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Jim Jones

From: The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition | Date: 2008 | Copyright information

Jim Jones 1931-78, American religious leader, b. Lynn, Indiana. An influential Indianapolis preacher since the 1950s, Jones formed the People's Temple (1955), which he eventually moved to Ukiah, Calif. (1967) and then San Francisco (1971). After Jones became the subject of criminal investigations, particularly regarding his alleged diversion of cult members' donations for his personal use, he and about 1,000 followers relocated to Jonestown, Guyana (1977). In Nov., 1978, U.S. Congressman Leo J. Ryan was killed by cult members as he attempted to leave after an investigatory visit. The following day, Jones orchestrated the mass suicide of 912 followers, who were compelled to drink cyanide-laced punch. Jones died the same day of a bullet wound in his head.

Bibliography: See K. Levi, ed., Violence and Relgious Commitment (1982); J. M. Weightman, Making Sense of the Jonestown Suicides (1984); D. Chidester, Salvation and Suicide (1988).

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