C. W. Stoner Biography This biography appears on pages 295-296 in "History of Dakota Territory" by George W. Kingsbury, Vol. V (1915) and was scanned, OCRed and edited by Maurice Krueger, mkrueger@iw.net. This file may be freely copied by individuals and non-profit organizations for their private use. Any other use, including publication, storage in a retrieval system, or transmission by electronic, mechanical, or other means requires the written approval of the file's author. This file is part of the SDGENWEB Archives. If you arrived here inside a frame or from a link from somewhere else, our front door is at http://usgwarchives.org/sd/sdfiles.htm C. W. STONER. C. W. Stoner, a dealer in lumber, grain, machinery and coal, is a highly esteemed resident of Iroquois, and served for four years as a member of the state legislature. He was born September 2, 1854, at Decatur, Michigan, a son of C. W. and Roxy (Tyler) Stoner. In 1882 the family removed to South Dakota and located upon a homestead two and a half miles south of Iroquois. The father cultivated that land for some years but after the death of his wife made his home with his son, C. W., until he too was called to his reward at the venerable age of eighty-nine years. C. W. Stoner was educated in the public schools of Michigan and after putting aside his text-books was connected with the manufacture of lumber and shingles until 1883, when he removed to South Dakota. He settled in Beadle county, where he homesteaded land, which he farmed for two years. At the end of that time he went to Iroquois and entered the mercantile field as a dealer in lumber, grain, machinery and coal. His business has increased steadily, keeping pace with the development of the country and he has become recognized as one of the leaders in commercial circles in Iroquois. He was the first and is now the oldest grain dealer in his part of the state. On the 3d of July, 1879, Mr. Stoner was united in marriage to Miss Belle Field, a daughter of Warren Field, a resident of Michigan. They have the following children: Ray W.; Edna, now Mrs. John McDeid; lda, now Mrs. Truman Crowell; Gladys, who is now MIS. L. Little; Minnie, who married H. Scott; Clayton, at home; and Imogene G., now Mrs. W. Jordan. Mr. Stoner is a republican and was county commissioner from 1903 to 1907. In the latter year he took office as a member of the state legislature and served until 1911, making a very creditable record in that capacity. His religious belief is indicated in his membership in the Methodist Episcopal church. He is quite prominent fraternally, being a Mason, an Odd Fellow, an Elk, a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and the Ancient Order of United Workmen. He is also identified with the Rebekahs. He is thoroughly interested in all that pertains to the welfare of his adopted state, is willing, if need be, to sacrifice personal advantage to the public good, and this spirit, combined with his agreeable personality, and integrity, has gained him not only the respect but also the good will of the community.