Elias Ellis Jones was born in Flint in 1886 and baptised on 31st March 1886 at St Mary’s Parish Church, Flint, and was the youngest of five children of William Jones and Ellen (Foulkes).
William and Ellen were both born in Flint and married in St Mary’s Parish Church on 24th December, 1873.
They were living at Eaton’s Office, New Road, Flint for several years before moving to 7, Holywell Road.
William died on 10th December, 1906 aged 60 and Ellen died on 31st October, 1908 aged 62. They were buried in the Northop Road Cemetery.
In the 1911 census Ellis and his sister Maria Ellin were living at 29, Holywell Road and Ellis was employed as a cooper at the chemical works.
He enlisted in Flint on 5th July, 1915 and gave his address as 63, Holywell Road, which was the residence of his sister, Mrs Elizabeth Jackson, who he also named as his next of kin.
His Medical Inspection Report stated he was aged 24, 5ft 8ins, had a 35ins chest and his vision and physical development was good.
He was stationed at Parksall Camp, Oswestry when he was discharged on 12th May, 1916. The Medical Board Report stated his cause of discharge was “Chronic Bronchitis which originated in childhood and not the result of service but has been aggravated by exposure during camp life and was permanent.”
He was probably awarded the Silver War Badge, which was issued in the United Kingdom and the British Empire to service personnel who had been honourably discharged due to wounds or sickness from military service in World War l.
He died on 4th November, 1918 of Chronic Bronchitis at the home of his sister, Mrs Jackson, of 35, Holywell Road and was buried with his parents in the Northop Road Cemetery in Grave 5, Line 14, South Side.
He is remembered on two war memorials: Flint Town and St Mary’s Parish Church, Flint.
His obituary in the County Herald stated: “He was very well known and respected in the town. He was a well known football player, and was a member of the old Flint Town Band. The funeral was on Saturday afternoon, and was of a semi-military character. It was attended by members of the Buffaloes’ and Oddfellows’ Lodges, both of which deceased had been a member. The Rector (Rev Canon Nicholas) officiated at the house and at the cemetery
His brother, John Price Jones, also of 63, Holywell Road, was “found drowned” 9th November, 1930 aged 55.
His sister and brother in law, Mr and Mrs William James Jackson, had a son, William Ellis, who was killed in action in WW2 on the 9th August 1944 aged 24.