Truman Jones is a name synonymous with Hororata. His business, contracting with traction engines, was based in this busy rural town. Truman started work as an apprentice blacksmith for John Thorne of Hororata. In 1904 Truman went into partnership with Thomas Patterson and they had a threshing, chaff cutting and haulage business. Initially they had three traction engines and could be seen all round the central Canterbury area.

Building the Lake Coleridge Power Station was a huge undertaking and all the materials were carted by traction engine and wagons from the railway station at Coalgate.

At the clearing sale following Truman’s death, were listed 4 traction engines, 3 chaff cutters, 11 traction wagons, 3 portable whares and a large assortment of associated equipment and tools.

Truman Jones has become part of the folklore of the district being the focus of Joe Charles’ ballad, The Coleridge Run.