Uncrowned Community Builders

Leeland Newton Jones, Sr. was a native of Powell, Pennsylvania although he spent his formative years in Waverly, New York. He was born on October 24, 1892. His parents were Henry Jones and Elizabeth A. Dorsey Jones. His siblings were Secue, Liston, Wardner, Katherine and Martin. Leeland moved to Buffalo around 1920 and moved into a boarding house. He worked as a steel worker. Leeland spent the remainder of his life in this city.

Mr. Jones and his brother, Wardner were in business together as owners of Jones Brothers Funeral Home. Later the brothers established their businesses independently. Leeland named his firm Jones Funeral Home, located at 359 Jefferson Avenue. Jones was an officer in World War I. He was honorably discharged with a rank of Sergeant. Jones was the first Black recipient of a veteran's scholarship. He also operated an accounting business and was the first Black Public Accountant. Mr. Jones was also a politician, who served as a county Supervisor in the Erie County Supervisors Legislature.

He and his wife, Julia M were parents of the following children, Leeland N. Jones, Jr., and daughters, Mrs. Henry Tilley and Mrs. Phillip Reed.

Leeland, Sr. died on February 8, 1971. He is buried at Forest Lawn Cemetery, Buffalo, New York.