The commonwealth. (Scotland Neck, N.C.) 1896-1929, 1914-09-10
Mr.. Cyrus Townsend Brady, in his

biography of his favorite heroes
contained in his Great Command
ers Series" says that he adopted the
name of Jones in affectionate re-
gard for the Hon. Willie Jones and
his beautiful and charming wife,
who had both been very kind to him
in his days of obscurity. He adds
that it was Willie Jones who after
wards secured for Paul a command
in the American Navy.
1t was here that the young ad-
venturer, John Paul, was first
touched by those gentler and purer
influences which changed not only
his name, but himself from the rough
and reckless mariner into the polish
ed man of society, fitting himself
for a position in the highest circles
in America and France.
A letter from Willie Jones' grand
daughter, written in 1905, says,
/ You ask, Did John Paul Jones
change his name in compliment to
my grandfather, Willie Jones?' I
have always heard that he did. and
there is no reason to doubt the fact.
Not only have [ always heard it, but
it was confirmed by my cousin. Mrs.
Hubbard, wife of Colonel E. Hub
bard, of Virginia, while in Wash
ingtrn in 1856 with her husband,
who was member of Congress.
She there met a nephew of John
+, Paul Jones, who sought her out on
learning who she was. He told her
Of hearing his uncle and family
speak of the instance often and his
great devotion to the family. SO that
in my opinion, you can state it as an
historical fact"
It is said that before a brilliant
company in the magnificent ball
room of Sf2'he Groves" John Paul
announced to the assemblage that
he would henceforth be known as
John Paul Jones. The beautiful
sword given to him on that occasion
is now in the library Of the navy at
Washington.
Buried in the old graveyard ad-
Joining the house are the young
daughter Of Willie Jones, Mary;
Mrs. Elizabeth Montfort Ashe; her
husband, John Baptista Ashe, and
Mrs. Willie Jones.
This one time home Of John Paul
Jones and other distinguished per-
sons, was built ready for setting up
in England, shipped to America and
erected on a slight elevation in a
grove in Halifax, n. C. It lies with
n q distance of about two or three
blocks from the railroad station.
The town Of about five hundred in
habitants extends mostly in the op-
Dosite direction. This site Of "The
Groves" slopes gradually to the
right to the beautiful old stream,
"Quankey," whose waters are shad-
owed by graceful trees and shrubs,
and where in spring can be found q
j., wilderness Of mountain laurel, max
ing the whole landscape aglow with
, color
The ground slopes in front to the
, main line of the Atlantic Coast Line
railroad. while to the left is an oper
field. You can get a correct idea Of
the place from the pictures we have
here for exhibition. The main hal
is in fair condition. With the, aid Of
an ancient photograph. the memory
Of persons who recall '3The Groves
in its days Of prosperity, this house
can be restored Or rebuilt. Tht
original sand stone steps, the bras
knocker and other parts are still il
existance and can take their forme
= place in the plan of the house.
: Daughters, is it not pity that ;
place Of so great an historical valu
d, should be allowed to go into com
. plete decay? Does not the indiffer
. ence and neglect which has beer
permitted seem a sacrilcge? Is no
= this a work for US to do? It canno
p wait.
There are more uses than one
- which this old home restored can b
4 used Situated in an old arlstocrat
o. ic town, IN a climate suited as
% winter home for Northerners, or
e summer home for Southerners, it
,a quite easy of access. Eight mile
o. from one big railroad, another on
q with its twelve passenger trains
=, day passes its doors.
S. Daughters, we are proud to sa
,e that the Elizabeth Montfort Ash
fe Chapter of Halifax county has take
in the initiative in the preservation c
G. this historic spot, and has made
le payment on the property with