Benjamin S. Stone

BENJAMIN S. STONE, a pioneer settler of Labette county, and one of the best farmers in his district, resides in section 21, Fairview township, Labette county, Kansas. He was born in Switzerland county, Indiana, February 19, 1840, and is a son of Benjamin F., and a grandson of Benjamin Stone, the latter a native of Pennsylvania.

Benjamin F. Stone was born in Ohio, in 1815, and moved with his parents from Ohio to Switzerland county, Indiana, when but a boy. In the early part of his life he followed the trade of a carpenter, but subsequently carried on farming. In 1842 he moved to Hancock county, Illinois, in 1849 to Muscatine county, Iowa, and in 1864 to Johnson county, Nebraska, where he died, November 10, 1900, aged eighty-five years, seven months, and ten days. He married Mary Latta, who was born in 1816, and died in 1860. They reared the following children: William G.; Benjamin S.; Sylvester; Moses; Joseph; Margaret (Laflin); Jennie; and Belle, deceased. Mr. Stone married the second time, and by this union reared four children. Politically, he was a Democrat, and served as a justice of the peace for some time. He was a lieutenant of the 1st Reg., Illinois Militia, in the Mormon War.

Benjamin S. Stone received his mental training in the schools of Muscatine county, Iowa. He learned the trade of a carpenter, which he now follows in connection with farming. In 1861 Mr. Stone enlisted in Company C, 1st Reg., Iowa Vol. Inf., and was in the Army of the West for three months. He then reenlisted in the 44th Reg., Iowa Vol. Inf., and was with the 16th Army Corps, under Gen. A. J. Smith. He enlisted as a corporal, and when he was mustered out, September 15, 1864, he was a sergeant. In 1860 he left Iowa and settled in Labette county, Kansas, making the trip by wagon, and reaching his destination in November. He first located in Oswego township, where he built one of the first log cabins in the county, as there were but three others in the village of Oswego. He remained in Kansas nine months, when he returned to Muscatine county, Iowa, and in 1875 again settled in Kansas, locating in Fairview township. In 1882 Mr. Stone bought his present farm, the southeast quarter of section 21, and has lived there ever since.

In 1862 Mr. Stone was wedded to Cornelia Lake, of Muscatine county, Iowa, and they have been blessed with four children, namely: Mary (Swanwick), who has four children; Cora (Paxton); W. Benjamin; and Josephine. Mr. Stone is a member of the G. A. R., Post No. 150. He is a Republican, in politics, and has served as school director for twelve years. He has done much to assist in the advancement and progress of Labette county, and is highly respected by all his fellow citizens.