His grandfather, also David Jones, had established a bank in Llandovery in 1799, and on his death in 1839 the business passed to David and his two younger brothers, William and John. The brothers expanded the bank as David Jones & Company.[1] In about 1850 Jones purchased the 7,854 acre estate of Pantglas, Llanfynydd and built a large house there at the considerable cost of £30,000. The Italianate mansion had a central tower and classical colonnades and a top-lit hall with large mahogany staircase.[1][4]
At a time when the parliamentary representation Carmarthenshire was largely dependent on informal agreements between prominent local landowners to avoid contested elections much emphasis was placed upon appealing to a broad range of what was regarded as 'moderate' opinion. Jones's address to the electors when seeking re-election in 1857 reflects this as he declared that "I shall, if re-elected, be prepared to give my independent, but not indiscriminate, support to any Government which shall bring forward measures that may appear to me likely to promote the common welfare."[8] Nominating Jones at Carmarthen shortly after, W.R.H. Powell of Maesgwynne declared that "they no longer saw the red and blue flags unfurled, which to his mind was an evidence that party feeling was dying out in the country".[9]
Death
By 1868 Jones was in ill-health, and decided not to contest the general election. His seat was held by his younger brother, John.[1] He died at Pantglas in July 1869,[10] and was buried in the family vault at Cilycwm Church.[1]
