John Jones (Carmarthenshire MP)

John Jones
Born	1812 Near Llandovery, Carmarthenshire, Wales
Died	1886-02-28
Occupation(s)	Banker, politician
Years active	1839–1880 (banking and politics)
Known for	Conservative Party MP for Carmarthenshire (1868–1880)

John Jones (1812 – 28 February 1886) was a Welsh banker and politician affiliated with the Conservative Party.

Early life

He was born close to Llandovery in Carmarthenshire as the third son of John and Mary Jones. Although he was called to the bar at Middle Temple, he never practiced law professionally. In 1842, he wed Anne Thomas, daughter of Major David Thomas of Wellfield House, Radnorshire. His primary residence was the family estate Blaenôs in Llandovery, complemented by a London townhouse located in St James's. Jones held the office of High Sheriff of Carmarthenshire in 1854 and also served as a justice of the peace and deputy lieutenant for the county.

Banking

The banking enterprise originated with his grandfather, David Jones, who established a bank in Llandovery in 1799. After David Jones's death in 1839, John together with his older brothers David and William took over and further developed the firm known as David Jones & Company.

Member of parliament

In 1868, John's elder brother David Jones, who was one of two parliamentary representatives for Carmarthenshire, stepped down due to failing health. John was chosen to retain the seat on behalf of the Conservative Party and secured election at the 1868 general election. He maintained this position without opposition until 1880, when he was defeated by Liberal candidate Walter Powell during the 1880 general election.

Death

In his later years, Jones experienced a rapid decline in health but persisted with daily walks to Llandovery, approximately one and a half miles from his home. After returning from one such walk, he suddenly collapsed and died in a field; the cause of death was identified as heart disease.