Griffith Jones (died 1712) was the fourth mayor of Philadelphia, serving from October 3, 1704, to October 2, 1705.
Jones came to Philadelphia in 1682, where he became an early citizen and prominent Quaker merchant. He was among the 12 resident members of the Society of Free Traders, who bought land primarily from William Penn. He owned the Blue Anchor tavern and many other properties in the city. In 1693, he was the second highest taxpayer in the city.[1]
Jones served in the Assembly and was named Alderman in the city charter in 1701. He had a country home built around 1687 near Wingohocking Creek east of Germantown. He originally owned 500 acres in Bristol Township. Church Street in Philadelphia east of Second Street was originally named Jones Alley after him.
Jones was first elected Mayor in 1703, but refused to serve citing his country residence outside the city limits. Nevertheless, he was assessed a fine of twenty pounds.[2] Upon being elected again in October 1704, he accepted the office but asked that the fine be forgiven, which request was granted.[3]James Logan, although not a fan of Jones, said Jones was "the best Magistrate Philadelphia ever had in my time, of any kind."[1]
In about 1706, Jones married Elizabeth Robinson, widow of Patrick Robinson (died 1701). After the marriage, he moved into her home on Market Street and bought out stepson Peter Robinson's rights to that house and some other properties.[1] Jones' only son was publicly disowned by the Philadelphia Quaker Meeting, which caused Jones to leave the group[1]
Jones died in 1712 "of a weakness owing chiefly to old age".[2][4]
References
^ abcdToogood, Anna Coxe. Historic Resource Study - Independence Mall, The 18th Century Development, Block One, Chestnut to Market, Fifth to Sixth Streets (August 2001)
^ abMemorial History of the City of Philadelphia, Vol. 1, pp. 184-85 (1895)
griffith, jones, mayor, griffith, jones, died, 1712, fourth, mayor, philadelphia, serving, from, october, 1704, october, 1705, jones, came, philadelphia, 1682, where, became, early, citizen, prominent, quaker, merchant, among, resident, members, society, free,. Griffith Jones died 1712 was the fourth mayor of Philadelphia serving from October 3 1704 to October 2 1705 Jones came to Philadelphia in 1682 where he became an early citizen and prominent Quaker merchant He was among the 12 resident members of the Society of Free Traders who bought land primarily from William Penn He owned the Blue Anchor tavern and many other properties in the city In 1693 he was the second highest taxpayer in the city 1 Jones served in the Assembly and was named Alderman in the city charter in 1701 He had a country home built around 1687 near Wingohocking Creek east of Germantown He originally owned 500 acres in Bristol Township Church Street in Philadelphia east of Second Street was originally named Jones Alley after him Jones was first elected Mayor in 1703 but refused to serve citing his country residence outside the city limits Nevertheless he was assessed a fine of twenty pounds 2 Upon being elected again in October 1704 he accepted the office but asked that the fine be forgiven which request was granted 3 James Logan although not a fan of Jones said Jones was the best Magistrate Philadelphia ever had in my time of any kind 1 In about 1706 Jones married Elizabeth Robinson widow of Patrick Robinson died 1701 After the marriage he moved into her home on Market Street and bought out stepson Peter Robinson s rights to that house and some other properties 1 Jones only son was publicly disowned by the Philadelphia Quaker Meeting which caused Jones to leave the group 1 Jones died in 1712 of a weakness owing chiefly to old age 2 4 References Edit a b c d Toogood Anna Coxe Historic Resource Study Independence Mall The 18th Century Development Block One Chestnut to Market Fifth to Sixth Streets August 2001 a b Memorial History of the City of Philadelphia Vol 1 pp 184 85 1895 Anderson s Appeal 1906 court decision The Griffith Jones House The Library Company of Philadelphia Retrieved 7 March 2022External links EditThe Griffith Jones HousePreceded byAnthony Morris I Mayor of Philadelphia1704 1705 Succeeded byJoseph Willcox This article about a mayor in Pennsylvania is a stub You can help Wikipedia by expanding it vte Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title Griffith Jones mayor amp oldid 1144733858, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,
