Denver, History of Colorado, BIOS: JONES, GORDON (published 1918)
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"History of Colorado", edited by Wilbur Fisk Stone, published by The S. J. 
Clarke Publishing Co. (1918)  Vol. II


p. 356, 358-362



GORDON JONES.

	In the life of civic communities certain personalities project 
themselves from the masses, certain individuals attain a leadership 
through the manifestation of specialized qualities and quickly come to 
occupy a place of authority, esteem and command. Whether this position 
is in business circles. professional ranks, the clergy or in finance, 
the attainment is acquired by the same characteristics of industry, 
wisdom and executive ability.

	The state of Colorado, among her builders, must record the name 
of Gordon Jones, who, in the banking history of the state, occupies 
such a position as described above. The state and city had the benefit 
of his training and knowledge for only a few years, but in that time 
learned to regard his views and opinions of banking methods as 
authoritative. In other cities of the United States and in the capitals 
of foreign countries he sought further knowledge of his chosen 
profession-always developing, building, invigorating and energizing the 
banking interests which he represented. In disposition he was possessed 
of great courage, was animated by high ideals and principles which 
remained unmarred through years of business activity. The Missouri 
Bankers' Association, at the time of Mr. Jones' death, spoke of him as 
follows: "In his entire banking career Mr. Jones exercised the highest 
faculties in business life, and he successfully met the 
responsibilities that are inseparable from the conduct of banking 
business on the larger scale in this country of great opportunities. He 
achieved the respect and goodwill of those with whom he dealt in 
business or met in social life, and was a man of splendid business 
ability, just and impartial. generous, whole-souled, and with unfailing 
good nature."

	How well his work was accomplished in his resident city is shown 
by the few well chosen words from the United States National Bank 
records of April 20. 1917. In part this record states:

	From the day when he became vice president upon the organization 
of the bank, more than twelve years ago, to the day when he closed his 
desk for the last time, he gave freely and devotedly of his physical 
powers and his exceptional intellectual attainments to the upbuilding 
and strengthening of this institution. He early made known his 
determination that in the distant future it should command both the 
confidence of the public and the respect of the banks and bankers of 
this city and state. How completely he realized this ambition the 
frequent commendation of the patrons of the bank, the annals of the 
banking associations of the state and the records of the treasury 
department of the federal government convincingly show.

	"He was, however, too public spirited and broad-minded to allow 
affairs in which his personal advantage was the chief incentive to 
success to monopolize his capacity for service, and during the period 
of his connection with this bank he gave freely and unselfishly of his 
time and strength to matters of concern to the city, the state and the 
nation.

	"His appointment as state bank examiner in Missouri, his 
selection as president of the Missouri Bankers Association, as 
president of the Colorado Bankers Association, as the Colorado member 
of the executive council of the American Bankers Association, as a 
director of the Federal Reserve Bank of the Tenth District, and as a 
member of the American commission on rural credits in Europe, attest 
the estimation in which his sense of public duty, his energy and his 
talents (approaching upon financial subjects the realm of genius) were 
held. not only by his associates and competitors at home, but also by 
state and national officials."

	Gordon Jones was born at Richmond (Lexington?), Kentucky, on 
December 20, 1864, and was the son of Rev. A. B. and Katherine (Gordon) 
Jones. the father a prominent minister of the Christian church. The 
paternal ancestor, who came to this country from Wales in a very early 
day, was John Jones, who, with his brother Samuel, settled first in old 
Virginia. He had a son, also named John, who married Elizabeth Elrod at 
Shallow Ford, Yadkin county, North Carolina, and to this union there 
were born the following children: John, great-grandfather of Gordon 
Jones; David, Robert, William, Mary, Phebe and Elizabeth. This family 
eventually moved from Virginia and settled in Kentucky, at Bryants 
Station, near Lexington. A fortification was located here. and in this 
place they lived two years and then moved to Lincoln county, Kentucky.

	The last-named John Jones here married Annie C. Coleman on 
January 1, 1804. and to them were born: Sandy Elrod, grandfather of 
Gordon Jones; Emily C., who married John Jones, a distant relative; 
Susan H., who married Chesley Jones: Elizabeth L., who married Allen 
Bailey; John S.; James W.; Polly Ann. who married Adam Carpenter; 
Patsy, who married Jacob Carpenter; Beersheba, who married George 
Powell; Samuel C.; and Matilda J., who married Addison Taylor.

