William Tillman Jones lived an extraordinary life.

Born a free man in Ohio in 1846, the black Civil War veteran moved to Vicksburg near the turn of the 20th century to become one of the African-American community’s most revered leaders.

“I think William Jones has a unique story that we’re able to share and give the community a snapshot of American history,” said Patricia Lee who recently authored a book on her husband’s great-great-grandfather.

Jones’ life, pieced together through family history and photos, will be the subject of a portion of Vicksburg’s black history heritage celebration set for Feb. 28. Lee, and Darryl, will give presentations on Jones at 10 a.m. Feb. 27 at Vicksburg Junior High School and at 10:30 a.m. Feb. 28 at Hampton Inn, said event organizer Karen Frederick.

“It is very unique for African Americans to trace their roots that far and also have photos,” Frederick said.

Patricia Lee said she and her husband were able to learn more about Jones’ life through family photographs often stored under the beds of relatives.

“Every time when someone would die, they left photos. We would go to the houses and there would be photos underneath the bed,” Lee said.

Not much is known about Jones’ ancestors, but his parents are believed to have been from Virginia and might have been captured and returned to slavery after his birth, Lee said.

“There’s another motivation that he may have gone into the Civil War to help people like his parents who might have also been enslaved people,” she said.

After the war, Jones moved to Louisiana where he was married. His connections with the African Methodist Episcopal Church brought him to Vicksburg, Lee said.

“I think he was inspired by what was going on in the country and the idea of what was happening and that maybe things would be better,” Lee said.

Between 1889 and 1906, Jones was Grand Chancellor of the local Knights of Pythias, an international benevolent, fraternal order. The group raised money for cemeteries, helped African-Americans get insurance and supported black business owners.

“They had big dreams as to what they wanted to do to help people,” Lee said.

Jones died in 1910 and is buried in Beulah Cemetery.

In addition to the presentation about Jones, a run, an art competition, and a play will be part of the heritage celebration.

A heritage run is set for 9 a.m., Feb. 28 in Vicksburg National Military Park and Beulah cemetery. At 6:30 p.m., the winner of an high school art contest to design a portriate of Warren County’s first black sheriff’s will be announce at the Strand Theatre on Clay Street. Peter Crosby served as sheriff during reconstruction but was removed from office during the Vicksburg Riots in 1874. There is no known photo of Crosby.

“The winner will receive an award and Sheriff Martin Pace will put that portrait in the sheriff’s department with the whole gallery of sheriff’s,” Frederick said.

At 7 p.m. Vicksburg native Cathy Sanford will present a play, “Landmarks, Legends and Lyrics,” highlighting Vicksburg’s African-American leaders, Frederick said. Admission to the play is $10.