Robert S. Stone was born in Independence, Missouri,
August 12, 1857. His father was the village blacksmith, and the
young Stone's boyhood was passed going to school and assisting at odd
hours in the heavy duties of the shop. When, at the age of
fourteen, his father's health failed and he was forced to cease work,
the maintenance of the family fell on the boy's young shoulders.
They moved out on a farm and for ten years they lived there, moving
back to Independence in 1881.
Mr. Stone started a grocery store, which he
ran for some time, finally giving it up in order to accept the tender
of a deputyship from Sheriff W. S. Sitlington. He remained in
the office for some years, having received a reappointment by the
succeeding Sheriff, John P. O'Neill.
In 1896 he was placed in nomination and
elected to the office of Sheriff by the Democratic party, and led his
ticket. Two years later he was again nominated and elected, his
majority being added to. After leaving the office in 1900 he
engaged in the real estate business for two years, and was nominated
and elected County Collector in 1902.
Mr. Stone is affiliated with the Knight Templar, the Elks, the Modern
Woodmen, the A. O. U. W., the Knights of Pythias, and holds membership
with the Scottish Rite Masons and the Shriners.
He married Miss Mary Cooper, of Lee's Summit,
Mo., June 11, 1879.
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