John Jones (county commissioner) explained

John Jones (November 3, 1816 - May 21, 1878) was an African American freedman who settled in Alton, Illinois and then Chicago where he opened a tailoring shop and became a leading campaigner for the rights of African Americans. He eventually became an elected official.[1] [2]

Jones was born in Greene County, North Carolina. He was a leading activist against Black Laws, discrimination, segregation, and for suffrage and civil rights. He was a civic leader, political appointee, and one of the first elected African American officials in Chicago: he was elected a Cook County commissioner in 1871, and re-elected for a three-year term in 1872 .[3]

The Chicago Museum of History has a photograph of Jones as well as a painted portrait by Aaron E. Darling of Jones.[4] The museum also has a painted portrait of his wife by the same artist.[5] The site of their house is a city landmark.[6]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: John Jones (1817-1879) • BlackPast. Cynthia. Wilson. March 12, 2008.
  2. Web site: Clarke House Museum: John Jones and the Illinois Black Laws. Clarke House. Museum. February 29, 2012.
  3. Web site: Jones, John | Encyclopedia.com. www.encyclopedia.com.
  4. Web site: Portrait of John Jones :: Museum Collection. digitalcollection.chicagohistory.org.
  5. Web site: Portrait of Mrs. John Jones :: Museum Collection. digitalcollection.chicagohistory.org.
  6. Web site: Chicago Landmarks - Landmark Details. webapps1.chicago.gov.