Daniel W Jones

Daniel Webster Jones was born on August 26, 1830, in Howard County, Missouri He joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1848 and subsequently migrated westward to Utah with other Mormon pioneers. In 1856, Jones played a significant role in the rescue of the stranded handcart companies in Wyoming. He was one of the leaders of a group of rescuers who heroically wintered at Devil's Gate and helped save the lives of hundreds of emigrants. Jones also served as a missionary for the...See more

Daniel Webster Jones was born on August 26, 1830, in Howard County, Missouri He joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1848 and subsequently migrated westward to Utah with other Mormon pioneers. In 1856, Jones played a significant role in the rescue of the stranded handcart companies in Wyoming. He was one of the leaders of a group of rescuers who heroically wintered at Devil's Gate and helped save the lives of hundreds of emigrants. Jones also served as a missionary for the LDS Church, including leading the first Mormon missionary expedition into Mexico. He was also instrumental in colonizing what is now Mesa, Arizona, where he served as the city's first mayor. In addition to his religious work, Jones had a keen interest in education and was involved in the establishment of several schools in Arizona. He also served as the first superintendent of schools in the territory. Jones was known for his frequent interactions with Native American tribes in the western United States and was respected by many indigenous peoples for his fair treatment and respect for their culture. Jones passed away on April 20, 1915, in Mesa, Arizona, leaving behind a legacy as a pioneering Mormon leader and advocate for education and cultural understanding. See less