Jones Family Langston University Collection

Reuben P. Jones (1907-1988) was born in Boley, Oklahoma to Harrison Julius Jones and Daisy Sally Smith Jones. He had three brothers: Harold and Carold, who were twins and born in 1911; and Harrison. He also had cousins, Clarence Love, Virginia Hopewell, Mary Lee Bigelow, Louise Bratton, and William Brunner. His family moved to McAlester, OK., and lived there until Reuben was about nine years old. They then moved to Langston, OK. Reuben attended Langston University High School, and four years of college receiving a B.S. in science with a minor in mathematics in 1928. Reuben, along with his brother Harold, worked by helping his parents deliver mail for Langston and Coyle Post offices; and also worked building houses, and waiting tables. Reuben also drove the Langston University football and basketball teams to and from games; and also played the coronet and alto horns in the band and orchestra. Reuben was a teacher, who began his career in Oklahoma at the Perry High School for one year, and as a principal of Clearview High School for two years before moving to Trenton, NJ. in 1932 to accept a job at Jr. High School #5. While in NJ, Reuben took extension courses at Columbia University and obtained a Master’s Degree. Reuben taught mathematics and science for over thirty years at Trenton city schools, retiring in 1971, and was a member of the New Jersey Teachers Association. Reuben was married to Mrs. Doshia Jones and later to Mrs. Yvonne Jones and has a son, Ray A. Jones.

Harold Alonzo Jones, nicknamed "Blue" (1911-1986) was born January 7, 1911. He went to school at Langston University receiving an 8th grade certificate and high school diploma. In 1935, Harold received a B.S. Degree in Industrial Arts, and lived in Langston until he was about 24 years old. In 1940 he received a diploma from National Technical Schools in Los Angeles for Radio, T.V., and Electronics; and also received a diploma from National Radio Institute of Washington, D.C. for taking a correspondence course. Harold owned a shoe repair shop, and taught shoe making at Boley Training School for one year prior to moving to Los Angeles, CA. in 1936 where he worked for the Post Office as a mail clerk for a number of years. Harold retired from working at the Long Beach Naval Shipyard as an electronic mechanic, and served time in the Armed Forces in World War II, receiving a rank of Corporal. He was also involved in church and was a member of the First A.M.E. Church and usher on Board No. 1; as well as a member of the 500 club at F.A.M.E. with his wife, Lora H. Jones. He was also a member of Langston University Alumni Association, Delta Masonic Lodge No. 21, Consistory No. 26, Shriners Egyptian Temple No. 5, American Legion, and Twins Convention. He was formerly married to E. Velma Henderson and Lavonia Collins; and married to Lora H. Jones at the time of his passing.

Carold Alfonzo Jones, nicknamed "Red" (1911-unknown) was born January 7, 1911. He was married to Selma Leona Hardy Jones (1912-1984), a native of Oklahoma born to Mr. and Mrs. Warren James Hardy in Drummond, OK. Carold and Selma were high school sweethearts who met at Langston University High School. Selma graduated from high school in 1930 and received a Life Certificate from Langston University in 1932. She then started her school teaching career in a one room school house in Garfield County, and the following year, started teaching elementary and junior high school at Booker T. Washington High School in Enid, OK. until 1943. Carold and Selma were married on November 28, 1936 and made their first home in Enid, OK. From 1943-1946 they worked at Kaiser Shipyard in Vancouver, WA. and moved to Los Angeles, CA. in 1946. In 1947, they joined Ward A.M.E. Church and served as ushers. They are both life members of the National and Local Langston University Alumni Association; and life members of the Exceptional Children’s Opportunity School where they also served on the board of directors.

Sources “Reuben P. Jones; taught 30 years in Trenton schools” clipping; Reuben P. Jones, Selma H. Jones, and Harold A. Jones obituaries located in Box 1, Folder 2, Jones Family collection, SPC. 2020.038.