Biographical and historical memoirs of Mississippi, embracing an authentic and comprehensive account of the chief events in the history of the state and a record of the lives of many of the most worthy and illustrious families and individuals, Vol. II, Part 134

Author: Goodspeed Brothers
Publication date: 1891
Publisher: Chicago, Goodspeed
Number of Pages: 1314

USA > Mississippi > Biographical and historical memoirs of Mississippi, embracing an authentic and comprehensive account of the chief events in the history of the state and a record of the lives of many of the most worthy and illustrious families and individuals, Vol. II > Part 134

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

John Marshall Stone. Among the governors of Mississippi there has been none more popular with the people, who stood higher in their confidence and esteem, or who was more able, zealous and conscientious in the discharge of official duties than the present incum- bent, John M. Stone. He is a native of Tennessee, where he was born April 30, 1830, being the second child of Asher and Judith (Royall) Stone, who were born in the state of Virginia, in which state their ancestors were prominent people. Asher Stone was born in Pittsylvania county, November 1, 1806, and Judith, his wife, in Halifax county, March 12, 1811. Asher's father was a native of the Old Dominion and of English ancestry. Judith Royall was a daughter of Nathaniel Royall, one of the old families of that state. Asher Stone died in Carroll county, Tenn., September 20, 1841, to which place he had emigrated at an early day. His widow still survives him and resides in Chester county, Tenn. There were born to them nine children: Elizabeth (the subject of this sketch), Thomas, Isaac, Rebecca, Samuel, Robert, Berry and William C. Samuel, Robert and William C. were killed in battle, fighting for the establishment of the Confederacy. The parents were not wealthy, and consequently John M. was early indoctrinated in the principles of industry and economy, which in the future were to mold his character. His struggles in early life for an educa- tion brought him into sympathy with the masses, for whose elevation and betterment he has

851

MEMOIRS OF MISSISSIPPI.

labored during his long public career. It was not his good fortune to be sent to college, but he acquired a good education by his assiduous attention to his studies. Often the blaze of the pine knot would light up the pages of his books, over which he could be seen poring far into the night. Thus by pursuing his studies and teaching school, he managed to support himself and secure an education which enabled him in after years to discharge the high pub- lic duties entrusted to him. In August, 1855, he removed from Tennessee and located at Eastport, Miss., where he engaged with a business house until 1859. At this time the Mem- phis & Charleston railroad being completed, he was tendered the position of station agent at Iuka, which he accepted and filled with credit until the breaking out of the late war. Believing that his services were due to the state of his adoption, he enlisted in the Confed- erate service, and the early days of April, 1861, found him at the head of company K, Second Mississippi infantry. From Iuka the company moved to Corinth, the place of rendezvous. About the 1st of May his command was ordered to Lynchburg, where it remained for a short time, and then moved on to Harper's Ferry, where it became a part of the Third brigade, which was then under command of Brigadier-General Bee. His first experience in active warfare was at the battle of Manassas, where his regiment was distinguished for its gallant conduct, and where his company suffered heavily, having several killed and wounded. After this battle the command moved to Fredericksburg, where they rested, and then went on to Dumphreys, at which place they went into winter quarters. In the early spring they were ordered to Fredericksburg, and after some maneuvering about there, moved on the Yorktown. There the troops were organized, and in the reorganization, April 10, 1862, Captain Stone was elected colonel of the second regiment. This promotion was but a just recognition of his efficient services as a soldier, and of the gallant manner in which he had discharged his duties as captain of company K. Soon after the reorganization the command moved up about Richmond, from which place it was subsequently ordered to Staunton to join Jackson, who was moving around in the rear of Mcclellan. His next engagement was at Gaines' Mill, June 27, where, with his regiment, he had some hard fighting. After the battle of Malvern Hill, in which he participated, the command marched to near Richmond, where it went into camp. Movements of the armies brought on another battle at Manassas, in which Colonel Stone with his regiment participated, August, 1862. After this fight his command moved back to camp near Richmond, where the troops were rebrigaded and Joseph R. Davis placed in command. This brigade subsequently became known as Davis' brigade. Before returning to Richmond this brigade was in the engagements at Boonesboro and Sharpsburg (Antietam).

