Leonard "Live-Forever" Jones (July 3, 1797–August 30, 1868) was an eccentric who claimed to be immortal. According to Jones, mortality was a side effect of immorality, and anyone could achieve immortality through a regimen of prayer and fasting. Jones was an unsuccessful politician, running repeatedly for President of the United States hailing his immortality as his platform. He was the brother of Laban Jones, a renowned preacher of the time.
Jones was born in Kentucky in 1797, and lived in Louisville most of his life. He soon attempted to propound his philosophy, forming the "High Moral" party in an attempt to spread his ideas. He ran repeatedly for office, running for not only President but Governor of Kentucky as well. These campaigns never succeeded in getting even a fraction of the vote.
Despite this, he was not overly mocked, and was considered a harmless curiosity. He was allowed to speak to large crowds, who cheered him on as he made his claims, and politicians humored his competition.
Jones caught pneumonia in 1868, and refused medical aid due to his belief that his sickness was moral at its base. He died on August 30, 1868.