Jones, Samuel Milton (1846-1904)

Welsh-born inventor, manufacturer, and reformer. He invented some improvements for oil well appliances and organized the Acme Sucker Rod Company in 1894, which earned him a fortune. Concerned about workers' conditions, he established major reforms in his factory including an eight-hour day and paid holidays. He was mayor of Toledo for four successive terms 1897-1904.

Born in Carnarvonshire, he went to the USA with his family in 1849 and began to work for a living at the age of 10. He went into the oil fields in 1865 as a driller, pumper, tool-dresser, and pipe-liner and entered the oil business for himself in 1870. He moved to Lima, Ohio, in 1885 where he pioneered in the development of newly discovered oil fields. He hung a ‘Golden Rule’ placard in his plant, earning him the nickname ‘Golden Rule’ Jones. He wrote a book proposing a fair social order (1899) and an autobiography. As mayor, business and establishment leaders opposed his reform efforts and the police complained of his lax law enforcement standards.