	Sandy E. Jones was born December 7. 1804, and was married in 
Lincoln county, Kentucky, August 29, 1824, to Sophia Crutcher. She was 
born September 26. 1807. Her death occurred January 20, 1836, in 
Montgomery county, Missouri. She was the daughter of Samuel and Nancy 
J. Crutcher, who came originally from Virginia to Lincoln county, 
Kentucky: thence to Montgomery county, Missouri. Sophia had two 
brothers, John and Samuel, and one sister, Lucella. All four of the 
children reared families in the state of Missouri.

	Sandy E. Jones was married the second time to Catherine Briggs on 
October 31, 1847, in Russellville, Alabama, and then located near 
Nashville, Tennessee.

	To his first wife were born: Nancy C.. May 29. 1827, who married 
William C. Powell, February 10. 1847; W. A. C. Jones, June 17. 1829; 
Allen B., father of Gordon Jones, January 5, 1832; and Sandy E., Jr., 
December 20. 1835. To Sandy E. Jones' second wife there was born one 
son, Wharton S., September 14. 1849.

	Allen B. Jones, the father of Gordon Jones, was one of the 
distinguished pioneers of the state of Missouri. After an education 
received in reward for his own toil he became widely known, and from 
the early day when he rode horseback to his pastorate from St. Louis to 
Fulton he was a religious and educational leader. To him and his 
devoted wife there came all the hardships which frontiering brings, 
but, animated by the unconquerable spirit of their ancestors and 
encouraged by their stanch faith in Providence, they bore through the 
many trials, and in so doing imparted to their children that strength 
of character and ambition so well exemplified in Gordon Jones.

	Allen B. Jones was first married on July 15. 1857, to Sarah B. 
Stewart in Winchester, Tennessee. and to this union one child was born, 
Mattie Belle, soon after which, on August 30. 1858, the mother passed 
away. Mr. Jones was again married, February 28, 1860, to Katherine M. 
Gordon of Clay county, Missouri, and to them were born: Doniphan, who 
died in infancy: Charles P., who died June 19, 1892, in his thirtieth 
year; Gordon, subject of this sketch: Allene, Mary D., and James W.

	In the year 1874. when Gordon Jones was but ten years of age, his 
parents removed to Liberty, Missouri, where as a lad he began his 
primary education, supplementing this somewhat inadequate training with 
a course in the William Jewell College, which institution was located 
at Liberty. While yet in his teens Mr. Jones manifested an aptitude for 
business, and his first venture was as a salesman in a Liberty drygoods 
establishment, and later at Kansas City, Missouri. However, such 
quarters were too small for his growing ambitions, and in 1887 he, with 
his elder brother, embarked in the banking business in Lathrop, 
Missouri. Here he found the opportunity to begin his financial career, 
which in comparatively few years was to carry him to a position of 
national reputation and which, in rapidity of promotion, has seldom 
been surpassed. After two years of successful business in Lathrop the 
chance for a larger field at Odessa, Missouri, came to Mr. Jones. The 
Bank of Odessa, having determined to nationalize itself, extended to 
him the position of vice president, which, after investigation, he 
accepted in September. 1889. In this change, however, Mr. Jones was in 
reality the leading spirit; he made the plans for the nationalization 
and organization of the new bank, and then executed them in 
characteristic manner. His departure from Lathrop was not unheeded, as 
the following words from the Lathrop Monitor will show: "The Bank of 
Odessa, having determined to nationalize, have associated with them Mr. 
Gordon Jones, of this place, who has been elected a director of the 
bank, and also occupies the position of vice president. Mr. Jones has 
been assistant cashier of the Lathrop Bank here for nearly three years 
and has proven himself a wideawake and successful business man. His 
elevation to the position he will occupy is a compliment well deserved, 
and we have no doubt he will prove himself worthy the honor and 
confidence reposed in him. He is a young man we hate to see leave, for 
just such enterprising men as he are needed in ambitious cities. The 
Monitor takes pleasure in commending him to the favorable consideration 
of the grand people of Odessa, and recommends him to them as a 
gentleman and a citizen of whom they can well feel proud." Little the 
editor of this country paper knew how well he was prophesying the 
future of young Jones when he penned the words "for just such 
enterprising men as he are needed in ambitious cities."

