Representative women of New England/Fannie M. Jones
FANNIE M. JONES, a prominent worker in patriotic and other societies, was born in Boston, daughter of Captain Calvin C. and Harriet K. (Chase) Wilson. Her father has been connected with the Boston' fire department for more than forty years. He is an active member of the Masons, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Honor, and other organizations. Her mother is one of the leading members of the Daughters of Rebekah, of Massachusetts, and is also identified with the Independent Order of Odd Ladies, having held the highest offices m both organizations. Mrs. Jones was educated in the public schools of Boston, and is a graduate of the Girls' English High and Normal Schools. She was fitted for the ])rofession of teacher: but, soon after beginning this work, she, as Fanny Wilson, married Dr. William Pelby Jones, a physician and surgeon of Boston, whose father, Dr. Joseph S. Jones, was a prominent surgeon and active in medical and other societies.
After the death of her husband, in 1890, Mrs. Jones moved to Somerville, where she has since resided. She is a member of the Prospect Hill Church, a teacher in its Sunday-school, and interested in all its various work. She is a member of Unity Lodge, L. O. of O. L., and for the past fourteen years has served in all its offices. She has held office in the State Society, and in 1902 was Lady Governess of the order (which includes Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and New Jersey), travelling extensively in these States. She is also connected with the Supreme Board.
Mrs. Jones is a member of Erminie Lodge, Daughters of Rebekah, and has presided at its meetings as the highest officer, that of Noble Grand. She is a Past Deputy of the Grand Lodges. In 1891 she united with Willard C. Kinsley Relief Corps, of Somerville, and in 1894 was president of the corps. She is the present treasurer, and has been secretary, performing all the duties of the several offices in a thorough manner.
In 1895 Mrs. Jones was secretary of the staff of aides appointed by Mrs. Eva T. Cook, then Department President W. R. C, to exemplify the work in different parts of the State. For the past ten years she has held some position of responsibility in the Department of Massachusetts, W. R. C, and in 1903 was Department Inspector on the staff of Mrs. Clara H. B. Evans, Department President. Mrs. Jones has rendered efficient service as a member for three years of the Department Executive Board, and as Inspector she visited every part of the State. As chairman of the Auditing Committee, as a Department and National Aide, also as Assistant National Inspector and secretary and treasurer of large committees, she has proved to be systematic, capable, and conscientious. In 1903 Mrs. Jones served as a delegate to the National W. R. C. Convention at San Francisco. She journeyed nine thousand miles on this trip, and was a help to her associates in the order, being always ready to sacrifice her own comfort for the happiness of others. A friend has written of her as follows: "Mrs. Jones is very business-like in all her methods, yet always a genial companion and popular with her associates."
Mrs. Jones is treasurer of the Executive Committee of Arrangements for the National W. R. C. Convention in Boston (August 15 to 20, 1904), and is a member of the executive, the floral, and other committees.
Mrs. Jones has one daughter, who is a resident of Hamilton, Mass.