Hi, Q - You ask: What is the evidence for his death on Jan, 23, 1864?

Answer: the gravestone, which we now know is a replacement - and apparently, Winkley was the source of the information on the gravestone. And if that's so, then it's Winkley that was the source of the information that "Joe Bowers" was an alternate name of John A. Stone, which I question.

So, it seems we have a lot of unanswered questions in this mystery. My friend Al lives just down the road from the cemetery, and he's interested in doing some research. I'm acquainted with the guy who writes the history columns for the Auburn Journal, so I'll see what he can dig up. Don't know if there was a local newspaper in Georgetown or Greenwood - I think there was one in Georgetown.

This could be fun.

-Joe-