Alfred Daniel Jones

Jones was born in Wake County, North Carolina, the son of Mary Elizabeth Courts and Wesley Jones. His paternal grandfather was Nathaniel Jones who arrived in the area of what is now eastern Cary, North Carolina around 1775 and owned 10,461 acres, including his White Plains plantation. His maternal grandfather was Daniel D. Courts, Esq. While there, he was a member of the Dialectic Society. At commencement on June 7, 1877, he gave a speech about the importance of normal institutes called "The Teacher Must be Taught," receiving applause several times during the speech. According to The Observer, he was "congratulated and complimented by a number of prominent gentlemen" after his speech. == Career ==

Jones was both a lawyer and planter. He advertised that he could work in all of North Carolina's courts. Jones demonstrated "skill and tact" as he questioned the witnesses. There offices were in over the clerk's offices in the Court House in Raleigh. In November 1884, Jones was elected Wake County Treasurer, defeating his opponent John B. Neathery by 4,742 votes to 4,279 votes. As county treasurer, he was bonded for $130,000—$66,000 from Wake County and $64,000 from the State. Jones was a member of the original Watauga Club which was organized in Raleigh in May 1894 by young professionals who wanted to look toward the future of North Carolina, rather than obsessing about the past. One of their efforts was a successful campaign to create the North Carolina College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts (now North Carolina State University). His nomination was supported by both senators from his state and Congressman Benjamin H. Bunn of his district. He took up his office in August 1893. On November 24, 1893, he handed over the charge of the Consulate General to Vice-Consul William Delaney Hunter. == Oratory ==

While at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Jones gained a reputation for oratory and was selected to speak at commencement in 1877. On May 17, 1888, he gave the literary address for the commencement services at Bule's Creek Academy in Harnett County. ==Personal life==

In 1880, Jones lived in Cary, North Carolina. Around November 24, 1893, Jones was put on the Saikyō Maru to be returned to America with hopes of improving his health. In Japan, he changed ships to the steamer SS City of Rio de Janeiro. His grave is now at Hillcrest Cemetery in Cary. == References ==