Nevada rededicates Stone Monument

Tuesday, October 14, 2003

Nevada Daily Mail A crowd of about 200 gathered for the rededication of the William J. Stone memorial Saturday morning, 68 years after its original dedication. Local resident Franklin Norman spearheaded the effort to refurbish the monument, which had become somewhat dilapidated over the years and had lost its original luster. Norman doesn't remember attending that first ceremony, but the 93-year old champion of many public campaigns to improve the city, ranging from vice chairing the city's charter commission in 1979 to making sure the streets and community treasures are kept safe, was proud to attend the second one. The ceremony was one that both recalled the past and looked to the future. Former Missouri Lt. Gov. Bill Phelps, a Nevada native, was keynote speaker. He chronicled some of Stone's life and challenged the community to live up to the example of the man honored by the monument. Stone, he noted, is one of Nevada's most famous sons, and was leader in philosophy and in politics. Stone is best known for his opposition to entering the fray of World War I -- however, after Congress voted to enter the war, he was a staunch supporter of the war effort. In fact, an excerpt from his words spoken to the Senate on April 4, 1917, are emblazoned on one of the plaques on the monument. "I shall vote against this monstrous mistake this resolution for the declaration of war to prevent which I would willingly lay down my life, but if the powers constitutionally authorized to speak for the people on this momentous issue shall decide for war, than my eyes will be blind to everything but the flag of my country borne by American boys through the storm of war and my ears deaf to everything save the call of my country in its hour of peril." The four sides of the monument make an effort to chronicle four segment's of Stone's public life; that of a lawyer, representative, governor and senator. It overlooks the buildings on the Square, where Stone's offices were located when he was a practicing attorney in Vernon County. Phelps said that while he was Vernon County prosecutor, Stone once prosecuted a member of the infamous Jesse James gang. According to Phelps, Stone is the only Missourian to serve as U.S. representative, governor and U. S. senator; and he's one of only four to serve as Missouri's governor and U.S. senator. The others are current Senator Christopher S. "Kit" Bond, current U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft, and Forrest Donnell. Phelps said he doesn't remember the first dedication ceremony either, but by all accounts, he was there -- in a baby carriage. Nevertheless, Stone's example left its mark on his life. Stone, he said, was a model of a man from a small town who was able to take a prominent place in state and national politics, and part of what inspired Phelps to reach the office of lieutenant governor. Stone's presence in the community also led to a strong and lasting friendship between Phelps and one of the descendants of Stone -- providing a bond on which the friendship began. But the legacy is also in the dedication of local activists to day, Phelps said. "As the late Robert W. Crawford would say, 'look around you. There is greatness all around you."

To Read More
Subscribe Sign In
Continue reading with a subscription
Subscription options