John George Jones
John George Jones | |
|---|---|
| Born | September 18, 1849 |
| Died | June 7, 1914 (aged 64) |
| Occupation | American lawyer |
John George Jones (September 18, 1849 – June 7, 1914)[1] was an African-American lawyer, and state legislator in Chicago, Illinois who advocated for civil rights.
Biography
Jones was Born in Ithaca, New York on September 18, 1849. His family relocated to Chicago in 1856. Jones studied law and was admitted to the Illinois bar on March 24, 1881. Known as "Indignation" Jones, due to his assertiveness as he fought for civil rights in the state of Illinois, he practiced criminal law in his Chicago, Illinois office located at 191 Clark Street.[2] He served in the Illinois House of Representatives for the 5th District of Cook County from 1901 to 1903.[3] Jones died on June 7, 1914, and was interred at the Oakwood Cemetery in Chicago.
Freemasonry
He was a very active Prince Hall Freemason and received the 33rd degree.[4][5] However after failing to be elected as Sovereign Grand Commander, the leader of the United Supreme Council of the Scottish Rite in Prince Hall Freemasonry, he created his own Supreme Council.[5] Ultimately, this led to his expulsion from the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Illinois in 1904.[5]
In 2002, the General Grand Masonic Congress dedicated a memorial wall to him Oakwood Cemetery where he is buried.[1]
See also
References
- ^ a b In Memoriam: The John G. Jones Memorial Wall
- ^ Michigan Law Journal Volume 5 1896
- ^ Williams, Erma Brooks (2008). Political Empowerment of Illinois' African-American State Lawmakers from 1877 to 2005. University Press of America. ISBN 9780761840183.
- ^ "John G. Jones". thephylaxis.org. Retrieved 2025-06-16.
- ^ a b c "John G. Jones of Chicago : Thirty-third degree mason. Highest colored mason in the United States". NYPL Digital Collections. Retrieved 2025-06-16.