Early in the spring the Colonel with his command was in the field in active movement to meet the advances of the Federal troops, and was in several actions, among which was that of Bristoe Station. For a time, also, he was on detached service. When General Lee began his movement northward into Maryland, Colonel Stone's brigade, under command of Briga- dier- General Heath, was ordered to join him. This offensive movement of the Confederate army brought on the memorable battle of Gettysburg, in which the Second Mississippi regi- ment was hotly engaged. This regiment was stationed on the left and was opposed by Gen- eral Reynold's forces. Colonel Stone gallantly led his regiment in the fight, which lost heavily in killed, wounded, missing and captured. He also was wounded in the side by a piece of shell while leading his troops. This was during the first day's fight and prevented him from engaging any further in the battle. He was able, however, to witness the third day's fight, in which his regiment was in constant action, it being placed immediately to the left of Pickett's division, and was conspicuous in that famous charge for the possession of Round Top. He was near the center of action, but being unable on account of his wound to

852

BIOGRAPHICAL AND HISTORICAL

remain longer, was returning from the field to the hospital when he was again wounded. On the return of Lee's army from the fatal field of Gettysburg Colonel Stone was engaged in a sharp fight at Falling Waters. Returning, the army went into winter quarters at Mine Run, where it remained until the spring of 1864. When activities commenced, Colonel Stone was again ready and in the field, and commanding Davis' brigade participated in the battle of the Wilderness, fighting with Longstreet. He was also in the battle of Spottsylvania and all the engagements of that campaign. At the close of the above mentioned battle General Long- street rode up to Colonel Stone and asked of him his name. Upon being told he said "Col- onel Stone, you have won to-day the stars of a major-general." It is known that he could have had this appointment, but it necessitated his leaving, not only his regiment but the Mississippi troop, which be could not bear to do, and so declined the promotion. Subse- quently his troops were ordered to the defense of Petersburg, where he remained in command until the evacuation of that place, except when he was called out to meet a feint of General Grant. This was at the time when the Grub mine was sprung. His command went into winter quarters at Hatchers Run. In January, 1865, he was granted a leave of absence to return to his home in Mississippi and upon his return to join his regiment, which was then near Salisbury, N. C., he was taken prisoner by General Stoneman. He had taken back with him some recruits, and at the above named place he was joined by some troops from Georgia, being shortly after confronted by forces under General Stoneman, and had (the governor says) one of the hardest little fights he was in during the entire war. The enemy numbered about four hundred, mostly belonging to a Kentucky regiment, while he only had about forty men actively engaged. He, with most of his force, was taken prisoner. They were first taken to the mountains of Kentucky, then to Camp Chase, Ohio, from which place they were after- ward moved to Johnson's island, where, on July 25, 1865, they were discharged. While in the mountainous regions of Kentucky the news came of the assassination of President Lin- colu. This created an intense and bitter feeling among the soldiers who guarded them and who were under the command of Colonel Kirk, of Kentucky, and the prisoners were unjustly subjected to very hard treatment.

The Confederate army having surrendered, and the cause for which he had so gallantly fought, having failed, Colonel Stone returned to his home at Iuka, Miss., and again took up the peaceful pursuits of life, beginning at his old station which he had vacated for the field four years before. Though the cause for which he fought was a lost one, he had the consolation of having done his duty, and of carrying with him to his peaceful retreat the record of a brave, gallant and able officer. Every soldier who was with him was enthusias- tic in his praises, and ever found him, whether in the hottest battles or dress parade, the same courteous gentleman. In 1866, Colonel Stone was elected mayor, and subsequently treasurer of Tishomingo county. In 1869 the state held her election under the reconstruc- tion act, and Mr. Stone, having been placed in uomination for the state senate, was elected for a term of four years, being one of the few democrats to be elected, a position to which he was re-elected in 1873. He filled this position with satisfaction to his constituents and with eminent credit to himself. In 1872 he was a candidate for congress against Lamar, but did not secure the nomination. In 1876 he was chosen president pro tem. of the senate. Dur- ing this time, Governor Ames resigned and Mr. Stone, by virtue of his office as president pro tempore of the senate (Lieutenant Governor Davis having been impeached), succeeded to the governorship. He was installed as governor, March 27, 1876. In 1877 he was, by a large and popular vote, elected to the position for a term of four years. In 1881 he was a candi- date for re-election, but was defeated by Robert Lowry, who was elected and re-elected, serv-

853

MEMOIRS OF MISSISSIPPI.

