Robert Taylor Jones

Robert Taylor Jones ( born February 8, 1884 in Rutledge, Grainger County, Tennessee, † June 11, 1958 in Phoenix, Arizona ) was an American politician (Democratic Party) and 1939-1941 Governor of the State of Arizona.

Early years and political rise

He was a self-taught engineer with professional experience in various construction projects in Mexico, Nevada, and the Panama Canal. In 1909 he moved to Arizona, where he worked on some short routes for railways. He also founded the Jones Drug Company, which grew into a chain of stores across the country over time. Jones decided in 1930 to pursue a career in politics when he was elected to the Senate from Arizona, where he remained until 1938.

Governor of Arizona

On November 8, 1939 Jones was elected governor of Arizona, and sworn in on January 2, 1939. During his tenure, the Office of State Historian and the Office of State Librarian were combined and passed a minimum wage law for workers in public works. Furthermore, the parole and pardons for convicts with rigid guidelines was regulated. He decided not to stand again for election for governor, and left it on 6 January 1941.

Further CV

Jones returned to his various enterprises. He managed 1951-1953 the Arizona Office of Price Stabilization. Robert Jones died on 11 June 1958, and was buried in Phoenix. He was married to Elon Armstrong. The couple had three children together.