The General Asahel Stone Mansion was constructed in 1872 in Winchester, Indiana.
General Stone Mansion is built in the architectural style known as Second Empire. Prior to construction, a series of catalog style houses were built east of the site, which remain. These were built to house the construction crew (and their families) during construction of the mansion. After the home was completed, several of the homes were sold to private ownership and the rest were used by the general’s family members and for the general’s staff.
The home is a gorgeous example of the period, with high ceilings, pocket doors, and details designed for the general and his wife’s comfort. The home is a reflection of the general’s wealth and influence. One particular feature that speaks to this is the fireplaces, all of which are made of imported Carrara marble, the same quarry where the artist Michelangelo obtained the marble for his statues.
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A Brief History of General Asahel Stone
Asahel Stone was born 29 June 1817 in Marietta, Ohio, the son of Ezra Stone, who was a carpenter/contractor. Asahel Stone would also become a well-respected carpenter/contractor.
Asahel Stone and Lydia Preston were married on 24 September 1837 in Hamilton, Ohio. Lydia was born 25 November 1817 in Cincinnati, Ohio. The general and his wife would have no children.
The general purchased 140 acres on the edge of Winchester, Indiana, intending to build their forever home. Their first home in Winchester is to the west of town. After moving to Indiana, Asahel Stone elected to the State Senate before and after the Civil War.
He was instrumental in changing the planned route of the railroad to pass through Winchester and his own property. He supported the Temperance efforts, publicly and personally, and was a member of the local Presbyterian church.
During the Civil War, Asahel Stone was Commissary General and State Quarter Master General. He was in charge of the State Bakery, which provided for government ran institutions including the military hospitals and prisons, as well as veteran, widow, and orphan homes.
Locally, Asahel Stone was an entrepreneur and philanthropist, becoming the President, a Director, and a Stockholder of the Randolph Co. Bank (1879).
Asahel Stone donated forty acres to establish the Fountain Park Cemetery as a public cemetery for the citizens of Winchester, Indiana on 1 March 1880. He had his father’s remains reinterred at the cemetery and erected a stone monument with the family name, which was the tallest in the cemetery at that time.
Asahel Stone died on 25 February 1891 in Winchester, Indiana. His will, dated 31 January 1891, notes “of sound mind and failing health”. He is buried in Fountain Park Cemetery in the plot near his father.
Lydia Stone died 18 September 1892 in Winchester, Indiana.
Lydia Stone is buried with Asahel Stone in Fountain Park Cemetery in Winchester, Indiana.—————————————————————————————————-
OWNERSHIP OF THE MANSION
Asahel Stone willed Stone Mansion to Lydia upon his death on 25 February 1891.
Lydia Stone died on 18 September 1892.
E. Miller purchased Stone Mansion from the estate of Lydia Stone after her death in 1892.
Daniel Speicher purchased Stone Mansion from W. E. Miller in 1910.
Charles Moore purchased Stone Mansion from Daniel Speicher in 1911.
Carl Thompson purchased Stone Mansion from Charles Moore in 1913.
Harry Boyle purchased Stone Mansion from Carl Thompson in 1920.
Stone Mansion was sold in three separate transactions in 1927. Otis Kirtley purchased from Harry Boyle. Enos Lykins purchased from Otis Kirtley.
Minnie Duncan purchased from Enos Lykins.
William P. Morris purchased Stone Mansion from Minnie Duncan in unknown year.
Glen Keys purchased Stone Mansion from William P. Morris in 1961.
Edward Williams purchased Stone Mansion from Glen Keys in 1968.
Edward and Nancy Williams applied for Stone Mansion to be added to the National Register of Historical Places on 6 February 1979. It was approved on 21 March 1979. It was included for architecture and its association with General Asahel Stone.
Richard Wise purchased Stone Mansion from Edward Williams in 1985. Richard Wise filed for a business license for “Stone Mansion Inn, Inc.” (7 Nov. 1985),
which operated as a restaurant. Richard Wise had the south addition built to Stone Mansion as its kitchen.
Roger Harris purchased Stone Mansion from Richard Wise in 1997.
Saving The Old Properties (STOP) purchased Stone Mansion from Roger Harris in 2019.
Saving The Old Properties is a non-profit organization founded by Dann and Richard Allen (brothers).