ing in all a term of eight years. Governor Stone retired from the duties of his office, carrying with him the love and confidence of the people and returned to his home at Iuka, where he began devoting himself to agricultural pursuits. In 1884 he was appointed railroad commis- sioner by Governor Lowry, the duties of which he discharged with his usual careful business methods. In 1889, when the campaign opened, he announced himself as a candidate for governor, and quietly and in a dignified manner presented himself before the people for their support. This was easy to secure, for his administration as governor had been popular, clean and efficient. The people responded to his call with an enthusiasm that would gratify the pride or ambition of any man, and he was nominated and elected. By the provisions of the new constitution his term of office was extended two years and will expire in January, 1896. Governor Stone was married at Iuka, Miss., in 1872, to Miss Mary G., daughter of James and Elizabeth J. ( Mason) Coman. The issue of this union were two children, James Marshall and Mary E., both of whom died young. He has adopted three of his brother's children: Anna, Jennie and Maggie, whom he is carefully rearing. Governor Stone is a member of the Masonic order, a member of the Grand lodge, and has held various important positions in this society. He is also a member of the Knights and Ladies of Honor. Phys- ically he is all that could be desired, for he stands full six feet, is as straight as an arrow, with a well-knit, muscular frame. He has a full head of hair, now turning gray, and wears a mustache only. He looks at you square out of his steel gray eyes, and in a manner that immediately secures your confidence and attention. He has a firm mouth, and an open, yet decided expression, that establishes him, every inch, a man of nerve and great decision of character. To this may be added a genial disposition and a courteous, military bearing. Governor Stone possesses great executive ability; this, with his principles of rigid economy and his financial skill, has enabled him largely to reduce the debt of the state and place her on the high road to prosperity. Though now in his third administration as governor, no breath of scandal has ever touched him; he still holds the love and confidence of the people of the state and it is thought that he has not an enemy within its borders. Hamlet says: " Give me that man that is not passion's slave, and I will wear him in my heart's core, ay, in my heart of hearts." So the people of the state feel in regard to their governor, and it may be truthfully said that he is one of the ablest and most popular governors that ever sat in the executive chair of the state of Mississippi.

Rev. Lewis Maxwell Stone, Shuqualak, Miss. The subject of this sketch was born in Noxubee county, Miss., July 6, 1844. His parents were Col. J. M. and Mrs. Sarah M. Stone, who had born to them twelve children-eight sons and four daughters- Lewis Maxwell being the youngest son. The father was a native of Georgia, the mother, of South Carolina, and the daughter of Mr. John Bradley. They lived for several years in Florida, immediately after their marriage, moving later to Mobile, Ala., where they resided for some years. In 1843 they moved to their prairie farm in Noxubee county, Miss., and the second year, following, they removed to Pickens county, Ala. The early boyhood of Lewis was spent on the Stone- ferry farm near Fairfield. In his fourteenth year he entered the Springhill academy under Prof. A. C. Boken, his family having moved into the locality of Springhill, for the benefit of the school. Eighteen months later the Civil war broke out. In the fall of 1861, young Mr. Stone entered the army, joining the company raised by Capt. Newton N. Davis, which pro- ceeded to Mobile, Ala., and conuected itself with the Twenty-fourth Alabama regiment, under command of Col. W. A. Buck. The young man was in the active service until his health gave way, when he was assigned to post duty at Columbus, Miss., where he surrendered in 1865. Immediately after the war, he decided to go to work, to make money enough to finish

854

BIOGRAPHICAL AND HISTORICAL

his education. He taught school with Professor Baker, at Artesia, two sessions, taking private lessons as part pay for his services. He taught the school as principal two sessions following, and that to the great satisfaction of his patrons .. He then, in association with young Frank Critz, a graduate of the University of Mississippi (and later the honored chan- cellor of the fifth district), started a male school at Starkville. Mr. Stone, after a successful beginning of this enterprise, turned it over to his associate and went to Marion, Ala., where he entered the Hawood college. Here he stood high in his classes as a hard and apt student. His education receiving its finishing touch in this famous school of Alabama, he entered upon the work of the ministry as pastor of the Baptist church at Gainesville, Ala. He was ordained to the ministry by his home church at Springhill the fall he entered college. His pastorate was a successful one for the two years he served here. In 1872 he was married to Miss Mary High, of Gainesville. They have three children living: Sallie Leslie, Edna Montgomery and Edward Sholl. In 1873 he was called to take charge of the Meridian Baptist Female college located in the city of Meridian. Three years of vigorous and successful labor were given to this school, which greatly enlarged its patronage. A general depression coming upon the city, Professor Stone was induced to remove to Starkville and join Dr. T. G. Sellers in the proprietorship and teaching of the Female institute there. Two years later, 1877, he was tendered the presidency of the Gainesville (Ala.) Female college, the place of his first public service and of his marriage. Here he had an unexpected degree of success in building up and commanding a fine patronage. In 1879 the branch road of the Mobile & Ohio railroad was abandoned. This meant ruin to Gainesville as a business place. Professor Stone at once decided to change locations. He came to Shuqualak, Miss .- on the Mobile & Ohio railroad -- and with some aid from the citizens founded the Shuqualak Female college, of which he has been proprietor and president for eleven years. In the true sense of the word, Professor Stone is a selfmade man. The college for young ladies he founded and presided over for eleven years is a standing monument to his indomitable will, force of character and good judgment. This school has worthily won a place alongside the oldest and best colleges of its class in the state. It commands a large patronage from abroad, including many counties of its own state and other states. The conduct of the college is noted for its splendid system

