In November 1902, all of Madera County went to the polls. The people finally elected an entire slate of officials they could count on.
The race, which held the most interest, was that of Madera County Sheriff. In the late summer of 1902, Sheriff William B. Thurman announced that he would not be a candidate for reelection. He had decided to go into business with J.W. Watkins in the operation of a sash and door factory on the 6th Street site of the old Madera Flume and Trading Company sawmill and lumber yard. With that announcement, John M. Jones hopped into the race, and in November he garnered 765 votes and won.
Prior to his election as sheriff, the 34-year-old Jones was working as a teamster. He was single and living with the Edward Taylor family near Fresno Flats.