What might seem like an unlikely combination, is actually the beginning of an interesting historical footnote in history. Melvin Jones was born on January 13, 1879 to a U.S. Army captain who commanded a troop of scouts in Fort Thomas, Arizona under the command of General Nelson Miles, a famed Indian fighter. Melvin's mother nurtured her infant son under the constant threat of Indian raids from the nearby Apache stronghold. This was the period of time when the Apaches were making their last stand against the white man's expanding frontiers and there were frequent massacres of both whites and Indians.

Melvin's father, Captain Calvin Jones, was in the tick of the fighting until 1886 when Geronimo was captured and banished to an Indian reservation in Oklahoma. While most young boys might see Melvin's boyhood as a thrilling adventure of cowboys and Indians, horses, wagon trains, and blue clad troopers, the reality was quite different. Melvin's mother cried tears of joy when her husband was transferred to a new post in the north and Melvin remembers feeling boyishly happy about the move. He was seven years old.

Melvin attended schools in St. Louis and Quincy, Illinois. Later attended Union Business College and took a few law classes at Chaddock College in Quincy. By 1913 he was the sole owner of the Melvin Jones Insurance Agency. At the age of 33, Melvin was invited to a lunch with the Business Circle of Chicago. Like hundreds of similar businessmen's clubs throughout the country, this one was composed of leaders in from many fields. These clubs patronized each other, networked, and advanced their careers and businesses. Melvin joined, and was soon elected as secretary. But Melvin soon came to believe that these successful and influential business men could have a greater influence for good in the community.

After much research, campaigning, and organizing, Melvin founded the nucleus of Lions International in 1917. Over the years, they grew into an organization that would make an impressive mark on society. By 1950 the Lion membership had passed the 400,000 mark. Today there are over 1.4 million members. It is quite a legacy to a remarkable man, whose dream was to provide service and help to make the world a better place.

Melvin Jones died at the age of 82. He had inspired and guided an international brotherhood of good-hearted men to the heights of world prestige and influence, multiplying his dream of humanitarian service throughout the world. His philosophy was that, "You can't get very far until you start doing something for somebody else." It became the guiding principle for public-minded people all over the world.

Melvin Jones Lions International Memorial

Located in Fort Thomas, Arizona, the Melvin Jones Lions International Memorial was erected and dedicated in 1965.

In 1961, the International Board of Directors proclaimed January 13 (the birthday of founder, Melvin Jones) as a day of memory each year. Founders and Rededication month, traditionally observed in January, has since been designated as Melvin Jones Memorial month. In June 1999, the Lions International Board gave this prestigious fifty foot spire recognition as an International Shrine. On several occasions before his passing, Melvin visited the site of his birth and participated with the Arizona Lions groups that laid the foundation for the memorial now honoring his name.

If you are planning a visit to the southwestern United States, take the opportunity to visit the Lions Club founder's birthplace and the memorial that honors his contributions to the largest humanitarian service organization in the world.