Los Angeles County
Biographies
CHARLES D. JONES
Self-educated, Charles D. Jones has regarded the
obstacles and difficulties in his path as a spur to renewed effort, and his is
a record of continuous progress that has brought him to the fore in his chosen
field of usefulness as superintendent of schools at Hermosa Beach, a position
which he has capably filled for a period of nine years. He was born in Antigo,
Wisconsin, May 5, 1882, and attended the elementary schools of that
town. After completing a course in the high school at Bemidji, Minnesota,
Mr. Jones went to Bellingham, Washington, where he entered the State
Normal School, and was graduated with the class of 1914. He worked his way
through college, spending the years 1911-1916 in Alaska, engaged in the service
of the United States Bureau of Education, which included supervision of a
reindeer herd. As a student at the southern branch of the University of
California at Los Angeles he perfected himself in his profession.
Mr. Jones began teaching in 1903 at the California Creek
school in Washington, and his initial step in educational circles of the Golden
state was made as principal of the Nipomo Street Elementary school at San Luis
Obispo, where he remained for three years. Afterward he was district
superintendent of schools at Santa Paula for four years, and in 1924 came to
Hermosa Beach, assuming the duties of his present position. In close touch with
the most modern ideas in regard to the education of children, he has instituted
needed changes and improvements in the methods of instruction, bringing the
five schools under his charge up to a high standard. He not only understands
the needs of the pupils but also has the requisite tact and executive force and
has inspired both teachers and pupils with his own zeal and energy for the
work.
In 1924 Mr. Jones was united in marriage with Miss Geneva
Kincaid, a native of Montana and a graduate of the southern branch of the
University of California, and they are the parents of a son, Charles David,
Jr., born May 12, 1925.
Mr. Jones is a past president of the local Kiwanis Club
and served for two years as first vice president of the Hermosa Beach Chamber
of Commerce. He is a Mason, being a member of Hermosa Lodge, No. 557,
F. & A. M. His religious belief is shown in his membership
in the Methodist Episcopal Church. He belongs to the National Health
Association, the National Education Association, the Schoolmasters Club of Los
Angeles County, the Business Managers and Professional Men’s Association of Los
Angeles, the Superintendents Association of California, the Southern
Association for the Advancement of Superior Children, and the Los Angeles
County Administrators and Supervisors Association. The last named, an
association for educational advancement, was reorganized mainly through the
efforts of Mr. Jones, who strongly advocated its advantages and served as
its first president. At all points in his career he has been actuated by worthy
motives and governed by high standards, and what he has accomplished represents
the fit utilization of his innate powers and talents.
Transcribed by Marie Hassard
04 May 2012.
Source: California
of the South Vol. II, by John Steven McGroarty, Pages
377-378, Clarke Publ., Chicago, Los Angeles, Indianapolis.
1933.
© 2012 Marie Hassard.
GOLDEN NUGGET'S LOS ANGELES BIOGRAPHIES