John was the first of the Stone family to move to move to NC and to Surry Co.
John was the first of the Stone family to move to move to NC and to Surry Co.
All the community around the present location of Volunteer Primative Baptist Church, founded in 1867, was once owned by Gordons and Boyles.
John was the oldest son of Thomas and Sarah, and the executor of his father's will and the inventory of his property. He and his family settled north of Pinnacle and south of Pilot Mountain in Stokes County, North Carolina. They operated a large farm and a tavern. The tavern was located on the main route for stage coaches and was also a place of entertainment.
They began their life together with very little means, but by application of industry, economy, and intelligence, gained property rapidly, until they became quite wealthy for those days. They accumulated much real estate, and at his death owned twelve slaves. They had three sons and nine daughters.
According to the 1820 census, they owned two slaves.
According to the 1830 census, they owned 8 slaves - 3 males and 5 females.
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