The Republic
Columbus, Indiana
Saturday, January 19, 1901
Page 4

WAS A PIONEER OF COLUMBUS.

B.F. JONES PASSED AWAY EARLY THIS MORNING AT THE HOME OF HIS DAUGHTER.

His Life, Although a Busy One, Was Unsuccessful, and He Met with Many Reverses-Was Respected by Everyone-Funeral Monday

B. F. Jones, on of the oldest and most highly respected residents of Columbus, died shortly after 1 o'clock this morning at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Bessie Hamilton, 518 Mechanic St. He was seventy-seven years of age and death resulted from pneumonia with which he had been ill since Monday afternoon.

Benj. F. Jones was a native of Carolina and at an early age he went to Jonesville, Bartholomew county, in 1829 with his parents, who were among the early settlers of this part of the country. He lived with his parents until he was about fifteen years of age when he came to this city to work as a clerk in the mercantile store conducted by his brothers. A. and Chas. A. Jones. He afterward became a partner of this firm.

AS A BANKER

In 1852 Mr. Jones formed a partnership with W. McEwen and Wm. F. Pidgeon and they conducted what was known as the B.F. Jones & Co. Bank. He continued business in this bank for three or four years when he formed a bank under the state law and it was called the Kentucky Stock Bank, of which he was cashier. This banking institution continued until during the civil war when the government taxed such banks out of existence. After that the bank of McEwen & Sons was organized and Mr. Jones was made cashier. Mr. Jones severed connection with this institution about thirty years ago and two years after his resignation the bank failed.

ADVERSE CIRCUMSTANCES.

Although Mr. Jones was a faithful, conscientious worker in anything he took up, he encountered many vicissitudes and hardships which he could not overcome. For some time he had an interest in the Brinkley Furniture Co., of this city, but was unsuccessful in this venture.

For many years he was a leading democrat politician. Although he had no ambition to fill a political office, he was an ardent worker along those lines. He held at all times the confidence and respect of his fellow citizens.

He was united in marriage in this city to Miss Sarah A. Banfill, Nov. 19, 1849. To this union was born four children, only one of whom survives. Mrs. Jones passed away twenty years ago.

He was a charter member of the Odd Fellows Lodge of this city, and to that body of men his demise comes as a severe shock.

Funeral services will be held Monday afternoon at the home of Mrs. Hamilton, and will be conducted ty Rev. Hood, of the Presbyterian church.

The pall bearers will be Gideon Shultz, Samuel Hege, Marshall Hacker, Frank Seward, W.W. Stader and W.T. Davis.