General William E. “Grumble” Jones

by Mike Shaffer

Historical Society of Washington County, Virginia

William Edmondson "Grumble" Jones was born in Glade Spring, Virginia on May 3rd, 1824. His father was Robert Jones and his mother was Catherine Moffett Edmiston, a descendant of one of the Old Glade Presbyterian Church founding families - the Edmistons. Grumble was educated at Emory and Henry College and at West Point, from which he graduated in 1848, 10th in his class. In 1852 a disaster struck Jones’ life. He returned home to Glade Spring, on furlough from military service on the frontier, to marry Eliza Dunn. Soon after the newlyweds took ship from New Orleans to the west coast, their vessel foundered off the coast of Texas and Mrs. Jones drowned when waves swept her from her husband’s arms. After this tragedy, Jones continued military service on the frontier until 1857, when he resigned his commission, and settled on his Estate near Glade Spring Depot, Virginia.

Jones was a descendant of the fighting Edmiston (Edmondson) family of King's Mountain fame and upon secession of Virginia he organized a company known as the "Washington Rifles" of which he was elected Captain and with which he took part under J.E.B. Stuart in the battle of first Manassas. He became Colonel of the 1st, and then the 7th Virginia Cavalry. He continued under Stuart and was promoted to Brigadier General on September 19th, 1862. Jones particularly distinguished himself at the battle of Brandy Station in June of 1863. Later, a disagreement with Stuart caused Jones to be dismissed from the Army of Northern Virginia. However, Stuart respected Jones, calling him “the best outpost officer in the army.” Stuart also praised Jones’ “marked courage and determination”, indicating a grudging respect for Jones’ abilities.

Jones was then assigned Command of the remote yet vital Department of Southwest Virginia and east Tennessee, where he formed a rough collection of mountaineers into the most daring Confederate Cavalry force to serve that region. Jones dazzled the enemy with his rapid maneuvering and early dawn raids. He participated in such battles as Knoxville, Jonesville, Wyerman's Mill and Rogersville. In April and May of 1863, with the co-operation of General John D. Imboden, they made a very successful raid upon the Baltimore & Ohio railroad west of Cumberland, destroying an immense amount of public and railroad property. At Saltville, Va., in May, 1864, along with Gen. John H. Morgan, he foiled Union General Averell's designs against the valued salt works, defeated the Federals at Wytheville, and pursued them to Dublin. In 1864 Jones was ordered to the Shenandoah Valley to intercept Union General David Hunter. At the battle of Piedmont June 5th, 1864, while encouraging his men in the front line, he was struck by a ball and instantly killed.

General William E."Grumble" Jones, and his wife are buried here, in the cemetery of Old Glade Spring Presbyterian Church.