The paper traces the life of the 18th century North Carolinian planter Willie Jones and his transformed political stance from traditional commitment to the Crown to a new constitutional faith in republicanism. Jones' political career and struggles are noted through the Revolutionary era and the controversy of centralized versus decentralized government that followed. Jones became the undisputed leader of the radical faction of republican politicians in North Carolina and favored popular control over the government. Declining to be a delegate to the Constitutional Convention, he nevertheless significantly changed the temper of North Carolina's delegation by taking a conservative and Antifederalist stance to prevent government oppression. His unique position advocated a free and independent state, democratic administration, and improved education for the people. Though thwarted to an extent by a bill of rights that eased Antifederalist apprehensions, his death did not end his influence and his tradition still has local influence today. (TRS)