have had a better grampa. We would watch Monday Night Football every Monday night & he was a HUGE OU FOOTBALL FAN. I really enjoyed hearing some of the stories he would tell me & my brother.(He & my grandma lived behind us in a trailer house for 32 years...so we saw them everyday) He passed away peacefully on July 8th, 1994 .He was born on April 29th 1897. I remember when i was in the 3rd grade he drove me over to see my "girlfriend" he didn't leave he stayed right there doing his daily crossword puzzle while she & i were sitting in the back of her dads camper trailer drinking Kool aid & eating cookies. Her mother even asked him if he would like some Kool aid & cookies too...which he refused...he sat out in his car on a very hot day & didn't complain at all...in fact i cant ever remember him complaining about anything at all. I miss him a lot & i know that someday i will see him again along with other loved ones who are waiting for me (us) up in Heaven.

I also had the pleasure of visiting with his daughter, Donna Jean via phone. I cannot express how much I enjoyed our conversation. She reminded me a lot of my Grandmother (they are cousins). I love how family you may be not as familiar with can remind you of your closer, immediate family. I can tell what a wonderful man Byron was just by my visit with her. She was so nice and kind which no doubt is a family trait of the Byron and Ethel Jones family.

Clarence McDonald

Clarence McDonald was Aunt Lucile Jones-Sherrill's first husband.  They were married for a short time and it didn't last a long time.  I am not sure why.  Some up coming letters from Mama Jones to Trixie talk about Lucile getting married.