John
H.
Jones

JOHN H. JONES was born in Queen Anne's County MD in 1809, and moved to Philadelphia at the age of 14, where he learned printing. He went into business for himself, and got into the business of publishing newspapers. His papers supported anti-immigration "Native American" principles, and were very popular in the Camden area. He moved to Camden and became the leader of the American Party.

John Jones was an unsuccessful candidate for Congress in 1858, and for Camden County Sheriff in 1859. He served as a freeholder from Camden's Seventh Ward. In 1870 he took control of the Camden Democrat, and revived the fortunes of that newspaper.

After defeating Henry H. Bonsall in the mayoral elections of 1874, John H. Jones succeeded Samuel Gaul as mayor. John H. Jones died before the completion of his term, on October 27, 1876. He was succeeded by John Morgan.

During the mayoral term of John H. Jones, Camden's second City Hall was completed, Cooper Hospital was incorporated on March 24, 1875, under the name of Camden Hospital, and Camden took part in the Centennial celebration of 1876.

The History of Camden County New Jersey
George Reeser Prowell - 1886

1861- THE FIRST WAR MEETING IN CAMDEN

On the 16th of April, 1861, three days after the Confederates fired upon Fort Sumter, at the entrance of Charleston Harbor, a large number of loyal and patriotic citizens of Camden City and County issued the following vigorous and spirited response to the President's proclamation:

" To the President Of the United States:

"The unparalleled events of the last week have revealed to the citizens of the United States, beyond question or the possibility of a doubt, that peaceful reconciliation upon the form of our Con­stitution is repelled and scorned, and secession means, in the hearts of its supporters, both Trea­son and war against our Country and Nation.

" We, therefore, the undersigned Loyal Citizens of the United States, and inhabitants of the city of Camden, in the State of New Jersey, responding to the proclamation of the President of the United States, hereby declare our unalterable determination to sustain the government in its efforts to maintain the honor, the integrity and the existence of our National Union and the perpetuity of the popular Government, and to redress the wrongs already long enough endured; no differences of political opinion; no badge of diversity upon points of party distinction, shall restrain or withhold us in the devotion of all we have or can command to the vindication of the Constitution, the maintenance of the laws and the defense of the Flag Of our Country."

In response to a call, on the 18th of April an enthusiastic meeting was held in the county court-house, which was formed of a large collection of prominent citizens. The court-room was decorated with flags and mottoes. John W. Mickle was chosen president and Samuel C. Harbert and Thomas G. Rowand secretaries. The president addressed the meeting first and Rev. Mr. Monroe offered a prayer. Hon. Thomas P. Carpenter, Thomas B. Atkinson (mayor) and Joseph Painter were appointed a committee on resolutions. Judge Philip J. Grey addressed the meeting, after which the committee adopted a long series of patriotic resolutions. The Washington Grays, Stockton Cadets and the Zouaves marched into the room and were received with cheers, Samuel Hufty read a resolution which was signed by many persons, who immediately formed the Home Brigade. David M. Chambers, Captain Stafford, Benjamin M. Braker, John H. Jones and E. A. Acton each addressed the meeting. James M. Scovel was then called upon and responded in eloquent terms and with patriotic energy. S. H. Grey offered a resolution, which was adopted, that the City Council and the Freeholders of the county be requested to appropriate money for the equipment of persons who may volunteer in defense of the country, and S. H. Grey, James M. Cassady and Joseph Painter were appointed a committee to look after the interests of the resolution. The meeting continued in session until eleven p.m.

Camden Post-Telegram * September 12, 1904

Philadelphia Inquirer - January 5, 1909

John H. Jones - David W. Belisle - Rudolph W. Burdsall
Camden Fire Insurance Compnayl