	Mr. Jones remained with the bank at Odessa for about three years, 
or until 1892. His close study of the banking business and his 
experience as an active banking official resulted in his determination 
to promote a law for the state which should provide for the regular 
examination of state banking institutions by capable and efficient 
inspectors appointed for that purpose. In conformity with that 
conviction he was instrumental in the preparation of a bill for the 
legislature of Missouri, which would create the office of state bank 
examiner and provide for the periodic examination of banks organized 
under the laws of the state. This bill was introduced by the 
representatives from his county, its merit was recognized, and after 
personal advocacy of the measure by Mr. Jones before the legislative 
committee at the state capitol, it became a law of the state. Under 
these conditions it was entirely fitting that Gordon Jones should be 
tendered the office or bank examiner, for the creation of which he had 
labored so faithfully. He accepted the position and discharged the 
duties thereof with marked fidelity and to the satisfaction of the 
public. He remained in this office for a period of three and one-half 
years, resigning to accept a proposal made by the Swift interests of 
Chicago to organize a stock yards bank at St. Joseph, Missouri. For 
nearly four years he continued as president of the St. Joseph bank, 
then in 1901 decided to seek the superior climate of Colorado and to 
transfer his business interests to the new location. His first banking 
interest in the state was that of the Fountain Valley Bank, which he 
changed to the First National Bank of Fountain. For one year he held 
the management of this institution and then removed to Colorado 
Springs. Of this move the New York Financial Review of September 24, 
1902, states: "It is announced that the prominent St. Joseph banker, 
Mr. Gordon Jones, best known as the president of the St. Joseph Stock 
Yards Bank at that place and of the Fountain Valley Bank of Fountain, 
Colorado, is preparing to open an office in Colorado Springs, in order 
to be in closer touch with his western interests. It is his intention 
to loan to the local cattlemen in that section, which will materially 
help that industry in El Paso and adjoining counties, as that field has 
never been occupied before. It may be said, without fear of 
contradiction, that Mr. Jones is authority on the handling of cattle 
paper, and certainly his bank is looked upon by the best informed as 
having the most complete and successful system for that purpose of any 
in that section of the country. His system for cattle loaning has been 
adopted by various packing centers. * * * He was one of Missouri's 
first state bank examiners, having received the appointment when the 
bank inspection law was passed in 1894, and resigned to take up the 
organization and accept the presidency of the St. Joseph Stock Yards 
Bank. He was president of the Missouri Bankers Association last year, 
and as such was chosen to preside at the Inter-State convention of 
Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma and Indian Territory bankers recently held 
in Kansas City." Mr. Jones also organized and became president of the 
Elbert County Bank. Also, during his residence in Colorado Springs he 
became interested in the affairs of two of the trust companies of that 
city, and through his efforts the institutions were consolidated, which 
proved most beneficial to the commercial and financial interests of 
that city.

	While conducting his extensive banking business with the 
cattlemen in the vicinity of Colorado Springs, Mr. Jones became 
impressed with the possibilities of the field at Denver, and in the 
year 1903 he consummated the purchase of the Union Stockyards Bank from 
the late David H. Moffat, of which institution be became the principal 
stockholder and president.

	Two years later he disposed of his holdings in the Stockyards 
Bank and, with a number of influential associates, organized the United 
States Natíonal Bank of Denver, October 10, 1904, and became vice 
president and active executive of the institution. From the very 
beginning this bank developed rapidly, and in September, 1908, took 
over the business of the National Bank of Commerce, increasing the 
capital stock of the United States National from $200.000 to $350,000, 
with corresponding increases in surplus and undivided profits. By a 
unanimous vote Mr. Jones was chosen president of the new and enlarged 
institution. In March, 1912, the Central National Bank of Denver was 
taken over. Mr. Jones continued as president of the enlarged 
institution, which position he held until the time of his death, being 
succeeded by W. A. Hover. The progress, development and success of the 
United States National Bank of Denver during Mr. Jones' administration 
constitutes a monument to his financial genius, and during the perilous 
days of 1907, when banking circles of the entire country were shaken, 
the financial institutions of Denver maintained an even keel through no 
other factor than the cool strategy and solid business methods of 
Gordon Jones and his brother bankers. As president of the Denver 
Clearing House Association, Mr. Jones rendered invaluable service to 
the banking interests of the city and state.

