Feb 26

Feb 26 Working With Franklin - Noble Wimberly Jones Gets Shut Down

Noble Wimberly Jones was one of the earliest Patriot leaders in Revolutionary Georgia.

His securing the position of Representative for the colony to Benjamin Franklin became an important issue that pushed Georgia toward independence.

Essentially, Franklin’s brief association with Georgia helped ignite the Revolutionary Spirit within the colony.

Noble Wimberly Jones

Noble Wimberly Jones was just a child when his family immigrated to North America as part of the original group of Georgia’s settlers.

In 1755, Jones was elected to the Upper House of the Colonial Assembly. Serving alongside his father, he would continue in this position for the next twenty years.

By 1768, despite his support of the Stamp Act Congress, Noble was chosen as Speaker of the House.

Working With Franklin

Shortly after his selection as Speaker, Jones played an important role in Georgia’s appointment of Benjamin Franklin as the colony’s representative to Parliament.

Franklin was already the agent for Pennsylvania and Delaware so his nomination is not surprising.

As Speaker, Jones corresponded regularly with Franklin for several years.

Holding Up The House

Over time, Noble Wimberly Jones had grown unfavorable in the eyes of Georgia’s Royal Governor.

In a very divided colonial government, almost two years went by in the early 1770’s where a regular session was not held. This is due to strong resistance against Jones’ position as Speaker.

He was simply too radical for the Governor as well as many of the leaders.

This hold up also led to a lapse in Franklin’s commission as colonial agent.

The Revolution Begins

When the Revolutionary War began, it should not be surprising that Jones sided with the Patriots.

Noble was chosen as a Delegate for the Continental Congress but declined to attend in order to contribute to local issues and tend to his ailing father.

He did, however, serve as a member of the Georgia Committee of Safety where he assisted in the operation of the war in the Southern Department.

POW

Jones was a member of the State Senate when the British captured Savannah.

Noble evacuated to Charleston where he returned to public life and practiced medicine.

The following year, the Redcoats also took Charleston and Jones was taken prisoner. He went with the rest of the captives to Florida where he spent the remainder of the Revolution.

After his release, Noble was again elected to the position of Speaker.

He finished his career by sitting as Chairman of the Convention which created Georgia’s 1795 Constitution.

Here are some other HILARIOUS STORIES featuring BEN FRANKLIN:

Poor Richard’s Hoax - Making Ben Franklin Famous

5 Strange Facts About Benjamin Franklin

The French Mourn Franklin - And Hilarity Ensues

Although Jones does not have a biography, his home does.

‘Wormslow’ is an historical reflection on the Jones property.

Pick up a copy through the Amazon affiliate link below (you’ll support this site, but don’t worry, Amazon pays me while your price stays the same).