Benton Jones, one of the worthy and reliable citizens of Redding, California, is a native of Sandwich, Illinois, born December 27, 1841.  His father, William L. F. Jones, a native of the Green Mountain State, emigrated to Pennsylvania and from there to Illinois in 1836.  He was a farmer and blacksmith and one of the brave pioneers of the latter State.  Mr. Jones’ grandfather, Nathaniel Jones, was also a native of Vermont.  The mother of the subject of this sketch, nee Betsey Misner, was born in Indiana, of German ancestry.  To Mr. and Mrs. Jones six children were born, five of whom are living.

Benton remained with his parents, receiving a public-school education and spending his summers in work on the farm.  He continued to work on his father’s farm, of which he is the owner, until 1885, when he rented it and came to California, purchasing a home and settling in Redding.  He is engaged in the real-estate and abstract business and is interested in several placer mines.

In 1875 Mr. Jones married Harriet R. Vance, daughter of Dr. G. E. Vance.  One son was born to them, Edwin D., in Redding.  The loving wife and mother was attacked with that dread disease, typhoid fever, and notwithstanding the best medical treatment and care were given her she died in September, 1887.  Politically Mr. Jones is a Republican.  He frequently held offices of trust in his Eastern State.  He is a member of the A.O.U.W., and is a Chapter Mason.

Transcribed by Kathy Sedler, July 2004.
SOURCE:  Memorial and Biographical History of Northern California, The Lewis Publishing Company, 1891. pg. 353.