E. M. Jones

E. M. Jones, proprietor of the Santa Clara Hotel and an old resident of San Buenaventura, came to this State in 1852. He was born in Manchester, England, February 14, 1839. His parents, Edward and Elizabeth (Markland) Jones were English, but his father's ancestors were Welsh. They came to America in 1847, settling in New Hampshire, where Mr. Jones received his education. He also attended school in Baltimore. His first business was in 1856, when he drove a six-horse stage-coach from old San Pedro to old Los Angeles, which business he continued until 1868, when the railroad was built. While driving stage he carried the United States Mail and the Wells-Fargo packages. His next step was buying, selling, and raising sheep, which he followed until 1871, when he came to San Buenaventura and bought the hotel. He has since built additions to it, and is conducting it in a very obliging and satisfactory manner. The building was first erected in 1869, then in the center of the town, by Pearson Hornbeck and Pedro Cunstanza, and for many years was the principal hotel of the place. It was leased from 1873 to 1877, but Mr. Jones has been its landlord since 1871. It contains thirty-five well furnished rooms, is located on Main street nearly opposite the old Mission church, and a free bus is run to all trains.

    Since locating here Mr. Jones has made an extended journey to the Sandwich Islands, New Zealand, Feejee Islands, etc., being gone nearly a year. He stands high as a man of good business capacity and excellent judgment. For many years he has been City Trustee, being greatly interested in the business interests of the place and efficient in aiding in its development. He was married in May, 1873, to Miss Flora Preble, a native of Maine, of which State her father, Charles Preble, was an old settler. Mr. and Mrs. Jones have three children, all born in San Buenaventura, namely, Minnie P., Charles E. and Walter M. 

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