Benjamin Franklin Jones (industrialist)

Not to be confused with Benjamin Franklin Jones (New Jersey politician).

Benjamin Franklin Jones (August 8, 1824 – May 19, 1903) was a pioneer of the iron and steel industry in Pittsburgh, United States.^[1] Originally involved in the river barge industry, he purchased a share in American Iron Works in 1851, along with Bernard Lauth.^[2] He later joined with James H. Laughlin to form Jones and Laughlin Steel Company, a steel mill heavily dependent on river transportation. The B.F. Jones Memorial Library in Aliquippa Pennsylvania, the site of J&L Steel's Aliquippa Works, was built in his honor with funds donated by his daughter.

Benjamin Jones
Chair of the Republican National Committee
In office June 6, 1884 – July 12, 1888
Preceded by	Dwight M. Sabin
Succeeded by	Matt Quay
Personal details
Born	Benjamin Franklin Jones, Sr. (1824-08-08)August 8, 1824 Claysville, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Died	May 19, 1903(1903-05-19) (aged 78) Allegheny City, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Political party	Republican
Spouse	Mary McMasters
Children	1
Signature

Biography

He was born on August 8, 1824, in Claysville, Pennsylvania. He married Mary McMasters and together they had a son, Benjamin Franklin Jones Jr. From 1884 to 1888 he was chairman of the Republican National Committee. He died on May 19, 1903, in Allegheny City, Pennsylvania.

Legacy

He was executor of Laughlin's estate.^[3]

Politics

As chairman of the Republican National Committee from 1884 to 1888, he was responsible for the James G. Blaine presidential campaign during the 1884 United States presidential election, in which Blaine was defeated by Grover Cleveland.

See also

• Benjamin Franklin Jones Cottage
• B. F. Jones House

References

1. "Family's Fourth". Time (April 13). April 13, 1936. Archived from the original on October 25, 2012. Retrieved August 9, 2008.
2. Swank, James Moore, ed. (1902). "Death of Hon. B.F. Jones". Statistics of the American and foreign iron trades for 1902. Annual statistical report of the American Iron and Steel Association. American Iron and Steel Association. Philadelphia: Allen, Lane & Scott. pp. 9–10. OCLC 7450172.
3. "They want the road sold" (PDF). The New York Times. Pittsburgh. February 2, 1890. p. 2. Retrieved December 6, 2021.

Party political offices
Preceded by Dwight M. Sabin	Chair of the Republican National Committee 1884–1888	Succeeded by Matt Quay