[2] Stone then attended the Iowa Wesleyan University but before he graduated, he was presented an opportunity to be the cashier of the First National Bank of Mount Pleasant and accepted the job, remaining there until Spring 1861 when the American Civil War began.

[1][2][3] Stone left his banking career in order to enlist in the 1st Iowa Infantry Regiment on May 14, 1861, as a first lieutenant in Company F of the regiment and first experienced active military combat at the Battle of Wilson's Creek.

Stone then participated at the Campaign of the Carolinas, particularly serving at the Capture of Columbia, capturing 40 pieces of artillery, 5,000 weapons and 200 prisoners but was then unjustly charged for participating in the burning of the city on the night following the surrender despite Stone himself finding the burning to be deplorable.

[3] Stone returned to Mount Pleasant where he got his job back there before going to Ottumwa and Rulo, Nebraska where he engaged in being a merchant.

[1][3] He was also an active member of the Grand Army of the Republic and the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States.