Jacob Jones

Commodore Jacob Jones (March 1768 - August 3, 1850) was an officer in the United States Navy during the Quasi-War with France, the War of 1812 and the Barbary Wars.

Biography

Jones was born near Smyrna, Delaware. Appointed Midshipman April 10, 1799, he served in "United States" during the quasi-war with France. He was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant in 1801. In 1803 he sailed in frigate "Philadelphia" to the Barbary coast. On October 31, when "Philadelphia" ran aground near Tripoli harbor, Jones was captured by the Tripolitans and held prisoner for 20 months. Upon his return to the United States, he served in "Adams" and "Argus" and on June 4, 1810 took command of sloop "Wasp".

After the outbreak of war with England, "Wasp" defeated the British sloop "Frolic" in a bitter struggle off the Delaware capes on 18 October 1812. Commissioned Captain on March 3, 1813, Jones then commanded "Macedonian" and later in the war rendered valuable service to Commodore Isaac Chauncey on Lake Ontario.

Upon the return of peace with England, he again commanded "Macedonian", joined the Mediterranean Squadron under Commodore Stephen Decatur, and took part in the Second Barbary War. Captain Jones assumed command of the Mediterranean Squadron in 1821; he commanded the USS Constitution from 1 April 1821 to 31 May 1824 and, in 1824, he was appointed to the Board of Navy Commissioners. Two years later, he became commander of the U.S. Naval Forces in the Pacific.

At the time of his death, August 3, 1850, Commodore Jones was the commandant of the Naval Asylum in Philadelphia. He was buried at Cecilton, Maryland, but reinterred in Wilmington and Brandywine Cemetery, with distinguished honors.

Namesakes

Three ships, USS "Jacob Jones", have been named for him.

References

:DANFS

External links

*findagrave|7001117 Retrieved on 2008-03-31
* [http://www.history.navy.mil/photos/pers-us/uspers-j/ja-jones.htm NHC Biography and Photographs]

Persondata
NAME= Jones, Jacob
ALTERNATIVE NAMES=
SHORT DESCRIPTION=U.S. Navy officer
DATE OF BIRTH=March 1768
PLACE OF BIRTH=Smyrna, Delaware
DATE OF DEATH=August 3, 1850
PLACE OF DEATH=Philadelphia, Pennsylvania