Rufus Matthew Jones was born on January 25, 1863, in South China, Maine, to Edwin Jones and Mary Gifford Hoxie Jones. He became one of the most significant American Quaker figures of the 20th century, known for his influential roles as a theologian, historian, philosopher, editor, and educator. After studying at Haverford College and later Harvard University, he taught philosophy and psychology at Haverford College for many years. A prolific writer, he authored over fifty books, primarily focusing on mysticism, Quaker history, and religious experience. His work often blended scholarly research with spiritual insight, offering a deeper understanding of inner religious life. As the founding editor of the American Friend, he shaped Quaker publications and thought. He was also instrumental in forming the American Friends Service Committee, which received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1947 on behalf of Quakers worldwide. Jones emphasized the importance of direct personal experience of God and advocated for a spirituality grounded in action and moral responsibility. His life was marked by efforts to unite intellectual pursuit with religious conviction. He died on June 16, 1948, in Haverford, Pennsylvania, leaving behind a legacy of spiritual and intellectual leadership.
