From the Louise Pound article that Joe linked:

Here is information given me by J. W. Winkley after my letter of inquiry. I was surprised to learn that there was any question as to the authorship of the "Joe Bowers" song. The author is well established in the little town of Greenwood on the Nevada border and in that area of the Motherlode country as John A. Stone. Some years ago I knew some old people who knew and heard "Joe Bowers" sing his songs. He lies buried in Greenwood Cemetery. Until a few years ago a tiny slab of slate marked the grave.... It simply had three letters on it- J.A.S., for John A. Stone. I put a story in the Oakland Tribune Feature page, remarking that it was a shame that the grave did not have an appropriate headstone. A Monument owner wrote to me saying that if I would furnish the inscription for it he would provide a granite marker and erect it on the grave. This was done and I went with him to Greenwood where a small company of neighboring folk assembled. They knew through their parents of "Joe Bowers" and thanked me for obtaining the beautiful marker for his grave. My wording was as follows: John A. Stone, Early California Song Writer; Author of Put's Golden Songster, and Put's Early California Songster. Crossed the Plains from Pike County, Missouri in 1849.[4] Died January 23, 1864.

I assume that from "I was surprised..." Pound is quoting J. W. Winkley. (?)

~ Becky in Long Beach