louisa f. peery jones

Early life

Louisa was one of eight children born to William Russell Peery and Margaret Cook Peery. Her father, a physician, was the first doctor of record in Peru, Nebraska, where the family settled after moving from Daviess County, Missouri, in about 1857. William was an older brother to Hiram Wilson Peery (d. 1894), who crossed the plains along with his wife and eight children in 1863. He and several of his family members are also buried in the Odell Pioneer Cemetery.

Marriage and Children

Louisa was born in Nebraska on November 10, 1859. She married farmer William Harvey Jones in the early spring of 1875. The couple settled in Smith County, Kansas, where their five children were born.

Travel to Oregon and Death

Louisa traveled to Oregon sometime prior to her death. It is unknown if the family was intending to relocate to Oregon or if they were just visiting Louisa’s uncle and cousins. By the year of her death, the transcontinental railroad provided quick access to travel to the West, so the journey didn’t necessarily mean a permanent move as it had when the only option was to travel via wagon or ship.

Louisa died at the age of 30 while in Oregon, leaving behind five young children.

Aftermath

After Louisa’s death, her husband moved with his five children to Wyandotte, Oklahoma, then Indian Territory. He lived in Wyandotte until his death at the age of 90. He remarried in 1903, and the couple raised Louisa’s children as well as had five additional children of their own. After retiring as a farmer, W.H. worked as a postmaster and a merchant. 

Grave Site

Louisa’s headstone is broken off at the base and is resting against a tree in the cemetery. Given her close connection to the Peery family, it is likely that her grave lies near the rest of the family.

Tombstone inscription:

LOUISA F.
Wife of
W.H. Jones
Died Dec 20 1889

AGED
30 year’s 1m 10dys