Description:The photographer John Benjamin Stone's brother James was a prominent local figure in Handsworth. Most notably he was one of the main promoters of the opeing of Victoria Park. The following is an extract from J.B. Stone's diary entry concerning James Stone's funeral...
"Saturday Dec 19th 1908.
James buried at Handsworth Old Church.
His grandson, the Rev. S. Bill conducted the service.
Our boys bearers, as also the Wainwrights and Smiths.
A large concourse of people, workmen and friends.
I went in our carriage to Sutton, and then in a mourning coach which brought me back in the afternoon.
Called at Mr. Milner's and saw the family there.
Home to late lunch".
Notes: The Milner family mentioned would probably have been from Erdington but there are Milners listed in both Erdington and Handsworth - the likelihood being they are related.