Blandford Patriot Honored as Nation Celebrates 250 Years

Recognizing a Forgotten Hero: Jethro Jones and His Legacy

In the quiet town of Blandford, a new chapter in history is being written. This October, a historic marker will be unveiled to honor Jethro Jones, a Revolutionary War veteran and one of the earliest known African American toolmakers. His story, long overshadowed, is now receiving the recognition it deserves.

Jethro Jones was more than just a soldier; he was a master craftsman who contributed significantly to his community. His journey began in the 1740s as a free Black man, and he went on to serve in both the French and Indian War and the Revolutionary War. At the age of 44, he joined the Continental Army in 1777 and participated in key battles such as Saratoga, Valley Forge, and Monmouth. His service earned him an honorable discharge in 1783, with documents signed by General Henry Knox.

Jones's contributions extended beyond the battlefield. He was also one of the first known African American toolmakers, learning the trade from Caesar Chelor, a freedman who had trained under a renowned cabinetmaker in Massachusetts. His skill in woodworking led to the creation of signed planes that are now highly sought after. Examples of his work can be found in prestigious collections like Colonial Williamsburg and the Smithsonian Institution.

The dedication of the historic marker is the result of years of research and advocacy by local historians and descendants. Mary Hull, the registrar of Mercy Warren Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, emphasized the importance of this recognition. “Mercy Warren Chapter hopes that this historic marker will not only honor Jethro Jones, a Patriot from our district, but also bring attention to the sometimes-forgotten history of the Black community in the rural Hilltowns since the Colonial era,” she said.

The ceremony, scheduled for October 11 at 1 p.m., will take place at the junction of Blair Road and Jones Road in Blandford. It will feature a speech from Jocelyn Jones Arnold, a descendant of Jethro Jones and a family genealogist who played a crucial role in uncovering his story. The event is free and open to the public, offering an opportunity for all to learn about this remarkable individual.

This marker is part of a broader initiative called the “Revolutionary America 1775–1783” roadside marker series. Launched by the chapter in collaboration with the William G. Pomeroy Foundation and the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the series aims to highlight people and places of significance to the American Revolution—especially lesser-known patriots. The project is set to culminate in the United States’ 250th anniversary in 2026.

The efforts to recognize Jethro Jones were not without challenges. The chapter reached out to Jocelyn Jones Arnold, a member of the Flag House chapter in Philadelphia, as well as the Blandford and Sheffield Historical Societies, during the research phase for the marker grant application. Their combined knowledge and dedication helped bring Jones’s story to light.

Jones lived in Blandford from the late 1700s until his death in 1828 at the age of 95. His legacy continued through his grandson, William Jones of Sheffield, who served in the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment—a significant unit in the Union Army during the Civil War.

By honoring Jethro Jones, the community is not only celebrating a single individual but also acknowledging the broader contributions of Black patriots throughout American history. His story serves as a reminder of the resilience and determination of those who fought for freedom, even when their efforts were not fully recognized at the time.

As the marker is unveiled, it stands as a testament to the enduring impact of Jethro Jones and the importance of remembering all who have contributed to the nation’s history.