The Indianapolis sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1880-1904, 1885-03-27
Our NEW
Hon. AQuilla Jones Nominated for
the Position-Sketch OF His
Busy Life.

TIE question of selecting 8 successor to
Postmaster Wildman was yesterday settled
in the nomination by President Cleveland
Of Mr.. Aquilla Jones, one Of the oIdes. aud
best known citizens Of indianapolis. The
appointment was bullstined at l o'clock,
and the news spread 10 all parts of the city
and was soon upon the tongue of every one
qoon the street. Mr. Jones was the recipi-
ent of the warmest congratulations from his
host of political and personal friends, among
the latter there being a great many Republi-
csns who seemed grstifsd that one so
worthy tad been collected for such an inn
poItant trust. Meridian street merchants,
irrespective OF party, had sent telegrams to
the President aud Postmaster General urging
his appointment, and when the news came
they turned out 10 add their congratulations
eno shake The hand OF the successful appll-
cent. While lunchiDg at Sherman's Mr..
Jones received 3 large number OF his
hiends, end during the afternoon vas the
recipient Of still further congratulations.
Indeed, one would hardly suspect that so
much enthusiasm could grow out OF an aD.
poiDtnent, but the fact that it did. is con-
elusive evidence OF the measure of feeling
which has been worked up by the struggle
which has existed here and at Washington
for the past two weeks. The pleasure mani
tested by the people was all the more con-
plimentaIy 10 Mr. Jones on account of the
fact hat it was not limited TO the sdherents
of either political party. The Republicans
united with the Democrats in saying that no
better selection could have been made. aud
ore declared that II reflected credit upon the
administration and would give US = man of
strong, practical sense and good business
habits in the Postofice.
Aquilla Jones. the new appointee. is sew
enty-iour years Of age, having btel born in
S okes. nesr Forsythe County, North Cra0l.
ira. in ISL, and removed with his parents
TO Indiana. locating at Columbus, Bar.
tbclomew County, 1881. One year later
Andrew Jackson for the Presidency,
and sip CO that time has always voted with
and worked for the party. He served as Post
master at Columbus under three different
administrations, embracing most OF the time
between 1888 and 1854 He took the census
Of Bartholomew County under Van Baren's
appoin tment in 1910, and again under Presi-
1912 3 he represented his ountv in the State
Legislature. he was appointed by President
Pierce Indian Agent for Washington Terri
tory, but be declined the appointment. he
was then rendered a like agency for New
Mexico, but this be also declined. In 1856
A0 N09 - ~ ~ OaoN AAA 9 ~
two years, but 6ecliRed q denomination st
the erd OF that time. 10 1873 he was elected
President of the indianapolis Rolling Mill
Company, having held the Office of treasurer
for several years, and he occupies the former
position now. Both in his private aud
public character Mr.. Jones is the peer of any
man in the Union. and his long and
useful career has drawn around him O
large circle Of devoted friends. He will
enter upon the discharge of his duties under
the NEST favorable auspices, and his well
known character is q sufficient guarantee
that they will be discharged with honesty
and hdelity. Though seventy.fo four years OF
age, Mr.. jones is a we'll preserved man, aud
NAV be said 10 possess, in its full measure,
the iDdomitable energy which was q distin.
gushing characteristic of his youth and
earlier manhood.
In conversation with the new appoi1tee
yesterday afternoon. he said that he had not
formulated any plans concerning the Office.
Since be became an applicant. he had been
quite busy with his private affairs, and sup
posed it would be time enough TO consider
the postoffice question when the appoint.
ment was made. AS it has been twenty
years or more since he was Postmaster, be
expected TO find many new things connected
with the position; in fact he did not o
know what his duties or his powers would
be. In IespoDte 10 a question, Mr.. Jones said
that be could not speak advissdly concern.
ing changes IN the Office, and be therefore
preferred not to speak at all.