My Genealogy Hound

H. A. Stoner, as mayor of Lorimor, is giving to the city a public-spirited administration, characterized by a recognition of the needs of the town and the possibilities for accomplishment along lines of progress and improvement. He is well known in this part of the county, having for a number of years been one of the prosperous agriculturists of Clarke county, while his acquaintance extended into this district. He has been a resident of Iowa since 1870, arriving here when a young man of thirty years. His birth occurred in Delaware county, Indiana, September 1, 1840, his parents being Philip and Elizabeth (McMillen) Stoner. The father was born in Ohio and became a farmer of Indiana, where he made his home until 1850, when he removed to Iowa, taking up his abode in Delaware county, this state, he entered land from the government and opened up a farm, sharing in the hardships, privations and experiences incident to the settlement of the frontier and bearing his full share in the work of improvement and progress.

H. A. Stoner was reared in Delaware county, Iowa, upon the home farm. His father furnished a room and established a public school in his own home. Later he succeeded in getting a little log schoolhouse and H. A. Stoner continued his education in that “temple of learning.” His school days, however, confined almost wholly to the winter months, for in the summer seasons his labors were needed upon the home farm and beside, the school session covered only the cold season of the year. He has largely supplemented his educational privileges by reading and observation since attaining his majority and in the school of experience has learned many practical and valuable lessons. As a companion and helpmate for life’s journey he chose Miss Emmeline Ashburn, a native of Tennessee, whom he wedded in 1862. She was reared in Iowa and after their marriage they became residents of Delaware county, where for some years Mr. Stoner owned a farm of one hundred and twenty acres. In 1870 he removed to Clarke county and purchased three hundred and twenty acres of raw land. He then took up his abode on that place, making the journey thither with six yoke of oxen, using these animals in breaking the sod and opening up the farm. He first built a board shanty and later in the season put up a good but small frame house, which some years later was replaced by a commodious modern residence. He also put up a barn, set out a maple and walnut grove, planted a good orchard and in front of his house developed a neat lawn, adorned with cedar and other ornamental trees. In connection with the cultivation of the fields for the production of cereals, he likewise raised and fed stock and his business interests were carefully conducted, resulting in success.

While living upon the farm Mr. Stoner was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who died in 1871. They were the parents of two children: George S., who is married and follows farming near Hartford, Kansas; and Frank L., who is married and is a resident farmer of Adair county, Iowa. For his second wife Mr. Stoner chose Miss Elizabeth Fivecoat, whom he wedded in Clarke county. She died leaving one son, Landis L., a resident farmer of Union county, who is also carrying on merchandising. Mr. Stoner was married again in this city, Miss Lottie Nelson, who was a native of Ohio but was reared in Iowa, becoming his wife. By this marriage there is one daughter, Truth Marie.

Never neglectful of the duties of citizenship, Mr. Stoner puts forth every effort in his power to promote the best interests of the community. He gives his political allegiance to the republican party and while in Clarke county served as supervisor and was also officially identified with the schools for a number of years. In 1894 he removed to Lorimor, purchased a lot and built thereon a residence and barn. He has since resided here and gives his supervision to his farm and other business interests. In 1904 he was elected mayor of the town and was re-elected in 1906, re-elected in 1908, so that he is now serving for the fifth year in that office, his administration receiving public endorsement because all recognize his honesty of intention and his effective work in promoting public welfare. The town was in debt when he was first elected to the office but under his administration the indebtedness has been discharged and there is now money in the treasury. His public service has been of the most practical character and he has given many tangible proofs of his loyalty to the best interests of the community. Mr. Stoner has served as a delegate to numerous conventions of his party and is a firm believer in republican principles. His wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and both are highly esteemed by a large circle of warm friends. Mr. Stoner is widely recognized as a man of good business ability and undoubted integrity and enjoys in large measure the uniform confidence and esteem of the community.