A True Brodhead Pioneer

Charles C. Stone (1831-1918), nephew of E. D. Clinton, came to Brodhead with his uncle in 1856 at the age of 25.

Brodhead could have very easily been named "Clinton," but another new village had already bestowed the honor. E. D. Clinton was one of the 6 original founders of Brodhead, and instrument in our pioneer town's thriving success.

Charley was part of the original Brodhead Band, and went on to serve through the Civil War as part of "Sherman's band" ... the 1st brigade band, 3rd division. A band so respected, they were the sole band Lincoln invited to play at the White House to celebrate the end of the war.

Charley Stone | 1st Brigade Band

Charley's Return to Brodhead

Charley settled in Brodhead upon his return from the Civil War. His occupation was Auctioneer, and he infamously led the village's parade astride his white horse Fred.

April 4th, 1865

"RETURNED.-We are happy to announce that C. C. Stone, of the 1st Brigade Band, has returned from North Carolina, none the worse for his travels, save, perhaps, a lack of that constitutional rotundity. He reports the band boys as being well and in good spirits."

June 9th, 1865

"C. C. STONE, Esq., having returned from North Carolina, where he has been marching and blowing in behalf of his country, has again been licensed as an auctioneer, and is prepared to sell any thing and every thing saleable to the highest bidder. His reputation is so well established as a public erier, that he needs no eulogy from us. So persuasive is his eloquence when mounted upon a box, barrel or stump, that it is impossible to resist his most plaintive appeals."

November 10th, 1865

"C. C. STONE.- We call the attention of our citizens to the advertisement of MR. STONE, who has just opened an auction room in Fisher's Block. Mr. S., as an auctioneer, needs no word of praise from us. He praises himself whenever and wherever he opens his lips to sell goods and chattels. It is very fortunate that we have a man in town, upon whom the people can rely to sell their goods and things to good advantage. During his absence in the army we had no one who knew enough to fill the bill as a public salesman. It will be seen that Charles is prepared to receive and sell all sorts of goods on Saturday afternoons. If you have furniture, farming tools or any saleable goods, which you wish to dipose of, consign them to C. C. STONE, and our word for it, you will get all they are worth."

The Stone Family

Charley married Eleanor W. (1848-1926) in 1867.

Charley and Eleanor had daughters Minnie Blanch Skinner (1868-1939) and Anne Smith (1870-1954).