Inventory of the James Burt Jones Jr. Papers, 1893-1922

Abstract

James Burt Jones was originally from Batavia, N.Y., and served as a paymaster in the U.S. Navy during World War I.

Collection consists largely of letters from women addressed to Jones during his service in World War I. Also includes a small amount of correspondence from his family and male friends, as well as a variety of photographs, invitations, and other printed material.

Descriptive Summary

Repository: David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Duke University
Creator: Jones, James Burt.
Title: James Burt Jones Jr. Papers, 1893-1922
Language of Material: English
Extent: 0.8 Linear Feet, 600 Items
Location: For current information on the location of these materials, please consult the Library's online catalog.

Series Quick Links

Correspondence, 1893-1922

Collection Overview

The James Burt Jones Jr. Papers contain correspondence addressed to Jones, who is referred to alternatively as James, Jim, Burt, and occasionally Dave. The letters date from 1906-1919, with the majority of the letters dated to 1918. The folders are arranged chronologically by month and year.

Jones, who was originally from Batavia N.Y., was a paymaster in the U.S. Navy during World War I and the letters are addressed to him while he was stationed at various locations including New York City, Washington D.C., Akron N.Y., and Erie P.A. Several letters date from his time in Ann Arbor, where he was a student at the University of Michigan. Some of the correspondence is from Jones's family and male friends, but it is primarily written by female correspondents located in Rochester N.Y., Ann Arbor, Detroit, Brooklyn, Chicago, Erie, and Buffalo N.Y. Many of these letters are from a woman named Florence, who alternatively signs as "Happy" or "Bee," a kindergarten teacher with whom Jones was romantically involved. Other letters are written by a woman named Esther, who was Jones's classmate at University of Michigan, and who provides numerous insights into the lives of female university students.

These letters express the correspondents' sorrow at Jones's departure, wishes for his safe return, questions and fears about the war, and inquiries as to his exact whereabouts and intentions. They also provide interesting insights into the politics and culture of the United States in the early twentieth century. Letters refer to the Temperance Movement (April 17, 1918), Women's Suffrage (April 17, 1918, among others), the Armistice (November 12, 1918), German-American families with sons fighting on both sides of the war (April 28, 1917), as well as to current films and other popular topics. One letter, from Jones Jr.'s father to his mother, dates from 1898. The collection also contains several photographs of the correspondents and various printed invitations to parties and dances.

The collection includes one folder of postcards, letters, birth announcements, and other small cards addressed to various other individuals apparently unrelated to Jones, many of whom are located in Batavia N.Y. This correspondence dates from approximately 1893 to 1922. Several of these letters are written by children in Los Angeles to their grandmother in N.Y.

Administrative Information

Collections are on the move for the renovation of the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library. Contact Rubenstein Library staff before visiting. Read More »

Access Restrictions

Collection is open for research.

However, collection may contain materials to which the Acknowledgment of Legal Responsibilities and Privacy Rights form applies. Patrons must sign this form before using this collection.

Also, all or portions of this collection may be housed off-site in Duke University's Library Service Center. Consequently, there may be a 24-hour delay in obtaining these materials.

Please contact Research Services staff before visiting the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library to use this collection.

Use Restrictions

The copyright interests in this collection have not been transferred to Duke University. For more information, consult the copyright section of the Regulations and Procedures of the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library.

Contents of the Collection

Browse List of Series

Collapse All expand

Expand All

Correspondence, 1893-1922

(2 boxes)

Correspondence, 1893-1918 July and undated

(17 folders)

Box 1

Correspondence, 1918 August-1919

(5 folders)

Box 2

Letters to individuals other than James Burt Jones Jr.

Box 2

Historical Note

James Burt Jones Jr. was a paymaster in the U.S. Navy from approximately 1914 through the end of World War I. Jones was originally from Batavia N.Y. and attended University of Michigan for a period. During his time in the Navy, Jones rose to the rank of Lieutenant and was stationed in various cities in the eastern part of the U.S., including New York City, Washington D.C., Akron N.Y., and Erie P.A. The exact dates of his overseas deployments are unclear from the correspondence.