John Jones (county commissioner)

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

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