In August of 2005, New Orleans was severely devastated by one of the most horrific hurricanes of all time, Katrina.  The destruction of this one storm alone caused  Robert Seago, a direct descendant of Charles Colcock Jones, to start thinking of his family’s legacy and how to preserve the family’s rare artifacts.

The Reverend Charles Colcock Jones D.D was born in Liberty County Georgia in 1804.

He is buried in the Midway Cemetery, his epitaph reads;

“Twice a professor of Ecclesiastical History and Church Polity in the Theological Seminary at Columbia, SC. Three years Corresponding Secretary of the Board of Domestic Missions of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church.

His life was employed in self denying and devoted labors for the evangelization of the colored population of his native County and State; and in awaking in behalf of this great work the sympathies and efforts of the South.

The devoted Husband and Father, the firm friend and kind Master, the public benefactor-the zealous Evangelist, the profound Theologian, the learned Author, the pure Patriot, and the exalted Christian, in his Character were combined all those Virtues and Traits which dignify, ennoble and benefit mankind.

He walked with God, and was not, for God took him.”

This amazing man and his family were outstanding examples of Christian living in the 1800’s. Charles devoted himself to missionary work among the Negroes of Liberty County. It was said that “he did more than any other one man in America to organize the work of Negro missions”. Charles owned three plantations in Liberty County, Arcadia, Maybank and Montevideo.

During the Civil War in 1863, Charles died. The area was too dangerous for his widow Mary to stay safely. She left her beloved home MonteVideo and went to live with her daughter Mary in New Orleans.

Over the years the Jones Family have accumulated many heirlooms and artifacts from their beloved ancestors. The family wishes to preserve and share with others this amazing collection, but in a safe place, out of New Orleans.  

Robert Seago, being the executive director of the family’s trust decided that Midway Museum would be the most appropriate resting place for this pristine collection. The collection includes books, pictures, portraits, silverware, quilts, clothes and letters that belonged to Charles Colcock Jones and Family. Even the mother of pearl pen quills that were used to write the letters, published in the book, The Children of Pride, by Robert Manson Meyers, are part of this magnificent collection.

The Midway museum is the home of many Colonial family treasures. Operating now in its fiftieth year, the museum was started by the Daughters of the American Colonists, The United Daughters of the Colonists (UDC) and the Daughters of the American Revolution, (DAR). The museum is now operated by a board totaling twelve men and women, many of which are descended from the original families of Liberty County. The museum board meets every quarter.

The museum will display the Jones Collection in the near future. Special archival cases must be purchased to ensure quality air control and lighting specifications. When this is achieved the public will be invited to view the collection.

If you‘d like more information about this topic, please contact Joann Clark or Dianne Behrens at Midway Museum 912.884.5837 or museum@coastalnow.net