Robert McDonald Jones

Background

Robert McDonald was born on October 1, 1808, in the Choctaw territory (Southern Mississippi), United States. Little is known about his early life.

Education

Robert was educated at the Choctaw Academy in Blue Springs, Kentucky, where he received a diploma signed by future Vice President Richard Mentor Johnson.

Career

During the removal of Choctaws to Indian Territory Robert McDonald Jones accepted a contract and worked as a translator for the United States to the tribe. He also led a removal party that included a large party of livestock. After removal, Jones opened several trading posts along the Red River.

In addition to stores, Jones ran several large plantations, growing cotton, and several other crops.

In 1849, Jones exported 700 bales of cotton, which he shipped to New Orleans in one of his two Steamships ("RM Jones" and "Frances"). Jones built two sprawling mansions on his plantations Lake West and Rose Hill, complete with luxurious furnishings from around the world.

According to the 1860 census, Jones owned over 230 slaves, though some have argued that he owned as many as 500. At the outbreak of the Civil War, Jones argued vehemently for secession and an alliance between the Choctaws and Confederacy.

He represented the Choctaw nation in the First Confederate Congress from 1862 to 1864.

Following the War, he served as a Choctaw delegate in Washington District of Columbia in negotiating the Treaty of 1866 between the Choctaws and the United States. However, he refused to sign the treaty and left before it was complete. Unfortunately, Rose Hill later burned, destroying much of his letters and papers.

Achievements

• Robert McDonald Jones was known as the Choctaw representative in the House of the Confederate States of America. He was a half-breed Indian and a wealthy farmer who owned more than two hundred slaves. Jones also owned a number of general stores.

Connections

Robert Jones was married to Susan Miller Colbert. They had four children.

Wife:

Susan Miller Colbert Jones

1810-1860

Son:

George W. Jones

1840-1845

Son:

Henry E. Jones

1864-1864

Son:

Jimmie Jones

1866-1866

Son:

Frank Jones

1867-1867

References

• Biographical Dictionary of the Confederacy
  1977