John Jones, 1878 - 1881

Jones entered Wolverhampton Council in 1872, becoming mayor in 1878 and sustaining the position for two successive years. During his term of office there was an economic depression, particularly in the iron industry. This led to the closure of works and unemployment. Jones organised a relief fund for food distribution centres and soup kitchens. The Mayoress organised a charitable clothes centre at the Town Hall. An avid believer in philanthropy, Jones provided free concerts in the Agricultural Hall for the working class people of Wolverhampton. He also secured a donation of £8000 from an associate for the building of the Art Gallery: Jones contributed £500 towards its construction; and donated another £500 towards the School of Art. Jones sat on various committees: he held the chairman's position for the Corrugated Iron Company and was governor of both the Grammar School and the General Hospital. He died at Ireton Lodge, Wolverhampton, in 1897.

Obituary Wolverhampton Chronicle 21st July 1897
Funeral Wolverhampton Chronicle 28th July 1897
J Jones The Mayors of Wolverhampton Vol 1 (EJ Rowland, Wolverhampton)
WH Jones 1903 Municipal Life in Wolverhampton (Alexander & Shepherd, London)
Photograph Index - Y1/MAY/1 and OV/54, 55