	In 1908 Gordon Jones was elected president of the Colorado 
Bankers Association; which gave him the singular honor of having been 
executive head of the bankers associations of two states-Missouri and 
Colorado. In 1910 he was elected a member of the executive council of 
the American Bankers Association at its convention held in Los Angeles, 
and was selected as the representative of the Denver Chamber of 
Commerce to the annual convention of the Academy of Political Science 
held in New York city in November, 1910, under the auspices of Columbia 
University. While in New York Mr. Jones was met by representatives of 
the treasury department, who asked that he go to Washington and discuss 
the emergency currency situation with Secretary MacVeagh. This was the 
beginning of the campaign for the betterment of financial conditions 
throughout the country and for which the national monetary commission 
was created by the government. After investigating the proposed 
renovations in the national currency system, 'Mr. Jones returned to 
Denver, and before the Chamber of Commerce delivered his report in the 
form of an address. This paper on the proposed monetary legislation 
attracted country-wide attention and directly resulted in the visit of 
the national monetary commission to Denver. Mr. Jones took the position 
that the west was opposed to any currency reforms which would place the 
funds of the country under the control of Wall Street interests, and 
this view was from then on the authorized opinion of the west on the 
then proposed Aldrich plan. Without going into the specific details of 
the national monetary commission's visit to Denver, it may be said that 
Gordon Jones took strong exception to many of the plans offered, with 
the result that at least three of his recommendations were incorporated 
by the commission in the bill afterward presented to congress. In 
brief, the three recommendations proposed by Mr. Jones were: that, in 
order to prevent Wall Street domination, it should be provided that 
banks which own a controlling interest or are pooled with other banks 
should have only one vote in the election of directors of the National 
Reserve Association; that the manager of the local association should 
be appointed subject to the will of the bankers of that district; and 
that one sixth of the directors of each local association should 
consist of persons not acting as officers or directors of banks, but 
who were representatives of the agricultural, commercial and industrial 
interests of the district. That the views of Mr. Jones were of great 
weight with eastern men of affairs is shown by the fact that he was the 
sole western banker whose statements were considered as authoritative 
and whose address on the subject was officially published by congress.

	Having been a student of finance in its broader aspects, Gordon 
Jones manifested a keen interest in the subject of rural credits, and 
his wide experience convinced him that the farmers of the country 
deserved more generous treatment in the matter of long-time credits. In 
private conversation and in public address he frequently gave 
expression of his view upon this important topic. It was quite natural, 
therefore, that in 1913 he should be appointed by Governor Ammons of 
Colorado as a member of the American commission on agricultural credit 
and cooperation. In that year this commission traveled through England, 
France. Germany, Russia, the Balkan states, Switzerland, Norway and 
Sweden, everywhere studying the credit methods of the foreign nations 
and endeavoring to formulate a policy which would be of advantage to 
American conditions. Upon the return of the commission to America two 
reports were prepared, the minority report being signed by Mr. Jones, 
F. J. Von Engelken, late director of the mint, now president of the 
Federal Land Bank at Columbia, South Carolina, and four other men. Mr. 
Jones held a decidedly different view from the majority of the 
commission members, and secured wide circulation for his opinions, both 
in public addresses in different cities and in articles prepared for 
the leading newspapers and financial periodicals. The Texas Banker of 
April, 1914, stated: "The senate banking committee has had published 
the hearings of Mr. Gordon Jones, president of the United States 
National Bank of Denver, Colorado. Mr. Jones, the only banker joining 
the minority, was a member of the American commission that visited 
European countries last year to study rural credit systems, and his 
views were much at variance with those who were in favor of foisting 
upon this country the European cooperative rural credit system." The 
minority report became quite an important factor in the legislation 
enacted by congress, commonly known as the Federal Farm Loan Act. One 
of the features of Mr. Jones' efforts for rural credits is the address, 
"Some Methods of Financing the Farmer," known as document 212 of the 
Sixty-third Congress, first session, which sets forth some of the 
methods of financing the farmer, including explanations of rural credit 
systems. This document, which was printed by the government in 1913, is 
authoritative and comprehensive, and is written by a man who studied 
his subject with calm thoroughness and drew his deductions from close 
observation of foreign systems as applicable to conditions in the 
United States.

