George W. Jones

George Wallace Jones (April 12, 1804 - July 22, 1896) was one of the first two United States Senators to represent the state of Iowa after it was admitted to the Union as a state in 1846. Prior to his service as a Senator, Jones represented the Territory of Michigan in Congress from 1835 until 1837, when he became a delegate from the Territory of Wisconsin, which was formed from a portion of the Michigan Territory. He continued to represent the Territory of Wisconsin until 1839.

Jones was a member of the Democratic party and served in the Senate from 1848 to 1859, and was unsuccessful in an attempt to be renominated.

Jones was appointed as Minister Resident of the United States to New Granada in 1859. Upon returning to the United States in 1861, Jones was arrested by order of Secretary of State William Seward on the charge of disloyalty, based upon correspondence with his friend Jefferson Davis. Jones was held for sixty-four days, until he was released by order of President Abraham Lincoln.

Jones County, Iowa was named in honor of George W. Jones.

External link

• Congressional Biography