David Stephen Jones was born in Pencader, Carmarthenshire, South Wales, July 4, 1865. He came to America when he was one year old. He came with his parents, David C. Jones and Mary Stephens Jones. They lived in Willard, Utah, until he was 10 years of age. The family then came to St. John, Idaho, to make their home where he lived until his death on June 18, 1931. He was a teacher in the St. John public school for three years when he was a young man. He served on the school board for twenty years. He was well known and respected throughout the Malad Valley. He held the position of County Assessor for four years in Oneida County. He was also president of the Malad Valley Irrigation Co. He was one of the originators of the annual St. John Old Folks Day celebration. Daniel was a farmer. He was an Elder in the L.D.S. Church, having been very active in his early life. His brothers were: Thomas S., John L., Evan W., and Daniel S. Jones. His sisters were: Ann J. Lewis, Jane Larson, Mary Ellen Woozley and Sarah Pierce.
Charlotte Jane Owens Jones was born October 12, 1871, in Malad City, Idaho, a daughter of Mary and John T. Owens. She married David S. Jones in Malad on December 25, 1890. She was a member of the L.D.S. Church and enjoyed doing Temple work. She moved to Salt Lake after David’s death and lived there until she passed away. She was a charter member of the St. John Daughters of Pioneers. She was also a member of the Violet Kimball chapter of the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers. She passed away May 24, 1956, at Salt Lake City. She and David S. Jones were the parents of five children: Mary Pearl Jones, who died at the age of 27 days, John Owen, David Sylvester, Daniel O. Jones, Charlotte (Lottie) Ripley. They had 15 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren at time of death. They are both buried in the St. John Cemetery along with their infant daughter, Mary Pearl.
Short History of Charlotte (Lottie) Ripley
Charlotte (Lottie) Jones Ripley was born September 20, 1906, in St. John, Idaho, the daughter of David S. and Charlotte Owens Jones. I have always been thankful and proud of my heritage. My grandparents were all pioneers and came from Wales. I went to St. John School and Malad High School. I then went to Utah State University in Logan from 1925-1926, where I received my Elementary teaching certificate. I also got a certificate to teach in Idaho. I taught in the St. John School, third and fourth grades before getting married. I’ve always been glad my parents encouraged us to get an education. I was married to Kenneth Ray Ripley on June 4, 1939 in the Logan Temple. We were blessed with four lovely children: Janice Kentch, Gerald Ray, David Keith and Robert Lee Ripley. Kenneth passed away on December 28, 1970.
I have always enjoyed children and church work. I became a member of the L.D.S. Church and was baptized and confirmed on August 12, 1915 by Thomas J. Lewis. I started playing the organ for the St. John Ward at age 14. I also worked in M.I.A. as a counselor with Martha Lewis. After I was married, we moved to the 1st Ward in Malad where I worked in the Primary and on the Malad Stake Primary Board as well as the Stake M.I.A. Board.
We then moved to Salt Lake City where we joined the North 18th Ward. I received my certificate for 35 years of work in the Primary. I also served on the Ensign Stake Primary Board. I have been a Relief Society teacher for the L.D.S. Hospital Branch. I have also enjoyed working in the P.T.A. I taught for 15 years in day care centers, after my children were in high school and college. At the present time I am doing volunteer work at the University Hospital, rocking and helping care for the new born babies in intensive care. I do that four hours a day during the week and I love it.
I have 19 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.