John Jones

Who was John Jones?

John Jones was an English merchant and politician who sat in the House of Commons at various times between 1656 and 1679. He fought for the Parliamentary cause in the English Civil War.

Jones was born in the parish of St Chad, Shrewsbury and was educated at the Shrewsbury grammar school. He went to London in 1629 and was a member of the Worshipful Company of Grocers by 1633. In 1640 he was ranked in the third class of "able inhabitants". In 1641 he was a member, Honourable Artillery Company. He was a militant Presbyterian and served as captain of militia for London during the Civil War. He was a common councilman from 1645 to 1647, elder of 7th class in 1646 and commissioner for militia 1647. In 1647, he was in favour of a negotiated settlement with the King, and was put under arrest.

In 1656, in spite of holding no company nor municipal office, Jones was elected Member of Parliament for City of London for the Second Protectorate Parliament. He was re-elected MP for London in 1659 for the Third Protectorate Parliament. In January 1660, he was commissioner for assessment for Middlesex.