William Owen's Story.
William O. Jones was born circa 1889, the son of Robert Jones, 35, who was a Raiolway Shunter (Points). His mother was Elizabeth Jones, 34, both had been born in Bangor, Caernarvonshire. Their 3 sons, Hughie Parry Jones,6, Robert Ed. Jones and William O. Jones had been born in Llanbeblig, Carnarvonshire
The 1901 census see that the family had now moved to 82, Ewart Street, Mold Junction, Civil Parish Saltney,Flintshire. The family had been blessed with a daughter, Hannah, 7 who was the only one in the family who couldn't speak both English & Welsh she spoke only English. The 3 sons, Hugh P., 16 was a Railway Number Taker (Rly Porter), Edward, 15 and William O., 12 made up the family and according to this census they had been all born in Bangor Caenarvonshire. There was another person living there as well - a Robert Williams, DAUGHTER? S 24 Railway Shunter (Points) born Meliden, Flintshire obviously an Enumerator's error!).
The 1911 census shows that "our" William Owen Jones was further afield, lodging at 44, George Street, "Cheetham Hill", Broughton, Salford. (6 rooms) in the household of Albert Edward Richings and his wife Sarah Elizabeth and their 4 children, William Owen Jones was a "Boarder", age 23, single and a Clothier's Salesman born Salter's Ferry(sic), Flintshire.
There is a god chance it was him as his family are still living in Mold Junction on the 1911 census at 58, Ewart Street, Mold Junction. Robert Jones, 55 and a Brakeman of Goods Train (L. & N.W. R.Co) and wife Elizabeth, 54, tell us that they had been married for 27 years and 5 children had been born to them, but 1 had died. Sons Hugh Parry, 26 was a Checker, son Robert Edward, 25, an Extra Fireman were both single and worked for the same company as their father. Daughter Hannah Lucy, 17 and single was "at Home". Hugh Parry Jones, like his parents was bilingual, but Robert Edward & Hannah Lucy could only speak English.
William Owen Jones was awarded the Victory & British War Medals and the 15 Star.
Flintshire WW1 Index Card (Saltney Ferry F17)
JONES, William Owen, 58, Ewart Street, Saltney Ferry 7349 Private 20th Bn Royal Fusiliers. Period of Service, about 16 months. Died of Wounds at Rouen Hospital 31st October 1916. Wounded 20th October 1916. (At odds with the CWGC, will check) Card signed by H.P.JONES, Brother of deceased. 30th October 1919.
Reverse of card:- "Will you kindly fill in the card and return it to me as soon as convenient. Hoping you are all well. E.L.ROBERTS". (this man signed a lot of cards, he must have bee responsible to distribute and collect them.)
William Owen Jones in the UK, Army Registers of Soldiers' Effects, 1901-1929 tells us that the sole Legatee was his father Robert who was paid £2 9s 11d on the 11th December 1016 and his War Gratuity of £4 on the 10th October 1919.
The Saltney Ferry War Memorial commemorates those men of the area who died during World War I and World War II.
He is remembered on the Plaque that was formerly sited in St. Mathew's Church in Saltney Ferry (which was as destroyed by fire in 2008), are now in St Mark's Church in High Street, Saltney.
Saltney Ferry is a village to the west of the town of Saltney in Deeside, Flintshire. Between 1974 and 1996 it was in the county of Clwyd.
Researches and Compiled by Mavis Williams