Dr. John Curtis Jones, born in 1837 in Lawrence County, Alabama, was the son of Tugnal and Susan King Jones, who settled near San Antonio in 1855. He studied medicine in Texas and completed his education in Edinburgh, Scotland, later working in Dublin, London, and Paris. Returning to Texas in 1861, he served as a surgeon in Hood’s Brigade of the Confederate Army and was personal physician to General John Bell Hood. In 1865, Dr. Jones introduced the first hypodermic needle to Gonzales. On May 23, 1867, he married Mary Kennan Crisp, daughter of Dr. Crisp, who had briefly moved his family to Brazil before Mary returned and married John.
In 1885, John and Mary built this Italianate-style home, designed for maximum ventilation with its L-shaped structure and single-room-wide wings. An iron fence, brick walkway, and carriage house were added later. Rainwater was filtered through cedar gutters and charcoal into a cistern. The exterior features cypress siding, and the interior showcases seven types of wood, including Gonzales walnut, used for the grand curved staircase. A pine arch separates the entry hall from the parlor, which is paneled in prized curly pine. Originally, the house had a north wing and cupola, though both were later lost. Materials were brought from Indianola by ox cart. Wired for electricity in the 1890s, it was reportedly the first house in Gonzales with electricity and running water.
Dr. J.C. Jones House
1885
108 North Hamilton Street
Italiante style, L-Shaped home to Dr. Jones, surgeon, personal physician to General J.B. Hood
History & Restoration
Tour Directions
When you're ready:
Turn left at the stop sign onto Saint Vincent street.
Drive one block and turn right onto Saint Peter street.
Drive past Saint Michael street and pull over after the 4 way stop.
You should still be on the right hand side of the road.
Turn your attention to your left, to the Mrs. L.M. Kokernot House at 205 Saint Peter street, a white house with blue trim, and steps leading from the curb.
