Willis S. Stone is a Tennessean, born in 1840, son of Samuel E. Stone, who was born in Virginia and came to Tennessee when a young man; he followed the mercantile business, first in Wilson County, and afterward in Jackson County, where he resided until his death, in 1854. He was sober, industrious, and very popular among his friends. His widow married Daniel W. Hawes, and both reside in Gainesboro, Jackson Co., Tenn. Wilis S. was reared in Gainesboro, and there resided until 1858, when he came to Flatwood and began clerking in the mercantile house of James Matthews, remaining with him until 1861, when he enlisted in the Eighth Tennessee Infantry under Col. Alfred S. Fulton. He was captured at Missionary Ridge and taken to Johnson’s Island, and there retained until the close of the war. He was at Perryville, Murfreesboro, and many other battles of note. In April, 1866, he married Ruth T. Pillow, daughter of Alvin G. and Mary (Holt) Pillow. Mrs. Stone was born in 1842, and is the mother of six children: Samuel H., Mary P., Ruth, Bransford and John P. In December, 1865, Mr. Stone opened a mercantile store at Flatwood, and did a successful business for about ten years. In 1883 he purchased his farm of 200 acres, with 90 acres adjoining. He is a Mason, and was elected county trustee. His many years of public life have made him very popular and well known. He is a stanch Democrat in politics.