	Upon the organization of the Federal Reserve system, Gordon Jones 
was chosen a director, Class A. of the Federal Reserve Bank, District 
10 (Kansas City, Missouri). Denver failed to secure one of the regional 
reserve banks, but Mr. Jones fulfilled the duties of his office with 
the same intelligence, fidelity and zeal which characterized all of his 
work. Many of the forms in use by the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas 
City are the product of his industry and superior skill in handling 
loans and credits. In 1916 the government offered Mr. Jones a position 
upon the new farm loan board, but this offer he refused.

	These and many other smaller positions of trust are proof of the 
brilliancy of Gordon Jones' banking career. His record, had he lived, 
would undoubtedly have included more positions of national importance, 
but notwithstanding his early demise, more deeds and accomplishments 
were crowded into his years of activity than are the lot of most men 
who reach the three score and ten. By nature Mr. Jones was altruistic 
and philanthropic and was always greatly interested in the education of 
young people. In addition to his business duties, Mr. Jones found the 
time and had the inclination to accomplish much in Christian work. He 
took an active part in the fight for prohibition in Missouri. Orphan 
babies and dependent children also made a strong appeal to his 
sympathies and, not only giving liberally of his time and money to 
orphan asylums in the communities where he lived, his custom was to 
devote active personal attention to finding homes for children in whom 
he took an interest. He was a faithful member of the Central 
Presbyterian church of Denver, a member of its board of trustees, and 
at the time of his death president of the board. Also. he was a 
director and vice president of the Denver Young Men's Christian 
Association.

	The family life of Mr. Jones approached the ideal. He was married 
February 18, 1891, to Dora Lou Cobb of Odessa, Missouri, and to this 
happy union there were born three children: Roma Allene, May 3. 1892, 
who married Richard Turner Jones of St Joseph, Missouri; Gordon, Jr., 
November 26, 1894, and Elbert Wharton. April 24, 1911. But, with the 
sweets of life, Gordon Jones tasted many of the bitters; fate seems to 
have played a strange part in the shaping of his career. On April 24, 
1916, there came a tragedy into his life, the weight of which bore 
heavily upon him during the twelve months of life which were to be his. 
While motoring eastward from Denver with his family and son-in-law the 
automobile was overturned by the collapse of a rear wheel, and in a 
flash the lives of his son Gordon, Jr., and his son-in-law, Richard 
Turner Jones, were taken. He and the others of his family were rescued 
from the burning car, all slightly injured with the exception of the 
younger son. This tragic occurrence produced a shock from which Gordon 
Jones never fully recovered, but the overwhelming loss and sorrow were 
borne with a Christian fortitude, and more and more he became 
interested in things spiritual and in the moral uplift of his 
fellowmen.

	Just a year afterward, April 14, 1917, Gordon Jones died at St. 
Joseph's Hospital in Denver, following a surgical operation. He met 
death with the courage and optimism which he had displayed in his life, 
and inspired his faithful wife to bear the seemingly cruel decree of 
Providence with the same bravery and indomitable spirit.

	The death of Gordon Jones threw a veil of sorrow over the city of 
Denver. The Rocky Mountain News of April 18. 1917. stated: "During the 
hour of hís funeral, banks closed, business men left their desks, 
workers took leave of their counters, the heart of Denver's life 
converged for the moment toward the Central Presbyterian church to pay 
a rare tribute of love and respect to the memory of Gordon Jones, 
financier and idealist. To few men does it come to have the public 
praise of their life reflected so sincerely as at the funeral of Gordon 
Jones. In the business hours of the day, rich men and poor men, old and 
young, seized the opportunity to give testimony of their regard for the 
man who had stood so high in the affairs of the city."

	In closing this brief sketch of the life of Gordon Jones the 
words of Chalmers are peculiarly fitting. "Do good, and leave behind 
you a monument of virtue that the storm of time can never destroy. 
Write your name in kindness, love and mercy on the hearts of thousands 
you come in contact with year by year; you will never be forgotten. No, 
your name, your deeds, will be as legible on the hearts you leave 
behind as the stars on the brow of evening. Good deeds will shine as 
the stars of Heaven."