Butte County Biographies

L. C. STONE

Transcribed by:  Betty Wilson

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the leading business man of the town of Gridley, is a native of 
Jefferson county, New York, where his boyhood days were spent.  In 1854, he came 
to California, and settled at Long bar, in Yuba county, where for three years, 
he kept a store.  In this enterprise he was successful; and, after closing up 
his business, determined to enter into stock-growing and money-loaning in the 
valley.  This did not prove so safe a business channel to sail in as 
anticipated.  He loaned the Forbestown Ditch Company quite a large sum, none of 
which they liquidated.  This did not deter him, being possessed of a strong will 
and willing hands to work.  He decided to make another stake by farming, and 
settled on a ranch near the line of Butte and Sutter counties, where for ten 
years he resided.  He was fortunate in accumulating money, and was able again to 
open a small store on the county-line, which he kept for three years.  In 1870, 
he removed to Gridley.  The town-site was then being surveyed by the railroad 
company.  Here he opened a store in a small cabin, the first store in the town.  
In two years he erected the two-story building he now occupies.  This will soon 
give way to a more imposing and substantial brick block.  He erected his 
residence, the finest in Gridley, in 1870, and rebuilt it in 1878.  He has the 
railroad, telegraph and express offices in the same building.  Mr. Stone deals 
largely in grain and wood, and carries on farming quite extensively.  He is 
assisted in his business by Mr. Charles Walsh, who has been with him nine years. 
 In addition to his other duties, he conducts a general insurance business.  The 
only son of Mr. and Mrs. Stone was born October 21, 1867, and died, from an 
accident, June 26, 1879.
We append a poem written on his death, by Miss F. A. Walsh:
 
In Memoriam.
 
Louie, thou hast gone and left them, vainly do bereaved ones weep;
Nor will all they floods of tears wake thy still and solemn sleep.
 
Gently fold the robes around him, softly comb the chestnut hair;
Lightly close the lid above him, for a darling boy lies there.
 
Father, weep not for thy loved one; he is safe with Him above,
Who can heal all earthly sorrows in the depth of his sweet love.
 
Mother, grieve not for thy darling; to see thee weep e’er gave him pain;
He was one of God’s fair treasures lent thee, and now claimed again.
 
Sisters, ye have lost a brother—one who was too good for earth;
One whose life, so pure and guiless, soon won him an immortal birth.
 
Grieve not, for ye still can claim him, though his spirit hence hath fled;
For a while his face is hidden; still ye own the darling dead.
 
More your own, oh! Father, mother; had he lived, fate would ye part.
More your brother, loving sisters; no other love will share his heart.
 
And bereaved ones, e’er remember, earth is not a place of joy;
Trust not much to fleeting pleasure; heaven’s bliss shines round your boy.
 
Earth is but a place of exile—sorrow hath this lesson given;
And death’s angel was the teacher, now your earth is linked with heaven.
 
History of Butte County, California: From its Earliest Settlement to the Present 
Time - Vol. II -  Harry L. Wells & W. L. Chambers - 547 Clay Street, San 
Francisco, Cal., 1882.