William
Edmondson "Grumble" Jones was born on the middle fork of the Holston
River, Washington County, Virginia, May 9th, 1824. He was educated at
Emory and Henry College and at West Point, from which he graduated in
1848 10th in his class. Jones then served on the frontier until
1857, when he resigned his commission, and settled on
his Estate near Glade Spring Depot, Virginia.
Upon secession of Virginia he organized a company known
as the "Washington Rifles" of which he was elected
Captain and which with he took part
under J.E.B. Stuart in the battle of first Manassas.
He became Colonel of the first, and then the 7th Virginia Cavalry. He
continued
under Stuart and was promoted to Brigadier General on September
19th, 1862. Particularly distinguishing himself at the battle of Brandy
Station
in June of 1863. However, a disagreement with Stuart caused
Jones
to be dismissed from the Army of Northern Virginia.
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Jones was then assigned Command of the remote yet vital Department of
Southwest Virginia and east Tennessee, were he formed a rough collection of
mountaineers into the most daring Confederate Cavalry force to serve
that region. Jones dazzled the enemy with his rapid maneuvering and
early dawn raids. Participating in such battles as Knoxville,
Jonesville, Wyerman's Mill and Rogersville.
In 1864 Jones was ordered to the Shenandoah Valley to
intercept Union General David Hunter. At the battle of Piedmont
June 5th, 1864 while encouraging his men in the front line he was
struck by a ball and instantly killed.
Gen William E."Grumble" Jones is buried in the yard of
the old Glade Spring Presbyterian Church, Washington County, Virginia.
For more information, see the two
biography articles or the
WCPL for this book: Grumble Jones.
Wilkipedia Article on Grumble Jones.
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