Jones, David (1)

Jones, David (1), a Baptist minister, was born in White Clay Creek Hundred, Newcastle Co., Del., May 12, 1736. In 1758 he was converted, and soon after determined to improve his education, which had been somewhat neglected. He entered Hopewell School, and remained there three years, eagerly pursuing the study of the classic languages. In 1761 he became a licentiate, and was regularly ordained pastor in 1767 to the church at Freehold, Monmouth Co., New Jersey. In 1772 he removed to enter upon the missionary work among the Indians in Ohio. But he failed so utterly in these efforts that after the lapse of two years he returned again to his former charge. In the Revolutionary War he served as chaplain, and only resumed the regular work of the ministry at the close of the war. In 1786 he became pastor at Southampton, Pa. In 1794 he again entered the army, this time at the special request of general Wayne. He also served as chaplain during the War of 1812. He died in Chester Co., Pa., Feb. 5, 1820. See Sprague, Annals Am. Pulpit, 6, 85 sq.