“J” is for Jehu Jones (ca. 1769-1833). Free Black entrepreneur. Born into slavery, Jones was emancipated in 1798 and established himself as a successful tailor. He invested in real estate and purchased enslaved persons to assist with his business enterprises. Jones and his wife turned 33 Broad Street into a popular hotel. Elite White society patronized the establishment and praised it for its comfort and food. Jones was prominent in Charleston’s free Black social circles and was a member of the Brown Fellowship Society. After the 1822 Denmark Vesey conspiracy, the state prohibited free persons of color from traveling outside the state without special permission. In 1827 Jones petitioned the legislature to be allowed to travel to New York to see his family. From that date until his death in 1833, the whereabouts of Jehu Jones became the subject of local legend.
“J” is for Jehu Jones (ca. 1769-1833)
