Ransom Stone

Ransom and Emily (Hasting) Stone's tombstone rests in Farmer Cemetery, along with many others of their neighbors and friends.  The stone is marked with a flag and a GAR star, indicating service to his country, probably in the Civil War; however, an exhaustive search has not uncovered where or when Ransom served.  The official rosters do not name him, nor is he listed as a veteran on the 1890 Veterans Census or on the Civil War Draft Registrations. 

www.findagrave.com   - Farmer Cemetery  (Ransom 1830-1903 and Emily 1835-1914)

Ransom Stone was born in New York in January 1830, to parents, Alpha Stone and Rhoda Orton.  The family moved sometime between 1840, where they appear on the census in New York, and 1850, when they were enumerated in Milford Township, Defiance County, Ohio.  In 1850, Ransom was 20 and his siblings at home were Almeda, 25; Chancy, 16; and Olive, 12.

Marriage records indicated that Ransom Stone married Emily Marie Hastings, the daughter of Henry Hastings and Sarah Conkey, on November 17, 1853. They settled in Farmer Township where they were enumerated on the 1860 census.  R. Stone's wife was named as "Nancy," perhaps a nickname for Emily.  He was farming and, at the time, they had three children: Leslie, 5; Charles, 3; and Florence, 1.

Ransom Stone remained the rest of his life in Farmer, serving in different positions in the township and working various jobs.  In 1870, he identified himself as a stock drover (one who drives cattle or sheep to market); in 1880, he was a jobber (one who does small jobs or acts as an agent in a transaction).  Finally in 1900, he was a grocery huckster at the age of 70.  Perhaps he had a wagon he drove around, selling small necessities. 

The Hicksville News stated on April 14, 1887:

"Ransom Stone, of Farmer township, was in town Monday and spent the day with relatives here, taking the train Tuesday morning for Defiance, to get assessor's blanks.  Mr. Stone has been assessor of Farmer township for 11 years in succession, being in addition to assessor, land appraiser in 1880."

Ransom and Emily were blessed with four children: Leslie, Eva Mae, Frank L. and Charles. He died on January 17, 1903, in Farmer Township, having just turned 73 years old.

Only a short obituary from the book, Obituaries of Northwest Pioneers, could be found:

"Ransom Stone departed this life January 17, 1903, aged 73 years and 3 days.  He was born in St. Lawrence Co., N.Y., on January 14, 1830, and came to Ohio in 1846.  He was married to Emily Hastings on November 17, 1853, and they lived together (many) years.  He leaves a wife, three sons, one daughter, two brothers, Nelson and Norman Stone, and two sisters, ( ?) Wilder and Almedia Martin.  He was an honored citizen and a tried and (well liked) man.
A host of relatives and friends mourn his loss.  The funeral took place at the (?) church at 11 a.m. on Monday.  Grant Speer officiating.  Interment in Farmer Cemetery."