Samuel M. Jones: Testament of the Power of the Golden Rule

Samuel M. Jones was an American inventor, manufacturer, and political reformer. He served as mayor of Toledo, Ohio between 1897 and 1904, the time known as the Progressive Era. Jones was an important icon in American Progressivism. He earned the nickname “Golden Rule Jones” because of his golden rule advocacy in Toledo. Oftentimes, Jones was mistaken for a socialist, but as most followers of Henry George were known, Jones was a “Single Taxer.”

Jones was born on August 3, 1846 in Caernarvonshire, Wales. His family immigrated to the US in 1849. His family was not well off so he had to work as a boy to help his family survive. Consequently, Jones had little education.

In his adolescence, Jones tried a number of odd jobs. But the most important work in his earlier years was spent in the oil fields of Western Pennsylvania. There, he accumulated enough knowledge running the oil business. In 1870, Jones decided to leave his job and start his own oil company from his savings.

After his wife died in 1885, Jones transferred to Lima, Ohio in search for oil. While there, Jones helped establish the Ohio Oil company. Later, Ohio Oil was acquired by Standard Oil Company, and Jones walked out a wealthy man. Thereafter, Jones decided to stay in Toledo Ohio in 1892.

In 1894, Jones founded the Acme Sucker Rod Company to manufacture tools called sucker rods for use in the oil industry. Jones inspired all his employees to display hard work and honesty and observe the Golden Rule at all times. Because of the Golden Rule, Acme paid all its workers based on prevailing wages, observed the 8-hour workday, gave Christmas bonuses and paid vacation leaves, involved the workers in profit sharing, allowed workers to keep their own time, provided hot meals at low cost, provided a park outside the factory where employees cans stay during free time, and established the Golden Rule Band.

In the 1897 elections, Jones was nominated by the Republicans to run for Toledo mayor. Because his workers were happy with his advocacies, Jones won the elections. While he was mayor of Toledo, Jones used his Golden Rule policy to improve the condition of the working class in Toledo.

Mayor Jones’ administration offered kindergarten classes, developed parks and playgrounds, build free public baths, refused the enforcement of blue laws, removed the truncheons from the police, and implemented the 8-hour work week for city employees.

Jones died in 0904 while in office for his second term as Toledo mayor.