William Martin Jones papers

William Martin Jones was born in Manlius, New York, on July 24, 1841. His father, Thomas P. Jones, was a native of South Wales, and his mother, Lodoiska Butler, was born at Crown Point, New York. In his early years, Jones and his family moved to Knowlesville, New York, where he spent his childhood. When the Civil War began, Jones’ intent to attend Yale College was disrupted by his meeting with Edwin D. Morgan, the war governor of New York, leading to the Jones' placement in a two-year position as Morgan’s private secretary while he was United States senator. In 1864, Jones became the private secretary to William H. Seward, then Secretary of State, and to his son, Frederick W. Seward. His efficiency in this position led to his promotion to the position of chief clerk of the Consular Bureau in the State Department. During this time, Jones wrote extensively to United States consuls who were stationed all over the world in order to maintain the security of national affairs. In 1865, Jones was present in Ford’s Theatre and sat near President Lincoln shortly before his assassination. After the war ended in 1866, Jones resigned from his position as US chief clerk and was placed by President Johnson as US consul at Clifton, Canada for five years. In 1871, Jones established himself as a lawyer in Rochester, New York, and soon after married Gertrude M. Nicholls (c. 1844-?) of Buffalo, New York, with whom he had three children; Abram, William Martin Jr., and Minnie. Jones was a member of the order of Good Templars and became the Grand Chief Templar of the State of New York in 1879. Jones supported the prohibition party, the implementation of the gold standard, and in 1889 ran for governor of New York. Jones died in Rochester on May 3, 1906.