Harry Wild Jones

Harry Wild Jones (June 9, 1859 – September 25, 1935) was a popular Minneapolis, Minnesota-based architect who designed throughout the country and the world. Born two years before the start of the American Civil War, Jones, a twelfth generation New Englander, took his place on the American architectural stage in the late 19th century. His life spanned seventy-six dynamic years, during a period of U.S. history that matched his exuberant, spirited personality. Known as an architect adept at any design technique, Jones is credited with introducing Shingle Style architecture to Minneapolis. He created an impressive portfolio from neoclassic to eclectic, reflecting his unique brand of versatility and creativity.

Jones was born in Schoolcraft, Michigan, son of the minister to a small Baptist congregation. He was the only child of Reverend Howard Malcom and Mary White Smith Jones. Jones’ middle name was chosen as a tribute to his great-great aunt, Rebecca Wild, who lovingly cared for Reverend Jones after the death of his mother when he was a toddler. The Joneses and the Smiths traced their New England roots back to the arrival of the first permanent European settlers to the eastern seaboard. The Joneses are direct descendants of Mayflower passengers William Bradford, John Alden, and Priscilla Mullins. The Smith relations arrived in North America a few years later as the Great Migration from England continued.

With his father’s pastorate changing often, by age ten young Harry had lived in Michigan, Wisconsin, Maine, and New York. His family finally settled in the seaside town of Bristol, Rhode Island where he completed his childhood as the only child of the town’s only Baptist minister. Jones’ secondary education was focused on preparation to enter Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, an institution with strong family ties. In addition to being his father’s alma mater, Brown was founded with assistance from Jones’ great-great grandfather, Reverend Hezekiah Smith (1737–1805). Reverend Smith, born in New York, showed particular support toward Rhode Island for its advocacy of religious tolerance. During the American Revolutionary War, he provided religious guidance as General George Washington’s chaplain. Brown University, a college deeply rooted in religion, maintained a strong emphasis toward preparing its all male students for a life in the ministry. As the progeny of generations of religious clerics, Jones would have to work hard to show his family his interest in architecture.

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