Owen “Blind Man” Pyrs (Pierce) Jones

Owen “Blind Man” Pyrs (Pierce) Jones was born in 1818 in Wales. As a child, he lost sight in one eye when he fell into a fire. Later in life, he lost sight in the other while working in a slate quarry in Wales. He and his family joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and emigrated to America in 1849. Owen walked behind a wagon with the pioneers and came to Brigham City around 1852. He lived in the “Old Fort” and played the violin, mimicked voices, and told stories to entertain others.

For approximately 25 years, Blind Man Jones delivered the mail in Brigham City. This feat was noted to be a cause of wonderment for generations of children. It has been noted that Blind Man Jones had an excellent memory and rarely delivered a parcel incorrectly. He had counted steps between landmarks and listened to sounds for clues. He also carried a bull whip in front of him to aid him to avoid walking into things. The order of the mail was given to him by the postmaster and then he would go and deliver in a city he had never seen. He was also known to be able to find the correct mail if someone approached him in the street. He also served as a guide to strangers to the city.

Owen Jones never married and lived in the Boden home on 200 West towards the end of his life. He died on January 3, 1894 after being found in a snow drift and contracting pneumonia. To honor his memory, his headstone was mounted in cement with a new marker indicating his service to the community.

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Owen "Blind Man" Jones circa 1880. Appears to be a Compton Photo

Brigham Bugler 1/6/1894

Owen's broken headstone in the Brigham City Cemetery

Updated headstone with added memorial for Owen's service to the community. Photo by Kyle Hansen