Elva Ray Jones was born in Johnston City, Illinois on December 20, 1894 to Willis Jones & Margaret Mifflin. When the 1900 federal census was taken, his 39 year old father and 34 year old mother were farming on a rented farm in Lake Creek Township. Elva 5, was one of six children living in the home. His mother reported that she had given birth to 9 children but only six were living.
By the 1910 census, his father had moved into Johnston City proper and purchased a home at 218 Hendricks Street which they owned free of mortgage. His mother, Margaret had died and his father, Willis 49, had remarried to an older female named Jennie who was then 56. Willis was working to support the family as a common laborer. 15 year old Elva had already taken on a job working as a newspaper printer under the tutelage of his uncle, R.W. Jones, editor of the Johnston City Progress newspaper. Elva graduated from Marion Township High School in 1913.
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