San Francisco County
Biographies
CHARLES E.
JONES, M. D.
As a physician of skill and ability, as a leading figure in the sport of horse racing, as a philanthropist of sincerity, and in many other phases of his career, the late Dr. Charles E. Jones of San Francisco possessed a reputation of exceeding merit. He was born May 10, 1868, at Murphys’s Camp, California, in the Mother Lode country, and was a son of Dr. William and Catherine (St. Clair) Jones, who were pioneers in the gold diggings. Dr. William Jones was a native of Ireland, and his wife was born in Lorraine, France. The latter’s father was a soldier in Napoleon Bonaparte’s army throughout his historic campaigns, and was decorated by the Little Corporal for bravery.
Dr. Charles E. Jones attended the common schools, and then entered Santa Clara University, where, in addition to scholastic honors, he won fame as an athlete, particularly as a baseball player. After receiving his degree from this institution, he acted for a period as graduate manager of athletics. He had previously decided upon the practice of medicine as his life work, consequently began the study of the science at the College of Physicians and Surgeons, and also was a student at the Heinemann Institute. Having completed his preparation, Dr. Jones began practice in San Francisco and met with immediate success. From the beginning, he was always known as one of the most charitable and generous doctors in the city. He did much work without pay, for he sincerely believed in the profession for its own sake and more than for the commercial gain. His interest in philanthropy grew as he practiced and became familiar with the ills and suffering of poor people. He did outstanding work during the critical days following the fire of 1906, was appointed health officer for the district by the United States government during the emergency, and also was a member of the Mission Relief Association. He was known at that time as the “Angel of the Mission District” and as the “Miracle Man of the Mission.” During the latter years of his life, Dr. Jones still administered to many of his old patients, although he had retired from active practice in so far as possible. Many of them journeyed from long distances for his care.
Dr. Jones acquired wealth despite the fact that the acquisition of material gain was not the prime purpose of his life. He was always a true sportsman, and he became interested in the sport of horse racing many years preceding his death. He became one of the most beloved and squarest men in the sport of kings, and was a distinctive credit to the racing interests which he followed. At the old tracks of Ingleside and Emeryville he was a familiar figure, and he named among his racing friends such historic individuals as Barney Schreiber, Jim Nelson, Tom Williams and Pittsburgh Phil. At the time of his death, he was secretary of the Pacific Coast Breeders’ Association, and was the sponsor for the race meet at Tanforan, the pleasures of which he had last enjoyed just two days prior to his passing.
In July, 1898, Dr. Jones was married to Susan Carroll, a descendant of one of San Francisco’s pioneer families, her father having been a wholesale grocer. To Dr. and Mrs. Jones there were born three children, Bernadette, Helen, and Carol, the last named now preparing to follow in her father’s footsteps in the practice of medicine.
In the old history of California and the pride of having descended from pioneer stock, Dr. Jones was intensely interested throughout his life. He belonged to James Lick Parlor, Native Sons of the Golden West, and was ever active in the affairs of this organization. The death of Dr. Jones occurred April 21, 1931. He died in the faith of the Roman Catholic Church.
Transcribed by: Jeanne Sturgis Taylor.
Source: Byington, Lewis Francis, “History of
San Francisco 3 Vols”, S. J. Clarke Publishing Co.,
Chicago, 1931. Vol. 3 Pages 179-181.
© 2008 Jeanne Sturgis Taylor.
GOLDEN NUGGET'S SAN
FRANCISCO BIOGRAPIES