HON. THOMAS P. STONEY

Hon. Thomas P. Stoney has had a long and distinguished career in this State. He came to California in that memorable year, 1856, and since then he has been of those who have materially helped in the progress of the State. He has been active in his profession ever since. He was born in Charleston, South Carolina, and comes of an old American family, and of Hugenot ancestry in the remote past. In this country his people took creditable and patriotic part whenever the country desired their services. In the Revolutionary war his great-grandfather was an officer – Adjutant-General of the staff of General Marion – and since then the patriotic instinct has always been alive with them.

Judge Stoney came by way of Panama. His steamer waited in New York for news confirming Buchanan’s election. Connection was made at Panama with the Golden Age, and the first news of Democratic victory was consequently given from her here. She arrived in December, 1856.

After his arrival, as was natural, he went to the mines. He engaged in quartz mining near Mud Springs, El Dorado county. Judge Stoney’s natural vocation was the law, however, and he turned to this, and by diligent preparation and his inherent ability he mastered its intricacies. Admitted in 1859, he entered on a career in entire harmony with his inclination, and one in which he was certainly achieved distinction. Removing to Napa county, he soon enjoyed a large practice in that section and gained the respect and esteem of the people for his conscientious course. His party, the Democratic party, there nominated him for County Judge, and he was elected by a good majority—showing not alone popularity but also the belief in his integrity and ability, for Napa county was a Republican county. He held from 1872 to 1880.

February of the latter year Judge Stoney came to San Francisco, and since then has been engaged in the practice of his profession here. In 1879, prior to his coming, he was nominated for the Supreme Bench. He was defeated in this election, however, and to our view of it there was great triumph in this defeat. He was the only one on the ticket defeated, and the only one who did not receive the Sand-Lot nomination. His principles prevented any subserviency to such a class of agitators, and in consequence he lost their votes – an honor, to our thinking.

Judge Stoney was associated with Judge I. S. Belcher and A.C. Freeman on the commission appointed by Governor Irwin, and re-appointed by Governor Perkins, to conform the codes of the new constitution, then but recently adopted. They completed their work in a most satisfactory manner.

He is now a member of the well-known firm of Stanly, Stoney & Hayes, associating with these gentlemen on coming here. This firm goes back to pioneer times, when it consisted of Stanly & Hayes (uncles of the present gentlemen); afterward it became Hayes, Stanly & Hayes, and finally the present title.

Judge Stoney is justly regarded as one of our best lawyers. A gentleman of genial, pleasant manner, an excellent converser, well read on almost every current topic, he certainly is respected and esteemed by those who have the pleasure of knowing him. He is a man of strong religious convictions, being a member of St. John’s Episcopal Church, on Fifteenth street, near Valencia.

Transcribed by Walt Howe.

Source: "The Bay of San Francisco," Vol. 2, pages 25-26, Lewis Publishing Co., 1892.

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