Charles Lucian Jones, known as Lucian Jones, was very active in the Huntsville Community. His official profession was as a blacksmith and laborer, but he became very involved in political activities. He served as an alderman for the 4th ward in Huntsville, served as Voters Registrar, and served as a juror in Circuit Court.

Lucian Jones was born about 1848 in Alabama. His occupation was listed as laborer and blacksmith. He could not read or write, as was true for many Black and white people in the South. When Lucian was 22 years old, his household members numbered 11 people, ranging in ages from 95 to baby. Lucian Jones lived at 414 Pelham.

The Huntsville Gazette recorded Mr. Jones’ involvement in politics. He was appointed Registrar of the 4^th Ward by Mayor William T. Hutchens. His task was to enroll qualified electors in his ward. A notice was sent out that electors would be selected from the 4^th day of March 1889 to the 27^th day of March 1889. The selection would be held at Mr. Jones’ store on Madison Street in the 4^th Ward. The U. S. Circuit Court for the Northern District reported in March 1889 that Petit Jurors drawn for the Spring term would convene on the first Monday in April and included four men from Huntsville—A. F. Hall, George L. Davis, Lucien Jones and J. M. Hutchens from Huntsville. A city election listed in the Huntsville Gazette reported that Mr. Jones was elected to the Board of Aldermen from the 4^th Ward of Huntsville. Other candidates running against him were: W. C. Binford, Alderman Charles Ware, and Charles R. Donegan.

The Huntsville Telephone Exchange was in operation in 1896 and Robert A. Moore was the manager. There were 120 subscribers listed and two pay stations. The only outside connections were Wyeth City (near Guntersville), Morgan County and Whitesburg in Madison County. The 1896 telephone directory listed the “Who’s Who in the Huntsville Business Circles 28 Years Ago,” and Mr. Jones was one of those nominated for the honor.

The Huntsville Gazette on April 1893 advertised blacksmith shop where Mr. Jones worked. The Blacksmithing Headquarters, established by C. L. Jones, Jr., ran a well-established blacksmith shop at Reuben Jones’ old stand at the west end of Clinton Street on Triana Road. It was advertised that ‘All kind of black smith’s work including repairing and wood work, horse shoeing, etc. was done neatly, promptly and in the best workmen-like manner at the lowest prices.” Mr. Jones said, “I invite the public patronage and guarantee satisfaction.” On August 22, 1901, The Journal advertised C. L. Jones, Boot and Shoe Maker, where repairing by Lucian Jones was neatly done and all work was guaranteed.

The Huntsville Weekly Democrat announced the death of Mr. Jones on Tuesday, March 27, 1917. He was described as the “well-known colored blacksmith who died at his home, in the west end after a lingering illness.” The announcement said that “Lucian Jones will be missed by both his white and colored friends. He was known to be polite, thrifty, and work hard.”

“Harking Back Old Directory: Who was who in Huntsville business circles 28 years ago,” The Huntsville Times, Huntsville, AL, 29 Oct 1924, p. 2.

1870 U.S. Census, Lucian Jones, Huntsville, Madison Co, AL, birth abt 1848. He lived with the Bricknell family.

“Appointment of Registrars,” Huntsville Gazette, Huntsville, AL, 2 Mar 1889, p. 3

“U.S. Circuit Court: Petit Jurors Drawn for Spring Term of U.S. Circuit Court for Northern District,” Huntsville Gazette,” Huntsville, AL, 2 Mar 1889, p. 3.

“City Election Dots,” Huntsville Gazette, Huntsville, AL, 16 Mar 1889, p. 3.

Lucian Jones, “City Directories, 1822-1995, Ancestry.com.

“Lucien Jones Dies,” Huntsville Weekly, Huntsville, AL, 28 Mar 1917, p. 4.

“Blacksmithing Headquarters,” Huntsville Gazette, Huntsville, AL, 1 Apr 1893, p. 3