Robert McDonald Jones facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Robert M. Jones
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| Delegate to the C.S. House of Representatives from the Choctaw and Chickasaw's at-large district |
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| In office February 18, 1862 – February 18, 1864 |
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| Preceded by | Constituency established |
| Succeeded by | Constituency abolished |
| Personal details | |
| Born | October 1, 1808 Choctaw Nation (present-day Mississippi, U.S.) |
| Died | February 22, 1872 (aged 63) Hugo, Indian Territory |
| Resting place | Rose Hill, Oklahoma, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
Robert McDonald Jones (born October 1, 1808 – died February 22, 1872) was an important Choctaw leader. He was a senator for the Choctaw Nation. He also became a well-known politician in the Confederacy.
Robert Jones was born in Mississippi. Later, he moved to what was then called Indian Territory. He went to school at the Choctaw Academy in Kentucky. There, he earned a diploma. A future Vice President, Richard Mentor Johnson, signed his diploma.
Contents
Early Life and Moving West
Robert Jones helped his people during a big change. When the Choctaws moved to Indian Territory, he worked as a translator. He helped the United States government talk with the tribe. He also led a group of Choctaw people and their animals during this move.
Setting Up New Businesses
After moving, Jones started many businesses. He opened several trading posts. These stores were located along the Red River. Besides stores, he also ran large farms called plantations. On these farms, he grew cotton and other crops.
Cotton and Steamships
Jones was very successful in business. In 1849, he sent 700 large bundles of cotton to New Orleans. He used his own two steamships for this. The ships were named "RM Jones" and "Frances." He built two grand homes on his farms. These homes were called Lake West and Rose Hill. They had fancy furniture from all over the world. His large farms relied on the labor of many people.
Political Role During the Civil War
When the Civil War began, Robert Jones strongly supported the Confederacy. He believed the Choctaw Nation should join with the Confederate States. He served as a representative for the Choctaw Nation. He was part of the First Confederate Congress from 1862 to 1864.
After the War
After the Civil War ended, Jones continued his political work. He was a Choctaw delegate in Washington D.C. He helped negotiate a treaty between the Choctaws and the United States. This was called the Treaty of 1866. However, he chose not to sign the treaty. He left before it was finished.
Later Years and Legacy
Robert McDonald Jones passed away in 1872. He died from a sickness called malaria. He was buried near his Rose Hill estate. Some of his young children, who had died earlier, were also buried there. His second wife, Susan Colbert Jones, was buried beside him too.
Sadly, the Rose Hill home later burned down. Many of his important letters and papers were lost in the fire. In 1933, the Oklahoma Historical Society honored his burial site. They added a brick wall using stones from his old house.
