Dallas County, Arkansas

Page 735
Robert B. STONE, a prominent citizen and a representative farmer of the county, was born in Perry County, Ala., on January 6, 1840, and his parents, William T. and Martha (RIVERS) STONE, were natives of the same State. The father moved from Alabama to Arkansas in 1848, located in Ouachita County, and there remained until his death, which occurred in 1888, when seventy-six years of age. The mother died in 1842,when quite a young woman. The father was a very successful farmer, but in connection with his occupation was also engaged in merchandising. In politics he was a Democrat. By his marriage were born two children: Robert S. and Julia (who was the wife of Rev. Mr. AUSTIN, a Methodist Episcopal minister, who died in Ouachita County). Robert B. STONE was educated in the schools of Union and Dallas Counties, but his studies were interrupted by the breaking out of the late war. He threw aside his books, and on May 2, 1861, enlisted in the First Confederate Infantry, and participated in a number of the principal engagement, viz.: Shiloh, Murfreesbro, and Perryville (Ky.). At the battle of Shiloh he received a severe wound. In 1863 he came home on a furlough, and was soon after transferred to the Trans-Mississippi department, and was in Fagans advance guard of cavalry. He was in Prices raid through Missouri, and in most all the battles from Pilot Knob to Webber Station. He was mustered out of service at Little Rock in April 1865, and returned home, where he remained until 1870, assisting his father to regain some little of the many thousands of dollars worth of property he had lost. Since then Mr. STONE has been unusually successful. He was married on September 22, 1863, to Miss Anna E. AVRY, a native of Ouachita County, and the daughter of Samuel F. AVRY. She died in October, 1880. Six children were born to this union, two now living, Junius and Claude. Those deceased are Willie Samuel, Robbie, Mary Lee and Iva. In February 1881, Mr. STONE married Miss Katie HOLMES, a native of Dallas County, and the daughter of Samuel and Martha HOLMES. Two children are the fruits of Mr. STONE's second marriage: James and Julia Rivers. Mr. STONE is one of the first-class citizens of the county, and is a liberal supporter of all laudable enterprises.