Oklahoma City unveils bronze statue of C.G. ‘Gritsmill’ Jones

OKLAHOMA CITY — A beloved figure in Oklahoma history is now memorialized in bronze.

Charles Gasham “Gritsmill” Jones was one of the state’s most influential early leaders. He built the first four mills in Oklahoma City, served in the first, fifth and sixth Territorial Legislatures and as speaker of the house in 1891.

Jones’s effigy, created by LaQuincey Reed , a nationally recognized sculptor based in Oklahoma City. The life-size bronze, donated by the Oklahoma City-County Historical Society , is located in the plaza, also donated by the Society, south of the Centennial Building at OKC Fair Park.

Among Jones’ other contributions to Oklahoma, he founded the towns of Mustang and Jones, served twice as Oklahoma City’s mayor, and, in 1896 and 1901, he was the founder and first presi