Dr. Stone has left the ranks of the many to stand among the more successful few in a profession where advancement depends solely upon individual merit. In other walks of life, especially in commercial circles, one may enter upon a business already established and carry it on from the point where others laid it down, but the physician must rely solely upon his knowledge and ability, and these must be acquired through close and earnest application. That Dr. Stone, of Wallace, is numbered among the leading physicians and surgeons of his section of the state is therefore evidence of his power in his chosen calling.
A native of Missouri, he was born May 10, 1859, his parents being Robert Harris and Eliza (Rodes) Stone, both of whom were natives of Kentucky, and are now deceased. The father died in Missouri, in 1881, at the age of sixty-five years, and the mother in Texas, when about thirty-five years of age. Mr. Stone engaged in merchandising throughout his business career. The Doctor obtained his preliminary education in the common schools of his native state, and supplemented it by study in an academy for boys at Little Rock, Arkansas, and in Woodlawn Seminary, at St. Charles, Missouri. He began the study of medicine in Louisville, Kentucky, at the age of seventeen years, and in 1879 he went to Leadville, Colorado, where he remained until 1881 acting as bookkeeper for the Chrysolite Mining Company. In 1882 he returned to Louisville, Kentucky, where he resumed the study of medicine, and in 1883 was graduated in the Louisville Medical College.
Immediately afterward Dr. Stone began the practice of his chosen profession in Colorado, where he continued for five years, meeting with excellent success in his undertakings. Having in that time accumulated considerable capital, he was enabled to spend the two succeeding years in travel, and in 1889 he came to Idaho, locating in Burke, Shoshone county, where he acted as surgeon for the Tiger, Poorman and other mining companies. In 1891 he took up his abode in Wallace and was at once appointed surgeon for the Northern Pacific and Union Pacific Railways. In 1891 he was appointed attending surgeon for the Providence Hospital, at Wallace, and is now county health officer also. He has a broad and accurate knowledge of medical principles, is very skillful in diagnosing a case and in applying his knowledge in the manner best calculated to relieve suffering. His ability has won him rank among the leading physicians of Idaho, and he is a valued member of the Idaho State Medical Society, the American Medical Association and the American Association of Railway Surgeons.
On Christmas day of 1896 Dr. Stone was united in marriage to Miss Mary Ervin, of Fayette, Missouri, and they have one of the finest homes in Wallace. It is not only beautiful in appearance, but is celebrated for its hospitality, which is generously extended to their many friends. They are the parents of a little son, whose birth occurred July 14, 1899. In politics the Doctor is a Democrat of the old school. A gentleman of courteous address and general manner, he is a favorite with all classes and is accounted one of the leading citizens of Wallace.