Rediscovering Epaphras Jones with Pastor Nathan Allen

As our nation celebrates its 250th birthday, we are pleased to present a fascinating and timely story from New Albany's early history. Local historian, writer, and pastor Nathan Allen has spent years uncovering the remarkable life of Epaphras Jones. He was an early American patriot, entrepreneur, and pioneer who settled in the Falls Cities area when New Albany was still a young community.
Allen's research began with an investigation into the history of the property surrounding present-day Providence Baptist Church in nearby Jeffersonville, Indiana. There he encountered the name Epaphras Jones and discovered a life that offers a vivid glimpse into the opportunities and challenges of America's early years. Jones' story begins far from the Ohio River in East Hartford, Connecticut.
Intertwined with Epaphras' story is that of his younger brother, Richard Lord Jones. During the Revolutionary War, both brothers enlisted in the Continental Army as children, becoming the youngest enlisted soldiers of the conflict. Both also served as musicians. Richard was later captured by the British and is remembered as the nation's youngest prisoner of war. In his later years, he moved to New Albany to live near a son and reunite with Epaphras. Shortly before Richard's death, artist George W. Morrison painted his portrait. That painting, generously loaned by descendant Peter Swicker of El Paso, Texas, is currently on display in our Sally Newkirk Gallery.
Although Richard's story is extraordinary, Epaphras Jones is the focus of this presentation. His military service was only the first chapter in a long and eventful life. Allen's research, which is now leading to a forthcoming book, has uncovered Jones' business ventures in New York, political intrigue in Rotterdam, and his operation of a glass factory in Vermont. He is perhaps best remembered today for his unsuccessful attempt to establish the town of Providence, Indiana. Allen has explored historic maps and walked the landscape in search of evidence and traces of Jones and the community he hoped to create.
This program is free and open to the public, registration is recommended. Let us know you're coming here: nafclibrary.libcal.com/event/17025095