Daniel Webster Jones (governor)

Daniel Webster Jones (1830-1915) was an American politician and lawyer who served as the 9th Governor of Arkansas from 1881 to 1885.

Born in Washington County, Arkansas, Jones received his early education in local schools before attending Cane Hill College. He studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1860.

During the American Civil War, Jones served in the Confederate Army, rising to the rank of lieutenant colonel. Following the war, he resumed his legal practice and entered politics.

Jones served as a prosecuting attorney and in the Arkansas House of Representatives. As governor, he focused on economic development, particularly promoting agriculture and attracting industry to the state. He also advocated for improvements in education and infrastructure. His administration was generally considered progressive for its time, although it faced challenges related to racial tensions and economic inequality.

After leaving the governorship, Jones continued his legal practice and remained active in Arkansas politics. He died in Little Rock, Arkansas in 1915. His legacy is primarily associated with his relatively brief but influential term as governor during a period of significant change in Arkansas's history.