Jones was born in Ebenezer in Caernarfonshire,[1] where he worked in the quarries from the age of thirteen,[2] and later as a travelling grocery salesman.
[1] Always a strong proponent of home rule for Wales, in 1924 he founded the Welsh Home Rule Army and,[1] as one of its three most prominent leaders, he attended the founding meeting of Plaid Cymru.
[4] Saunders Lewis referred to Jones as the only Welsh nationalist who "would have received a post from Michael Collins".
[4] Jones was chosen as its first general secretary, but the other party founders convinced him to avoid non-violent direct action in their cause.
[2][8] After Jones' death, Gwenallt composed "Breuddwyd y Bardd" in his honour.