Jones, Charles H. (Charles Henry), 1848-1913

Charles H. Jones was the founder of the Florida Times Union newspaper, originally known as the Florida Times. He is best known as the ghost writer for Bryan's 1892 Democratic Presidential platform, but turned down the nomination as Vice-President with the statement that he was not a politician, but just a country editor.

From the description of Charles H. Jones Papers, 1876-1913. (University of Florida). WorldCat record id: 49930244

Charles Henry Jones (1849-1913) was born in Talbotton, Georgia. Following the Civil War, Jones began a long career in journalism. By the time he was 21, Jones was promoted to editor of Eclectic Magazine . He served as an associate editor of Appleton's Journal, president of the National Editorial Association, as well as a newspaper editor and owner of The Florida Times-Union, The St. Louis Republic, The St. Louis Dispatch and The New York World .

Jones also played an active role in politics as head of the Florida Democratic Party. He was instrumental in drafting three Democratic national platforms in 1888, 1892 and 1896. He served in an advisory role to Democratic leaders, such as William Jennings Bryan. In 1897 Jones retired from journalism. Soon thereafter he purchased several trade magazines and formed the Lockwood Trade Journal, which his brother managed. Jones spent much of his remaining years traveling abroad with his family.

For additional information, please refer to the book Charles H. Jones, Journalist and Politician of the Gilded Age by Thomas Graham, Florida A and M University Press, Tallahassee, 1990. Researchers may also consult Thomas Graham's 1973 UF Thesis, Charles H. Jones, 1848-1913: Editor and Progressive Democrat .

From the guide to the Charles H. Jones Papers, 1876-1913, (Special and Area Studies Collections, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida)