John Toone, the Pioneer John Toone was born on April 10, 1813, in Birmingham, Warwickshire, England. He lived most of his life in Leamington. John Toone’s grandaughter Dora Toone Brough wrote: John was tall and had an abundance of curly, snowy white hair and a long white beard. He used a walking stick and his little white dog, Tiny, always accompanied him when he visited. He talked about interesting things, places, and people, and sang songs while the smaller children sat and listened intently. He was a grand old man.