John Buttrick Jones

John Buttrick Jones was one of the five founders of the Delphic Society at the University of Rochester. John relocated from Madison University (today Colgate University) to become one of the first students at Rochester. While at Madison, he was a member of the Adelphian Society. 

John B. Jones was a dedicated advocate for the Cherokee Nation. John assisted his father, Evan Jones, a prominent Baptist missionary, with helping the Cherokee people learn English and become Christians. Their lifelong commitment to the advancement of the Native Americans was chronicled in a book entitled, "Champions of the Cherokees: Evan and John B. Jones." 

John Buttrick Jones was born on December 24, 1824, in Valleytown, North Carolina. He grew up with the Cherokee people and spoke Cherokee fluently. John graduated from the University of Rochester in 1855 and was ordained to the Baptist ministry on July 14, 1855. He married Jennie M. Smith in October 1855. 

According to the Gateway to Oklahoma History, Evan Jones and his son John were highly influential in the political concerns of the Cherokee Nation from 1839 to 1867. Their influence was exercised purposefully and for the best interest of the tribe. 

Reverend John B. Jones was the dominant spirit in forming the Keetoowah Society in 1859 and in directing its activities. The organization, composed mostly of full-blood Cherokees, became a potent factor in the political affairs of the Cherokee Nation for many years. One of the early principles of the society was the abolition of slavery.

Rev. John B. Jones served as chaplain of the Third Regiment of Indian Home Guards, a Cherokee regiment in the Union Army in the Civil War, and, as a delegate for the Cherokees, signed the Treaty of Washington on July 9, 1866.

The Cherokees were so indebted to the work of the father and son Jones that they and their families were admitted into full tribal membership by an act of the Cherokee Council in 1868.

On January 2, 1871, John Buttrick Jones was sworn in as federal agent to the Cherokee Nation. He was appointed to this role by United States President Ulysses S. Grant. 

Rev. John B. Jones died on June 13, 1876, in Denver, Colorado.