The Legacy of Anthony Yates Jones: From English Ranches to African Plains
In the tapestry of family histories, few threads are as colorful and rich as those of the Jones family, and at the heart of this lineage stands my grandfather, Anthony Yates Jones. His story, spanning continents and cultures, is a remarkable tale of tradition, transition, and the enduring spirit of ranching.
Brockworth Court
An atmospheric and part-timbered house that dates from the 1290’s with additions in later centuries. Brockworth Court is a Tudor house in the village of Brockworth, Gloucestershire, England. Dating from the 16th century, it is a Grade II listed building.
English Roots and Canadian Beginnings
Anthony came from a long line of affluent gentry in England, where the Jones family owned a sprawling farm and a stately family home. This legacy of land and livestock was not just a profession for the Joneses; it was a way of life, a proud tradition that Anthony inherited.
The winds of change, however, set the family on a path to new horizons. In a move echoing the spirit of adventure and resilience, they migrated to Canada. In Regina, Saskatchewan, Anthony was born to my grandmother Pauline Richardson, a woman of remarkable talents and heritage. She was known as a medicine woman, revered by townsfolk and native peoples alike for her healing abilities.
A New Chapter in Northern Rhodesia
World War I brought another shift in the family's journey. Around 1915, for the war effort, the British Empire tasked the family with a vital mission: to procure cattle to feed the soldiers. This mission led them to Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia), where they were granted extensive land, stretching from Lusaka to Livingstone.
In this new world, the Jones family thrived. Anthony, along with his brothers, owned about 15 farms each, a testament to their hard work and expertise in ranching. Tragically, this era also saw the loss of my great uncle George Jones in WW1, a poignant reminder of the family’s sacrifices.
Anthony, the Giant Among Men
Anthony, towering at 6'5" and built robustly, was a figure of awe in Maala, Nwamala. Despite being a Muzungu—a term initially signifying a foreigner or one who doesn't speak the local language—he immersed himself in the local culture. His proficiency in the native tongue and his deep respect for the local traditions earned him the name Kandondo from the chief, a name that seemed to reflect his giant stature and presence.
Continuing the Ranching Legacy
Ranching was in our blood, and this legacy continued through my nephew Martin, the last cowboy in our family. Learning from Grandfather Tony, Martin and his father Gilbert kept the ranching tradition alive, managing large farms and herding cattle.
Grandfather Tony's wealth and influence were significant. He had the exclusive rights to trade in cattle in Namwala, granted by the British Queen herself. His success allowed him to provide the best for his family, sending my mother to England's finest schools, where she mingled with international royalty and celebrities.
A Life Between Worlds
My mother's upbringing was a blend of privilege and cultural richness. Brought up among her mother's people, she was fluent in Ila and deeply connected to her roots in Maala. This connection is so profound that she is in line to become the next chief of her village.
Interestingly, my mother's aunt, Mutinta, is married to HH, the current president of Zambia. Their friendship dates back to childhood, a bond strengthened by shared experiences and a common heritage in ranching.
The Shimunenga Ceremony: A Celebration of Cattle and Culture
The Ila people, renowned for their ranching heritage, celebrate the Shimunenga ceremony annually. This event, akin to a grand rodeo, draws people from all corners to celebrate cattle, an integral part of their culture. I dream of attending this vibrant festival one day, experiencing firsthand the legacy my grandfather embraced and contributed to.
This annual event unfolds on a full moon weekend in September or October, offering a rich display of cultural traditions. The celebration commences with a gathering at the Shimunenga shrine, where attendees immerse themselves in traditional songs at dawn.
The event showcases a cultural march featuring women and girls donned in traditional attire, enhanced by performances from skilled traditional dancers. The following day starts with the resonating beats of a drum, signaling the procession of animals to the river. A highlight of this day is the traditional display of cattle, led by those belonging to the shrine's custodian, across the river.
The ceremony also includes a mock lion hunt and pelican fishing, creating a lively and engaging atmosphere. Throughout the event, traditional songs praising the Shimunenga ancestral spirits resonate, adding a spiritual dimension. The festivities extend into the village, where traditional beer is enjoyed at various pit-stops. The Shimunenga ceremony, occurring between mid-October and November, is a remarkable testament to the cultural heritage and community spirit of the Ba-Ila people.
Anthony Yates Jones's story is more than a family history; it's a narrative of adaptability, respect for different cultures, and the enduring legacy of ranching. From the lush fields of England to the plains of Africa, his journey reflects a life lived fully, a bridge between worlds, and a testament to the spirit of the rancher that continues to live on in our family.
