Harry Jones

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Harry Jones in 1903
Harry Jones in 1910

Harry Jones (born January 12, 1859 in Knoxville, Tennessee; died June 11, 1935 in Birmingham) was a salesman for the Moore-Handley Hardware Co. and member of the Birmingham Board of Aldermen.

Jones was the son of John S. and Mary E. Plumbee Jones of Tennessee. He was an early resident of Birmingham, and handled Moore-Handley's Cullman accounts beginning with that's city's founding in 1878, and for the next 56 years. He was married to the former Bertha Ruffner of West Virginia.

Jones was first elected Alderman during David Fox's administration in 18921894. He returned to the board, representing the 8th Ward, during Mel Drennen's administration in 18991901, and chaired the Board's Fire and Water Committee. The Southside Fire Company's "Harry Jones" fire engine, acquired in 1901, was named in his honor.

Jones was re-elected as one of the 8th ward's two representatives in 1903, and continued to serve the administrations of George Ward and Frank O'Brien. As president of the Board, Jones served as acting Mayor of Birmingham for less than a month following O'Brien's death on September 10, 1910 and the swearing-in of Culpepper Exum on October 5 of the same year.

Jones died at home in 1935 and is buried at Oak Hill Cemetery.

Preceded by:
Frank O'Brien
Mayor of Birmingham
September 10, 1910October 5, 1910
Succeeded by:
Culpepper Exum

References

  • "Harry Jones Becomes Mayor This Morning." (September 10, 1910) Birmingham Age-Herald
  • "Harry Jones, pioneer salesman, passed Tuesday." (June 20, 1935) Cullman Democrat
  • LaMonte, Edward Shannon (1995) Politics and Welfare in Birmingham, 1900—1975. Tuscaloosa: University of Alabama Press ISBN 0817307540

External links