Marcellus Jones

Background

Jones was born in Poultney, Rutland County, Vermont, a son of Ephraim and Sophia (Page) Jones.

Career

In 1858, Jones moved to DuPage County Illinois. He lived in Danby (now Glen Ellyn), until the American when Abraham Lincoln called for volunteers. Jones enlisted in Company East of the 8th Illinois Cavalry 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 Lee"s 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 South. 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." His was the first of approximately one million shots that would be fired at Gettysburg over the next three days.

Marcellus East. Jones died on October 9, 1900 and was buried at Wheaton Cemetery in Wheaton, Illinois.

Achievements

• In 1886 a memorial was placed at the location where Jones fired the first shot of the battle. Jones was there as the memorial was established. This monument remains on the north side of United States. Route 30 (Chambersburg Pike) at the intersection of Knoxlyn Road.