John Price Jones

(1851-1893)

BIOGRAPHY.

Councillor J P Jones was the eldest son of the late Mr. Daniel Jones J.P., of Cardiff. and nephew of Alderman David Jones, of Richmond Road, Cardiff. He was a native of the town, and received his education at the academy of the late Mr. Trice, of Charles-Street, Cardiff. Although a comparatively young man, having attained his 42nd birthday In December last, he had for many years taken a most active part in the social and political affairs of the borough. After leaving school he entered the drawing-offices of his father's firm, and at this time was one of the most prominent students at the local science and art schools. Subsequently, he set up on his own account as architect and surveyor, and during the past ten years designed some of the most important and palatial buildings in Cardiff. Amongst these may be mentioned the Market-buildings, Severn Road and Saltmead Board Schools, the High Street and Wyndham Arcades, the new portion of Messrs. Howell and Co.'s drapery establishment in St. Mary Street, the whole of Messrs. Howell's premises In Trinity Street, and the last, but by no means least, of his undertakings were the extensive alterations and additions now being carried on in connection with the Royal Hotel and Queen's Hotel, Cardiff. Mr Jones's reputation as an architect was not, however, confined to Cardiff, as he was from time to time entrusted with commissions of more or less importance in various parts of Glamorganshire, and we believe we are correct in stating that a short time before his death he was instructed to prepare plans for the reconstruction of, and additions to, the drapery premises of Messrs. Ben Evans and Co., of Temple Street, Swansea. In politics he was, like his father, a staunch Liberal, but his broad-mindedness and honourable dealings in political matters gained for him the esteem and goodwill of all his political opponents. At the last county council election he contested one of the divisions of Penarth with Mr. H. O. Fisher, and was returned by a substantial majority. He was one of the leading members of the now defunct Reform Club, and during the last general election worked vigorously to secure the return of Sir E. J. Read as member for Cardiff. From boyhood he had been an active sympathiser with all sorts of field sports, and made a reputation for himself as a cricketer. He was one of the first, and certainly not the least prominent, members of the old Science and Art Cricket Club, which was established about 23 years ago in connection with the science and art schools of the town ; and from that club came some of the best of the local cricketers of later years. Until about four or five years ago he occupied the position of captain of the Cardiff Cricket Club, and latterly acted as treasurer. Of this club he was practically the mainstay, and it was brought into its present prosperous condition mainly through his efforts. Twenty years ago he played with the South Wales team against the Sussex Cricket Club, and rendered yeoman service at the wicket. He was also one of the players in the Bute Household v. All England cricket match in 1874, which was played on the Bute Grounds, in Cooper's Field, and in his day was looked upon as one of the foremost cricketers in the county. Although not a football player himself, be was an ardent admirer of the game, and followed the struggles of local football teams with the keenest interest. He was treasurer of the Cardiff Football Club, and was an active supporter of the Penarth Cricket and Football Club. His position in the football world may be judged from the fact that he was the president of between thirty and forty local clubs. He was also one of the beat amateur swimmers of South Wales, and the principal supporter of the Cardiff Homing Society, most of the birds now flown in this district being from his strain. In the year 1876 ha married Miss Mary Stowe, second daughter of Mr. G. S. Stowe, shipowner, of the King's Castle, Canton, now living retired at Penarth. A numerous family, all the members of which, with one exception, are living, resulted from the union. Mr Jones's friends were legion, and his genial face and cheery voice will be sadly missed in many a Cardiff circle. By his old "chums" he was familiarly addressed as "Johnnie." and his death has plunged all his acquaintances into the deepest sorrow. " Johnnie" Jones had a generous and a warm heart, and no charitable appeal was ever made to him in vain.

THE FUNERAL.

It is gratifying to be able to announce that the deceased gentleman had made ample provision t his family in case of death. He had years effected an insurance on his life of about £10,000. Mr. Jones leaves a widow and ten children, the eldest seventeen and the youngest a baby in arms. The date of the funeral has not yet been definitely fixed, but in all probability it will take place on Thursday at the Cardiff New Cemetery. It likely that, yielding to the general wish, the funeral will be made public.

SOURCE: Evening Express 23 January 1893

JP Jones was architect for the Wyndham Arcade & the High Street Arcade, Cardiff.

He was also the architect of the Grand Hotel/Theatre in Westgate Street.