Alfred Daniel Jones


Alfred Daniel Jones was a politician in North Carolina who served for 4 months as United States Consul General in Shanghai before his death in office.

Early life

Jones was born July 3, 1857, in Raleigh, North Carolina He studied law at the University of North Carolina and worked as both a lawyer and planter. He also served as county treasurer and a member of the North Carolina State Legislature.

Diplomatic career

In 1893, Jones was nominated for the position of United States Consul-General in Shanghai, China by President Grover Cleveland. He had the support of both senators from his state and was urged by Congressman Benjamin H. Bunn of his district. He took up his office in August 1893.

Insanity and death

Jones became insane in November 1893 in Shanghai. On November 24, 1893 he handed over the charge of the US Consulate General in Shanghai to Vice-Consul William Delaney Hunter. He was put on the Saikyō Maru to be returned to America. After changing ships in Japan, on board the SS City of Rio de Janeiro, he became violent and had to be restrained with manacles. He raved incessantly for a number of days before dying.
His funeral was conducted at the Methodist Episcopal Church in Cary, North Carolina and his body interred at his family estate "White Plains". His grave is now at Hillcrest Cemetery in Cary.