With Mr. Benaiah Jones III and his wife, Lois Olds Jones and their children traveling to the area in June 1, 1928, where they stayed with Moses Allen of nearby Allen Prairie, in his corn crib until October when they completed their own home which was located along the west bank of the St Joseph River, on the south side of what is now US 12. While staying with the Allen’s, Mrs. Jones gave birth to their sixth son, Cordas was born, making him the first white child born in Hillsdale County in 1828. Sadly their seventh son, James would be the first white child to be born in 1830 and to die in Jonesville in 1831. In 1831, Mr. Jones built the first hotel which was known as Fayette House. More of Benaiah Jones’ family joined him including his father. In 1832, Jonesville consisted of eight buildings, one log tavern/hotel, four log dwellings, one framed building and two log barns. Jonesville is the oldest village in Hillsdale County and served as the county seat from 1831 until 1843 when it was moved to Hillsdale. Mr. Jones left Jonesville in 1834 along with his son, Croesus, eventually moving to Texas. Descendants of the Jones’ family remain in Jonesville today. And so it was that the city of Jonesville began.
Hope you enjoy your caching experience as well as learning a bit of Jonesville. Please respect the area and enjoy what Jonesville offers. There is close by parking available for the trail.
Permission to place this and other caches along the old Railroad Trail given by the city of Jonesville.
Congratulations to butlerbandits and her grandson for being First to Find!