John W. Jones (1817-1900) was the courageous stationmaster of the Underground Railroad in Elmira. escaping from slavery in Virginia, he made the dangerous 300-mile journey to freedom on the Underground Railroad and arrived in Elmira in 1844. Working with local abolitionists, Jones guided over 800 freedom seekers on their way to the Canadian border. He managed this feat by befriending local train conductors and baggage handlers and guaranteeing their assistance. They used the 4 a.m. train so often it became known as the Freedom Baggage Car.

Jones was a man of great character and compassion. As sexton of the Woodlawn Cemetery, he supervised the burial of nearly 3,000 Confederate soldiers who died in the Elmira Prison Camp during the Civil War. Ironically, he buried with dignity the men who had fought to keep him enslaved, carefully recording their personal information. Woodlawn National Cemetery was created from his accurate burial records.

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Show me all markers in:  Elmira, NY  |  Chemung County  |  14901  |  New York  |  United States of America

Augustus W. Cowles
Mark Twain
Confederate Burials in the National Cemetery
Confederate Burials
Shohola Railroad Accident Memorial
Confederate Soldiers Memorial
A National Cemetery System
Woodlawn National Cemetery
Pulaski Park
The Gettysburg Address

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