in all particulars. It is doing a wonderful amount of good in developing the educa- tional interest of the state on a high plane of religious morals, economy and practicability. Professor Stone is a modest, unobtrusive, polished gentleman, and must be well known to be fully appreciated for all he is worth. His father, now in his eighty-eighth year, and who enjoys a fine flow of spirits and is stout and healthy, lives with him in the college. His mother died in 1881, in her sixty-seventh year.

Few, if any, industrial or professional pursuits have, within the last few years, made such rapid strides as that of the profession of medicine, and among the leading physicians of Washington county, Miss., who have availed themselves of all new ideas and put them in practice is Dr. Owen W. Stone. He was born in Boone county, Mo., on the 8th of May, 1850, to Caleb S. and Ann W. (Wilson) Stone, both of whom were born on bluegrass soil. Caleb S. Stone was a true Southerner in every sense of the word, and upon the opening of the Civil war, in 1861, cast his fortunes with the Confederacy, and for valiant service was pro- moted to the rank of colonel. At the battle of Pea Ridge, Ark., he was captured and retained a prisoner for six months, at the end of which time he was released. For further history of this gentleman see sketch of Captain Stone of Jackson. Dr. Owen W. Stone was reared in Missouri, and received his education in the State university at Columbia. In 1872 he began reading medicine, soon after which he graduated from the Alabama Medical college of Mobile,

855

MEMOIRS OF MISSISSIPPI.

and in 1875 began practicing on Deer creek. At the early age of twelve years he began making his own way in the world, leaving school to take upon himself the duties of a laborer, in order to support his mother while his father was in the army, their property having been swallowed up in security debts, so that they were in very poor circumstances even at the opening of the war. He had to surmount many difficulties and disappointments during his career, but has battled manfully against adversity, and is now reaping the reward of a useful and well-spent life, in the shape of a substantial income and the respect and esteem of all who know him. He owns two hundred and forty acres of land on Deer creek, two hundred of which are under cultivation, and since owning the place it has been improved to the extent of about $3,000. Dr. Stone was married, in 1881, to Miss Mary Holt, a native of Mississippi, and a daughter of Dr. A. C. and Mary W. (William) Holt, both of whom are Mississippians, the former being one of the leading physicians of New Orleans until his death, which occurred in 1881. The union of Dr. Stone has resulted in the birth of four children, the eldest two of whom died in infancy, Orville Walker and Eleanor, living. Dr. Stone is a mem- ber of the Christian church, and his wife is a Presbyterian. He belongs to the K. of H., the K. of P., and has been deeply interested in the progress of both orders. He has been a resident of Washington county since he was fifteen years of age, and is now the health officer of the county. He went through the yellow-fever epidemic of 1878, volunteering as a physician for the city and, while doing heroic service in that capacity, was stricken with the malady himself. He is a finely educated gentleman, and is a credit to the profession of which he is a member.

