Walter Burgwyn Jones papers

Collection

Identifier: W-0110

Scope and Contents

This collection contains speech typescripts, pamphlets, and other materials related to Walter Burgwyn Jones. The bulk of the materials, dated between 1918 and 1981, contain typescripts of Jones's speeches and pamphlet reprints of his speeches and articles. Many of Jones's speeches relate to the Civil War and other historical events, notably a pamphlet copy of Jones's address to the final reunion of the United Confederate Veterans held in 1944. The collection also contains a few miscellaneous items, including a copy of a family history written by Jones and a December 1943 letter to Jones written by Tennessee poet Merrill Moore, known for his membership in the influential poetry circle, the Fugitives. The Moore letter is a typed, holiday newsletter sent by Moore, but it does contain a brief, personal note. A few letters, pamphlets, and speeches written by or about Jones's father, Alabama Governor Thomas Goode Jones, are also included.

Dates

1877 - 1981

Creator

Williams, A. S., III (Collector, Person)

Conditions Governing Access

None

Biographical / Historical

The son of Alabama Governor Thomas Goode Jones and Georgene Caroline Bird, Walter Burgwyn Jones was born on October 16, 1888, in Montgomery, Alabama. Jones attended the Alabama Polytechnic Institute from 1906 to 1907. He completed his studies at The University of Alabama, where he received his LLB in 1909. In 1955, The University of Alabama awarded Jones an honorary LLD.

Jones was admitted to the Alabama State Bar in 1909 and began practicing law in Montgomery. He served as a judge for the 15th Judicial Circuit Court of Alabama from 1920-1935, and as the presiding judge from 1935 until his death in 1963. In 1928, he founded the Jones Law School in Montgomery. Jones also served on a number of professional committees, serving as president of the Alabama Association of Circuit Judges (1934-1935, 1943-1944) and the Alabama State Bar (1954-1955).

Jones died on August 1, 1963, in Montgomery.

Sources: Alabama Authors Database, Marquis Who's Who