John Thompson Stoneman (February 24, 1831 – October 11, 1905) was an American politician.
Born on February 24, 1831, to parents George Stoneman and Catherine Cheney, John Thompson Stoneman was raised inEllery, New York, and attendedJamestown Academy, as did his eldest brotherGeorge Stoneman Jr. At the age of twenty, Stoneman moved toCovington, Kentucky. After one year as a teacher, he enrolled atWilliams College, graduating in 1856. During the summers, Stoneman attendedAlbany Law School to further his legal education, which began by reading law with Covington-based judge R. B. Carpenter. Stoneman passed the bar in January 1855.[1]
In October 1856, Stoneman settled inMcGregor, Iowa, to practice law. He was elected the town's inaugural recorder in 1857. After a period of service on the city council, in 1863, Stoneman was elevated to the mayoralty. He then served on the school board before he was elected to theIowa Senate in 1875. Stoneman representedSenate District 39 from 1876 to 1878, when he was redistricted toDistrict 40, which he served until 1880.[1]
Stoneman began his political career in theWhig Party. Upon its dissolution, he became affiliated with theDemocratic Party.[1] Aside from serving in theIowa General Assembly, Stoneman ran in the1866–67 special and1870–71 United States Senate elections, losing toSamuel J. Kirkwood andJames B. Howell, respectively.[2][3] Stoneman was twice aUnited States House of Representatives candidate forIowa's 3rd congressional district, in1870–71 and1872–73, losing both times toWilliam G. Donnan.[1]
Stoneman moved from McGregor toCedar Rapids in 1882, and served two terms on the Superior Court. Stoneman died on October 11, 1905, at the Cedar Rapids home of his son-in-law and former law partner, Asahel Chapin.[1]
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