William Stones was born in Oldham, England, February 13, 1815. He sailed from Liverpool November 8, 1840, for America, and was blown back by a storm. The 16th of the same month they again sailed for America and landed safe in New Orleans January 3, 1841. He remained there ten days and then went to St. Louis, where he dug stone coal for eight or nine years. In April 1850, he set out with others for California by ox teams, and were eight months on the road. Twenty-six of their number died on the way of cholera. They had sixty-four wagons, divided into ten sections, and 150 souls to start out with. Mr. Stones mined in the northern part of the State for five or six years and was very successful. In 1856 he came to San Bernardino County and bought lands in Central district, where he has ranched it ever since. He was married December 15, 1833, in England, to Sarah Fitten, who bore him five sons and one daughter: William H., James E., Roni M., Hiram N., John T., and Mary, who married James Cass and died in Ione Valley. Mrs. Stones died in 1855, and Mr. Stones married Mrs. Charlotte Parker. Mr. Stones has lived many years in the world and is a man highly respected and beloved by all who know him.
