With thanks to Paul Gibson

Moses Jones was the fourth of eight children born to Moses Jones and Maria Smerdon Jones. Moses Sr. was a miner and at the time of Moses' birth the family was living in the Ferndale area.

By 1905 the family had moved to the Mumbles area, which is where Moses is found during the 1911 census. By this time his father had separated from Maria and Moses was the eldest male of the household, so he was already taking work.

According to his son Charles Smerdon Jones, Moses completed the 11th grade of schooling and then went to work in the coal mines. After working in the mines all of three weeks Moses decided that mine work was not his calling. He was then hired to work for the Railway, where he worked for a year as an engine cleaner and miscellaneous laborer before being promoted to a locomotive. His route passed the Hughes Farm, where he first sighted his future bride. Moses and Margaret were married on July 7, 1915.

During the War Moses served as a Gunner with the 1st Welsh (Howitzer) Brigade of the Royal Field Artillery, where he served for 5 years. During action in France he was gassed and spent several months recovering before he recovered his eyesight. Upon discharge from service Moses returned to the railroad and worked several years until 1925.

In March of 1925, Moses, Margaret and their 5 young children embarked across the ocean to Novia Scotia. The name of the ship was "Antonia". Upon arrival in Canada, the family took a train to Port Huron, where they crossed the border into the United States and first stepped foot in Michigan. From Detroit the family took the Interurban trolley to Essexville, Michigan. They arrived around 8 o'clock in the evening during a snow storm, which was the first time that the children had ever seen snow. The family arrived shortly thereafter at the home of Moses' uncle Robert Smerdon, who was serving as the family's sponsor. Bob's wife Mary was unaware that the family was due to arrive and promptly set to work providing accommodation for the children -- 5 in one bed.

Moses and family settled in nearby Bay City and proceeded to make a successful life there. After a few lean years during the Great Depression, he found work at the Industrial Brownhoist plant as the crane operator, where he worked for the next 41 years. During his tenure he served as the president of the site labor union, the United Steelworkers of America Local #2015 and was also the president of the Industrial Brownhoist Credit Union for 10 years. While in Bay City three more children followed. Eventually Moses' brother William emigrated to the US and settled in the area as well.

Moses retired in 1967 and shortly thereafter suffered a stroke which left him paralyzed on his left side and unable to speak. He was still sound of mind and loved the company of his family, especially his 44 grandchildren and 30 great grandchildren. He would often sing and carry tunes with the kids. Moses passed away on February 9th, 1982 at the hospital in Bay City, and he is buried in Floral Gardens Cemetery.

No SR

Enl 2-4 Jan 1915, no 1095

Sep-16 - Transferred from the 2nd Line to 4A Reserve Brigade of the Regular Army in Woolwich on 7 September 1916. Renumbered 168168

Aug-18 - WO Daily List No 5656, 168168, Gnr M Jones, Wounded. NOK, Swansea

- From family recollections: During action in France he was gassed and spent several months recovering before he recovered his eyesight.

Disch 2/4/1919. Recd Mil Pension. Disability - Effects of Gas. Rank - Sigl (Signaller)

Recd BWM & Vic, inscribed 725430 due to territorial enlistment forms signed