As an example of the usefulness and prominence to which men of character and deter- mination will attain, we have but to chronicle the life of Capt. W. W. Stone, who is the intel- ligent and efficient auditor of the state of Mississippi. He is a descendant of a long line of illustrious ancestry, and worthily fills his position in this line. The Stones originally came from England to America in the seventeenth century, one brother pitching his tent in Con- necticut, another in Maryland and another in Virginia. James Stone, the paternal grand- father of Captain Stone, was a Virginian and a pioneer settler of Madison county, Ky. His father also settled in this county, and, in time, there became a large settlement of the Stones near Boonesboro. Caleb S. Stone, son of James and father of Capt. W. W. Stone, was born on bluegrass soil, but in 1830 left the home of his birth to seek his fortune in the then wilds of Missouri, and after merchandising in Columbia for a few years, he turned his attention to tilling the soil and became wealthy. He interested himself in politics to some extent, became a prominent and leading democrat of Boone county (of the Calhoun and Jacksonian stripe), but never aspired to any prominent political position. At the opening of the Civil war he was appointed adjutant-general of the Missouri state guards, and while serving in this capacity he was captured at Elkhorn, and before being exchanged, in Septem- ber, 1862, he was kept for some time in the prison at Alton, Ill. He served in the quarter- master's department during the remainder of the war, after which he returned to his home at Columbia, Mo., where he died in 1873, at the age of sixty-three years. He was married to Miss Ann Wilson, a native of Kentucky, who removed to Missouri when young, and she sur- vived her husband until 1883, both being worthy members of the Christian church at the time of their deaths. She was also descended from English ancestry and one of the F. F. V.'s, her people having settled in the Old Dominion as early as 1624. Through the Woodsons, with whom she was closely related, she was connected with the noted Jefferson and Randolph families. Capt. W. W. Stone, the fifth of their twelve children, was born in Boone county, Mo., July 20, 1840, and received his initiatory training in a log schoolhouse in

856

BIOGRAPHICAL AND HISTORICAL

Columbia. He afterward fitted himself for the active duties of life in the University of Missouri, from which he was graduated in 1859, soon after which he began the study of law. When the war broke out he, with the enthusiasm of youth, determined to become a votary of Mars, and soon became second lieutenant of a local company, which was afterward attached to the Confederate army. After serving six months he joined another company, and although he was at one time captured he succeeded in making his escape, after which he joined the Confederate army at Tupelo, Miss., and took service in the quartermaster's department. In December, 1862, he joined the army of General Hindman at Fort Smith, Ark., and while participating in the varied fortunes of that command he was, in a few months, made lieuten- ant, and was shortly afterward promoted to the rank of captain of company E, Ninth Mis- souri infantry. He was in the battles of Prairie Grove, Ark .; Mansfield, Pleasant Hill, and in all the engagements in which General Price participated on his Missouri raid. He did much staff duty under the various commanders of the brigade, and surrendered at Shreve- port, La., in 1865. After some time Captain Stone returned to his old Missouri home, but after a very short stay there he came South to Mississippi (1866), and although his finances at that time were at a very low ebb, he began merchandising at Greenville in a small way, soon after turning his attention to planting, which occupation has received the greater part of his attention ever since. That he is admirably fitted for this calling is undoubted, for he is now owner of six thousand acres of some of the most valuable and fertile land in the state, the twenty-five hundred acres which are under cultivation being almost wholly cleared and improved by himself. This land is in four plantations, all of which are favorably situated for agricultural purposes, and show that a man of enterprise and energy has the management of affairs.

Since 1875 he has taken an active interest in politics, and in 1882 he was elected to the state legislature. So ably did he discharge his duties in this capacity that in 1885 he was elected state auditor, the same distinction being conferred upon him in 1889, which term will expire in 1896. The functions of this office he fills to perfection, for in every detail the most perfect arrangement is manifested, showing the workings of an intelligent and well-directed mind. He is efficient, punctual and honorable and uniformly courteous to all with whom he comes in contact. He has been many times a delegate to state conventions, and has other- wise interested himself in the political affairs of his section. His marriage to Miss Ella Holt took place in 1869, she being a daughter of Dr. Holt, of New Orleans, an eminent phy- sician and a member of the secession convention of Mississippi. He died in 1881. To Captain and Mrs. Stone a family of nine children have been born, the following of whom are living: Alfred Holt (who is now practicing law in Greenville, Miss.), Annie, Lillian, Ella and Aimee. Captain Stone has been quite active in promoting the commercial develop- ment of Greenville, and is a stockholder in several of its most important enterprises. Socially he is a member of the A. F. & A. M., the K. of H., and has been a member of the K. of P. He is a member in good standing of the Christian church, while his wife holds to the Presbyterian faith.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

Biographical and historical memoirs of Mississippi, embracing an authentic and comprehensive account of the chief events in the history of the state and a record of the lives of many of the most worthy and illustrious families and individuals, Vol. II, Part 134

Author: Goodspeed Brothers Publication date: 1891 Publisher: Chicago, Goodspeed Number of Pages: 1314

Author: Goodspeed Brothers
Publication date: 1891
Publisher: Chicago, Goodspeed
Number of Pages: 1314