STONE, James A.
Commemorative and Biographical Record of Columbia, Sauk and Adams Counties, 
WI. Chicago: Ogle, 1901, p 668-670

James Asahel STONE, one of the leading attorneys and prominent business men 
of Sauk County, WI, now located at [p 669] Reedsburg, was born in Smithfield, 
Madison County, NY, 01 Dec 1856, and is a son of Captain James Riley and 
Pamela Coe (ELLINWOOD) STONE. The father was also a native of Smithfield and 
his ancestors were from CT. During the dark days of the Rebellion he 
recruited Company F, 157th NY Volunteer Infantry, and was commissioned 
captain of his company, being mustered in as such on 19 Sep 1862. Among the 
engagements in which he participated were the battles of Chancellorsville and 
Gettysburg, and at the latter he was taken prisoner. After one year spent in 
Libby prison, during which time he endured untold hardships, he was 
transferred to Macon [Bibb County], GA, where he died on 12 Aug 1864, at the 
age of 40. Prior to his entering the army he engaged in farming and working 
at the stone mason's trade, and many monuments to his skill and handiwork are 
still to be seen at Peterboro [Madison County], NY. His wife was also a 
native of Madison County, NY, and a daughter of George W. ELLINWOOD, a 
prominent citizen of that locality, who was engaged in farming keeping an 
hotel, and also served as justice of the peace for some years. The ELLINWOOD 
family is of Scotch-Irish lineage.

The preliminary education of James Asahel STONE was obtained in the common 
school and Evans Academy, of Peterboro [Madison County], NY. In the winter 
of 1869-70 he came with his mother to Reedsburg, WI, and located on a farm, 
to the cultivation of which he devoted his energies through the summer 
months, while in the winter months he attended the Reedsburg high school, 
where he was graduated in 1875. Subsequently he attended the Oshkosh Normal 
School for one term, and for two years was a student at the State University. 
Later he studied law with Judge STEVENS and R. P. PERRY, of Reedsburg [Sauk 
County, WI], and was admitted to the bar in 1889, since which time he has 
successfully engaged in general practice. He spent five years in Potter and 
Sully Counties, SD, locating settlers, conducting contests, etc., and still 
owns a claim there. Since his return to Reedsburg he has built up a large 
and lucrative practice, and in connection with his professional duties he is 
more or less interested in the insurance and collection business. He was one 
of the incorporators of the State Bank of that place, for which he acts as 
attorney.

Mr. STONE was married 19 Apr 1884 to Miss Minnie Louise CORWITH, a daughter 
of Silas W. and Anna L. (ALBRECHT) CORWITH, of Prairie du Sac [Sauk County], 
WI. Her father died in Reedsburg [Sauk County, WI] on 27 Jun 1894, at the 
age of nearly 87 years, but her mother, who was born in Doelleda, Germany, is 
still living in Reedsburg, at the age of 63. Mrs. STONE was born in Troy 
Township, Sauk County, 06 Mar 1857. Mr. and Mrs. STONE have three children: 
Anna Louise, James Riley and Millie Coe.

Mr. STONE has always taken a deep interest in educational affairs. He served 
two terms as city superintendent of schools, and three years as a member of 
the board of education. He is now a member of the board of directors of the 
public library, of Reedsburg, which was established by his earnest effort, 
combined with other public-spirited citizens.

His family attend the Presbyterian church. In social bodies he is a member 
of Maplewood Camp, No. 470, Modern Woodmen of America, and its presiding 
officer; is a member of Reedsburg Lodge, Ancient Free & Accepted Masons, and 
has taken the chapter degrees in Masonry. Both he and wife belong to Queen 
of Sheba Chapter, Order of Eastern Star, at Reedsburg. Politically he is 
identified with the [p 670] Republican party and (Oct 1900) is the nominee 
for the assembly for the second district in Sauk County. For four years he 
has creditably filled the office of city attorney of Reedsburg. He holds and 
merits a place among the representative legal practitioners and citizens of 
Reedsburg, and is a pleasant, affable gentleman who makes many friends.

Contributed by Cathy Kubly