James McHall Jones

Who was James McHall Jones?

James McHall Jones was a United States federal judge.

Born in Georgetown, Kentucky, Jones read law to enter the bar in 1843. He was in private practice in Plaquemine, Louisiana from 1843 to 1845. He traveled in Paris and Rome from 1845 to 1846, returning to his private practice in Plaquemine from 1846 to 1848, and in San Jose, California from 1849 to 1850. He was the United States Attorney for the Southern District of California in 1850.

On December 23, 1850, Jones was nominated by President Millard Fillmore to a new seat on the United States District Court for the Southern District of California created by 9 Stat. 521. He was confirmed by the United States Senate on December 26, 1850, and received his commission the same day. Jones served in that capacity until his death, in 1851, in San Jose.