The Men of Lafayette, 1826-1893
Lafayette College, Its History, Its Men, Their Record
Selden J. Coffin1891
Easton
Hon. Joel Jones, LL.D., was a native of Connecticut, born in Coventry,
October 26th, 1795. At the age of fifteen he went to Hebron and engaged in
business with his uncle. It soon became evident, however, that this mode
of life was not suited to his intellectual tastes and aspirations. In the
midst of his work he prepared for Yale, where he as admitted to the Freshman
class in 1813. After graduating with high honor, he commenced the study of
law with the late Judge Bristol of New Haven, and afterwards finished at the Law
School in Litchfield. After completion of his studies, he resided for a
short time in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., whence he removed, in 1822, to Easton. He
rose rapidly at the bar, acquiring a wide reputation for learning and
ability. He was appointed by Governor Wolf one of the three Commissioners
to revise the laws of Pennsylvania. In 1834 he removed to Philadelphia,
and became President Judge of one of the city Courts. From this post he
was called to the Presidency of Girard College, and was afterwards elected Mayor
of the city of Philadelphia. He died February 3d, 1860.
Judge Jones was a man of fervent piety and of remarkable attainments in
various fields of learning, in theology and biblical criticism, in languages
Oriental, ancient and modern, as well as in jurisprudence.
Jones
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