Jasper County Democrat, Volume 11, Number 10, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 3 June 1908 — JAMWS K. JONES DIES SUDDENLY [ARTICLE]

JAMWS K. JONES DIES SUDDENLY

FORMER ARKANSAS SENATOR EXPIRES IN WASHINGTON. LEADER OF DEMOCRACY Sketch of Hie Career in the Senate and as Manager of William J. Bryan’s Campaigns. Washington, June 2.—Former United States Senator James K. Jones of Arkansas died at his residence here at 5:80 Monday afternoon after an illness of a few hours, aged 69. He was one of the leading Democrats in the senate from 1885 to 1903. and was one of the strongest supporters of William Jennings Bryan, having, as chairman of the Democratie national committee, conducted the campaigns of 1896 and 1900. Since leaving the senate in 1903 he had conducted a law practice in this city and had not actively engaged in politics. On Friday Senator Jones returned from a visit to bls daughter, Mrs. Leonora Carrigan, in Arkansas and Sunday night was apparently enjoying good health. Complaining slightly Monday morning he remained in bed and late in the afternoon died, the Immediate cause of death being heart failure.

Senator Jones’ Career. A native of Mississippi, where he was born in 1839, James Kimbrough Jones received a classical education, and fought as a private soldier in the confederate ranks throughout the civil war. After becoming a resident of Dallas county, Ark., he lived on his plantation there until 1873, when he took up the practice of law. He was elected to the state senate the same year and became president of that body in 1877. Afterward he was elected to the forty-seventh and the two succeeding congresses, and in 1885 succeeded to the seat of James S. Walker in the United States senate, where he served three terms, retiring in 1903.

Senator Jones was a delegate to the national Democratic convention of 1896 which gave Mr, Bryan his first nomination and as chairman of the committee on resolutions he reported the 16 to 1 platform. He was made chairman of the national Democratic committee after the convention and as such conducted both of the Bryan campaigns for the presidency. Party Leader in Senate. In the senate Mr. Jones came forward rapidly as one of the leaders of his party and was for several years chairman of the Democratic caucus. He was a member of the subcommittee on finance which reported the Wilson-Gorman tariff bill and was an earnest advocate of tariff revision. Although not an orator, Mr. Jones was a forceful and-logical speaker and was often heard in debate. Mr. Jones is survived by his widow and three children, Mts. Carrigan of Arkansas, Miss Sue Jones and James K. Jones, Jr., of this city. He will be buried in this city and many of his former colleagues in congress who have not yet left* the city will remain to attend the funeral.