Born to Judge Thomas Allen and Rachel Hart. They were from the first families of Indiana and Pennsylvania.

Her mother died when she was 5 years old. She was raised by her father and stepmother.

She married Silas Washington Robinson (S.W.R.) Jones on November 17, 1836 in Owen County, Indiana.

They were the parents of 15 children (including 3 sets of twins) over a 25 year period. They were:

James Thomas (10-01-1837); Joseph Philip (1-27-1839); Rachel (1-26-1841); William Henry and Susannah (9-30-1842); John Calvin and Silas Allen (4-18-1845); Jesse Berryman (9-18-1847); Madison LaFayette (3-29-1849); Samuel William (11-17-1850); Elizabeth Frances (11-7-1852); Emily (1-22-1856); Sarah (1-19-1858), Scott and Harrison (4-24-1861).

Elizabeth Frances Jones Bonney (Lizzie) lived and passed away in The Dalles, Oregon and is buried on a hill overlooking the Columbia River. She passed away in 1889 at the age of 37.

John Calvin died July 30, 1846 at 15 months of age. He is believed to be buried in the Little Mount Churchyard near Gosport, Indiana.

She crossed the plains to Oregon in 1853 with 3 daughters and 7 sons.

She was a very tall lady. Her sons were big men, over 6 feet tall.

She was an outstanding cook who had a huge table where she served a full dinner for all of the hired hands, then cleared it and fed the hired girl, the family and their friends.

Their children were well taught. Education was of such importance that the children attended Willamette University. They also donated 400 acres of land to Philomath College showing their interest in education and also religion.


She died at the age of 70 and is buried in the cemetery started for her son who was laid to rest shortly after arriving in Oregon. Most of her children and many grandchildren are also at this cemetery.


See note below for daughter not linked to her mother's site.