Catesby ap Roger Jones facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Catesby ap Roger Jones
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| Born | April 15, 1821 Clarke County, Virginia, United States |
| Died | June 20, 1877 (aged 56) Selma, Alabama, United States |
| Allegiance |  United States Confederate States of America |
| Service/ |
 United States Navy Confederate States Navy |
| Years of service | 1836–1861 (USN) 1861–1865 (CSN) |
| Rank |  Lieutenant (USN) Commander (CSN) |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
Catesby ap Roger Jones (born April 15, 1821 – died June 20, 1877) was an important officer in the United States Navy. Later, he became a commander in the Confederate States Navy during the American Civil War. He is famous for taking command of the CSS Virginia during the Battle of Hampton Roads. In this battle, his ship fought against the USS Monitor. This was the first time two ironclad ships battled each other.
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Catesby ap Roger Jones was born in Clarke County, Virginia, on April 15, 1821. His father was Major General Roger ap Catesby Jones. The "ap" in his name comes from the Welsh language. It means "son of."
In 1836, Jones joined the United States Navy as a midshipman. He spent many years serving at sea. By 1849, he was promoted to the rank of lieutenant.
During the 1850s, Jones worked on developing new weapons for the navy. He also served as an ordnance officer. This means he was in charge of weapons on the new steam frigate Merrimack. The Merrimack began active service in 1856.
Service During the Civil War
When Virginia left the Union in April 1861, Lieutenant Jones resigned from the U.S. Navy. He soon joined the Virginia State Navy. By June, he became a Confederate Navy lieutenant.
The Ironclad CSS Virginia
In 1861 and 1862, Jones helped convert the steam frigate USS Merrimack into an ironclad. An ironclad is a warship protected by iron or steel plates. This new ship was named Virginia. Jones became the ship's executive officer. This means he was second-in-command.
Battle of Hampton Roads
The Battle of Hampton Roads took place on March 8-9, 1862. During the first day, the Virginia's commanding officer, Captain Franklin Buchanan, was wounded. This happened during attacks on USS Cumberland and Congress.
Jones quickly took temporary command of the Virginia. He led the ship during its famous fight with the USS Monitor the next day. This battle was historic because it was the first time two ironclad warships fought each other.
Later War Service
Later in 1862, Jones commanded a shore battery at Drewry's Bluff. This location was on the James River. He also commanded the gunboat Chattahoochee while it was being built in Saffold, Georgia.
For his brave actions at Hampton Roads and Drewry's Bluff, Jones was promoted. He became a commander on April 29, 1863.
Post-War Life and Legacy
Commander Jones was sent to Selma, Alabama. There, he took charge of the Ordnance Works. For the rest of the Civil War, he oversaw the making of heavy guns. These guns were much needed by the Confederate forces.
When the war ended in May 1865, Jones started a private business. He worked in South America for a time. Later, he made his home in Selma, Alabama. Catesby ap Roger Jones passed away in Selma, Alabama, on June 20, 1877, due to an unfortunate incident.
He is buried in the historic Old Live Oak Cemetery in Selma, Alabama.
