William "Billy" Jones

William “Billy” Jones (1884-1968) established the Billy Jones Wildcat Railroad in Monte Sereno, CA. He began as an engineer for the South Pacific Coast Railroad which later became the Southern Pacific Railroad. After marrying Geraldine McGrady and settling down in Monte Sereno, he bought a small steam engine and constructed a miniature railway in his yard called the “Wildcat Railroad.” Walt Disney was a frequent visitor to the Billy Jones Wildcat Railroad on Dave’s Avenue. It has been said that the story of "Casey Jones" is based on the life of Billy Jones. After Jones passed away in 1968, local residents formed a nonprofit organization to purchase and move the Wildcat Railroad to Oakmeadow Park and Vasona Park to continue Jones’ legacy of serving the City of Monte Sereno and the surrounding community.