James E. Jones came to Malad from Wales in October, 1864, and homesteaded one section – 640 acres- of land.  The following spring he began clearing his section for farming and built a log house.  His courtship of Annie Williams- who also made the dangerous trek across the plains after arriving back east- from Wales – was culminated July 20, 1866 in a marriage ceremony at William Peck’s home under his authority. 

The young couple lived in their log home until tragedy struck in 1879.  Annie was taking a pitcher of lemonade down to her husband and hardworking haymen, when she glanced back to discover their home on fire.  The couple’s little two and one-half year old girl perished in the blazing cabin.  

That fall they started anew on a  home, living in their barn until the home was completed the following spring of 1880.  ( That barn which temporarily served as a home is still standing on the Jones’ property.) 

The new home had five doors leading outside since the couple felt they could have saved their child if their old log home would have had another door. 

This 96 year old house-built with square nails, and adobe bricks in the walls for insulation – it still stands today, with grandson Oren J. Jones and family making it their home. 

James E. Jones was an industrious, intelligent farmer, who harvested during one year 3,000 bushels of wheat, 1,000 tons of hay and other assorted crops such as oats and potatoes. 

A woman had to be tough to make the 6 week trip across the Atlantic then survive the rigors of crossing the plains. 

In 1905 James E. Jones sold his farm to his sons James T. and John W. JOnes.  The spring of 1908 James T. JOnes brought his bride Sadie to live in the old home.  

They lived there and farmed the land until 1945 when their son Oren J. Jones, his wife Pearl, and daughter Judy moved into the house to take over the operation on the farm. 

Oren still owns 220 acres of the original farm, which has been divided amongst the heirs, and still sleeps in the bedroom where he was born.