Death of a Local Coal Baron
Benjamin B. Jones, a foundational figure in the development of the Coast's coal mines, passes away at 64.
The story, cleaned up
A cleaned-up reading of the newspaper page: spelling and layout repaired, one story lifted off a crowded page. It follows the original closely but it is not a transcription. The original page is below; read it if a detail matters.
Benjamin B. Jones, the mining expert, died at Whatcom, January 3, aged 64 years. Mr. Jones was born in Wales, emigrated to America in 1848 and joined in the gold rush to California in 1849. He had always been engaged in mining in gold, silver or coal, but his great work was in coal. He opened the Black Diamond mine and was superintendent of it; he opened the mines at Coos Bay, and was for many years confidentially employed by the Cornwall company as a coal expert. His judgment in coal matters was more valued than that of any other man on the Coast. He contracted his fatal illness in Idaho, while examining silver mines for Seattle owners. He left an estate which is estimated at $75,000.
“His judgment in coal matters was more valued than that of any other man on the Coast.”
Jones’ career highlights the vital role coal played in 19th-century Pacific Northwest economic expansion, a sector that defined the regional economy long before the tech and aerospace pivots of the 20th and 21st centuries.
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