October 5, 1869
Mr. Stone, his stagecoach driver and four soldiers where killed in that area on October 5, 1869 by Apaches.
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According to the National Parks Service, Ft. Bowie site:
John Finkle Stone
John Finkle Stone was born in Griffin's Corner, New Your, in 1836. Enlisting in the 5th Infantry in 1857, he served in Utah and New Mexico. After his discharge in New Mexico he became a U.S. Marshall. In April 1867, he was appointed Collector of Customs for the District of El Paso Del Norte and relocated to Tucson, Arizona. Known by his many friends as being energetic and of strong character, he helped organize the Apache Pass Mining Company in 1868 and was elected president and superintendent of the firm. The company was established
to develop the Harris Lode mining district near Fort Bowie. On October 5, 1869, he boarded a stage for Tucson with the driver and a four soldier escort. All were killed by Apaches near Dragoon Springs the same day. His body was moved from Dragoon Springs a year later to the Fort Bowie Cemetery. The term "supposed to be" was sometimes used when due to some circumstances, such as condition of the body or lack of identification of the grave, the actual name of the person is somewhat in doubt. The colonel rank was honorary.
Via sworn affidavit:
James Reilly, sworn, and says he is 2d Lieutenant 21st U. S.
Infantry ; has resided in this Territory since July 10th, 1869,and has personal knowledge of the following depredations by the Apache Indians, viz.:
October 9th, 1869, the TJ. S. mail coach was attacked at Dragoon Springs, and the following killed: Col. John F. Stone, the stage driver and an escort of four men of Co. D, 21st II.S. Infantry—all the U. S. mail and property taken or destroyed. Same month, two hundred head of cattle were taken near the same place.