|
|
CHARLES E. JONES, M. D.
As a physician of skill and ability, as a leading figure in the sport of horse racing, as a philanthropist of sincerity,
and in many other phases of his career, the late Dr. Charles E. Jones of San Francisco possessed a reputation of
exceeding merit. He was born May 10, 1868, at Murphy's Camp, California, in the Mother Lode country, and was a
son of Dr. William and Catherine (St. Clair) Jones, who were pioneers in the gold diggings. Dr. William Jones was
a native of Ireland, and his wife was born in Lorraine, France. The latter's father was a soldier in Napoleon Bonaparte's
army throughout his historic campaigns, and was decorated by the Little Corporal for bravery.
Dr. Charles E. Jones attended the common schools, and then entered Santa Clara University, where, in addition to
scholastic honors, he won fame as an athlete, particularly as a baseball player. After receiving his degree from
this institution, he acted for a period as graduate manager of athletics. He had previously decided upon the practice
of medicine as his life work, consequently began the study of the science at the College of Physicians and Surgeons,
and also was a student at the Heinemann Institute. Having completed his preparation, Dr. Jones began practice in
San Francisco and met with immediate success. From the beginning, he was always known as one of the most charitable
and generous doctors in the city. He did much work without pay, for he sincerely believed in the profession for
its own sake and more than for the commercial gain. His interest in philanthropy grew as he practiced and became
familiar with the ills and suffering of poor people. He did outstanding work during the critical days following
the fire of 1906, was appointed health officer for the district by the United States government during the emergency,
and also was a member of the Mission Relief Association. He was known at that time as the "Angel of the Mission
District" and as the "Miracle Man of the Mission." During the latter years of his life, Dr. Jones
still administered to many of his old patients, although he had retired from active practice in so far as possible.
Many of them journeyed from long distances for his care.
Dr. Jones acquired wealth despite the fact that the acquisition of material gain was not the prime purpose of his
life. He was always a true sportsman, and he became interested in the sport of horse racing many years preceding
his death. He became one of the most beloved and squarest men in the sport of kings, and was a distinctive credit
to the racing interests which he followed. At the old tracks of Ingleside and Emeryville he was a familiar figure,
and he named among his racing friends such historic individuals as Barney Schreiber, Jim Nelson, Tom Williams and
Pittsburgh Phil. At the time of his death, he was secretary of the Pacific Coast Breeders' Association, and was
the sponsor for the race meet at Tanforan, the pleasures of which he had last enjoyed just two days prior to his
passing.
In July, 1898, Dr. Jones was married to Susan Carroll, a descendant of one of San Francisco's pioneer families,
her father having been a wholesale grocer. To Dr. and Mrs. Jones there were born three children, Bernadette, Helen,
and Carol, the last named now preparing to follow in her father's footsteps in the practice of medicine.
In the old history of California and the pride of having descended from pioneer stock, Dr. Jones was intensely
interested throughout his life. He belonged to James Lick Parlor, Native Sons of the Golden West, and was ever
active in the affairs of this organization. The death of Dr. Jones occurred April 21, 1931. He died in the faith
of the Roman Catholic Church.
From:
The History of San Francisco, California
Lewis Francis Byington, Supervising Editor
Oscar Lewis, Associate Editor
The S. J. Clark Publishing Company
Chicago-San Francisco 1931
Privacy Policy for
OnlineBiographies
|
NAVIGATION
San Francisco, CA
Biographies
California
Biographies
Online
Biographies
New York
Histories
New York
Biographies
Maine
Histories
Pennsylvania
Histories
Pennsylvania
Biographies
For all your genealogy needs visit Linkpendium
|