LANDMARKS
of New York State
John W. Jones House
Elmira
An African-American and a key person in the underground railroad during the Civil War, John W. Jones helped 800 slaves escape the south, never to be recaptured. He was church Sexton (1847-1890) and superintendant of the Woodlawn Cemetery (1859-1890), where he supervised the burial of 3000 confederate soldiers who had died at the Elmira prison camp. One of the soldiers he buried was the son of his former overseer. The house has been moved twice on the same farm property, in 1968 and 2000. Jones is buried in Woodlawn Cemetery.
Original Name
John W. Jones House
Current Name
John W. Jones Museum
Location
1250 Davis Street
Elmira
Chemung County
New York
Map
Category
Residential
Designations
National Register of Historic Places
2003
Construction Began
1868
Architect
.
Builder
Possibly John W. Jones
Architectural Style
Simple Early American with Greek Revival Porch
Original Owner
John W. Jones
Original Use
Residence
Foundation
New Concrete Block
Walls
Wood Clapboard
Roofing
Asphalt Shingles
Number of Stories
1
Additions
Rear Addition
Noteworthy Interior
Beadboard Wainscoat in Kitchen
Current Owner
John W. Jones Museum
Private
Current Use
Museum in Progress
Current Condition
Good
Needs Repair
Needs Funds
Public Access
Planned. Museum is currently raising funds for restoration of the home.
Date Surveyed
February 2007