S. Augustus "Gus" JONES

Born: 1867
Died: Jun. 12, 1930

S.A. JONES IS FATALLY INURED Prominent Citizen Is Killed By Racing Horse Here Saturday Afternoon S.A. (Gus) Jones, aged 63, was fatally injured about 4 o'clock here Saturday afternoon when run down by a horse which had been entered in the races, a feature of the trades day entertainment. He died two hours later in an ambulance while being carried to a Pine Bluff hospital. The accident occurred near the Baptist Church on East Magnolia Street where the races were being held after the streets had been cleared of traffic. As the horses neared the church, one ridden by Ray Walker of this city turned from the street and plunged into the crowd which lined the sidewalks. Mr. Jones who was watching the other horses, failed to see the animal plunge on the sidewalk and was unaware of its approach until to was upon him. He was hurled several yards when struck by the horse and received a fracture of the skull and was thought to have also been injured internally. He was carried to the office of a physician and later to his home before the ambulance arrived. He never revived and died shortly after leaving Rison. A broken bridle rein is said to have been the cause of the horse leaving the street and the rider was unable to regain control of the animal. Walker was thrown from the horse but was uninjured. Bystanders called to Mr. Jones but the noise from the hundreds of people who lined each side of the street prevented him hearing the warnings. The accident cast a pall and sadness over the entire crowd of people estimated at 3,000 and little interest was taken in any other events of the day. The accident was witnessed by several hundred persons who were near the place where it occurred. Mr. Jones, who was one of Rison's most prominent citizens, was born in 1867 in Caldwell county, North Carolina and moved to Arkansas 40 years ago, having made his home here since. He was married to Miss Lucy Merrill 39 years ago. He has served as a member of the Rison school board on a number of occasions as well as the city council of Rison. He has been a member of the Methodist church for 45 years and member of the local church for more than 30 years. He was one of the most successful farmers of this section of the county and also was a heavy stock holder in the Farmers Gin here. He is survived by his wife; four sons, Walter, Rector and J.Q. Jones of Rison and Fred Jones of Waldo; two daughters, Mrs. Harry Speaks and Miss Alimae Jones of Rison; two brothers, G.A. Jones of Corpus Christi, Texas and Dr. A.D. Jones of Granite Falls, N.C. and one sister, Mrs. C.W. Rosenberg of Granite Falls, N.C. Funerals services were conducted Sunday afternoon at 4 o'clock from the Rison Methodist Church by the Revs. A.W. Hamilton, pastor, H.W. Jean and Harold D. Sadler. Burial was in the family lot at Greenwood cemetery. The services were attended by one of the largest crowds ever present at a funeral here which together with a great bank of flowers bespoke the love and esteem held for Mr. Jones by his neighbors and friends.
Cleveland County Herald - June 18, 1930

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Record #: 555382

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