Thomas Jones

Thomas Jones

Thomas Jones, who was called the “Young Judge,” was also a judge of the supreme Court of the Colony and the latter part of his life was a record to him of stirring events, both before and during the Revolution. He married Anne, a daughter of Lieutenant-Governor James DeLancey, Dec. 9, 1762. She was the aunt of the Right Rev. Bishop William Heathcote DeLancey, of Western, new York, and also aunt to the wife of James Fennimore Cooper, the celebrated American novelist. She was born in 1745. The father of Thomas Jones built in 1770 a splendid mansion which he named Tryon Hall in honor of Governor Tryon. This was the summer home of Thomas, with his winter or city residence being Fort Pitt. It was called in those days Jones’s Hill. In the Revolution Thomas remaining loyal to the crown was attained and his property confiscated. On the evening of the 4th of Nov. 1777, twenty-five patriot’s marched directly towards the house of Judge Jones. One day latter, the assailants broke in one of the panels on the door, and seized Judge Jones. On the following evening Judge Jones and captors arrived safely at Fairfield, Conn. The following May he was exchanged for patriot General Silliman. After this June in 1781 he went to England, where he died July 25, 1792.