Bates County Biographies
Bates County Biographies
SALLEE, William
Mingo Township - William Sallee, blacksmith, Mayesburg, was born in Boone
County, Kentucky, January 10, 1832, and is the youngest of seven children.
William Sallee, his father, a native of Virginia, was by occupation a carpenter.
His mother, who was born in Kentucky, was formerly May Myers. William grew to
manhood in Kentucky, and when a boy learned the blacksmith trade at Lexington.
When he was twenty years old he married Miss Sarah F. Hayes, and was
subsequently engaged at wool carding, following this business until he came to
Missouri, when he settled in Polk County in 1860. He embarked in milling near
Bolivar, afterwards enlisting in the Enrolled Missouri Militia, in which he
served eighteen months. He then enlisted in the Seventh Partisan Rangers, under
Captain Higginbotham, and continued in service until the close of hostilities.
He resumed his occupation of miller and wool carding, and worked at it until
1875, near Bolivar and at Johnstown. He then removed to Appleton City and
followed the trade which he had learned in his youth. He has since continued his
trade, coming to Mayesburg in 1881. Mr. S. is a member of the I.O.O.F. His
family has numbered seven children, two of whom have died, Sarah F. and Rebecca.
Those living are Atha, Ann, Thomas E., Eliza Jane, William and Margaret.
(History of Bates County, Missouri, 1883)
SARTAIN, Charles J.
Deer Creek Township - Charles J. Sartain, farmer and carpenter, section 15, was
born in Coffee County, Tennessee, April 27, 1836, and was a son of James
Sartain, a farmer by occupation and a native of North Carolina. He removed to
Tennessee when a young man, where he married Matilda Simmons, also of that
state. Charles was the youngest of six children. When he was ten years old his
parents went to Texas, where they resided until 1862, in that year moving to
Illinois. There the subject of this sketch followed farming in Pike County until
1875, when he came to Bates County, Missouri. He was educated in the common
schools of Tennessee and Texas. His farm now contains 195 acres, 150 of which
are in cultivation, with good land, well improved. He has a fine brick
residence. Mr. S. learned the carpenter trade in Texas, and has since worked at
that in connection with farming. He enlisted March 23, 1862, in Company C,
Fifteenth Texas Cavalry. January 11, 1863, he was captured and took the oath of
allegiance. August 11, 1865, he was married to Miss Mary E. Ham, who was born in
Pike County, Illinois, April 10, 1849. They have seven children: Margaret E.,
James S., John C., Cora, Charles H., Minnie, Berdela. They have lost one child,
Evaline. (History of Bates County, Missouri, 1883)
SATTERLEE, Aaron J.
Deer Creek Township - Aaron J. Satterlee, merchant and postmaster, is the son of
Aaorn and Mary (Nickerson) Satterlee, the former a native of Rhode Island and
the latter of Maine, and was born in the state of New York, April 5, 1840. At
the age of ten years he removed to Grundy County, Illinois, where he was reared
to manhood, being educated in the common schools. He lived on a farm in Illinois
until 1857, when he came to Bates County, Missouri, resuming the occupation of
farming and stock raising. He now owns two well improved farms in the county,
one containing 280 acres and one 180 acres. In 1880 he embarked in the grocery
business in Archie, Cas County, and conducted it one year, then removing to
Adrian, where he commenced the business which he is now following. He carries a
large stock of drugs, groceries, etc., and deals extensively in grain. Mr. S.
enlisted June 27, 1861, in Company B, Missouri State Home Guards, and was
mustered out in 1862. He then enlisted in the Fourteenth Kansas Cavalry,
receiving his discharge on the 9th day of August, 1865. He was married to Miss
Phebe Jane Cook, a native of Kentucky, July 3, 1859. They have four children
living: Resela, William H., Mary E. and Sarah D. They have lost one, Matilda
Jane. Mr. Satterlee is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and is W.M. of
Crescent Hill Lodge, No. 368, A.F. and A.M. He also belongs to Bayard
Commandery, No. 26, at Harrisonville, and is D.D. Grand Master of the
Forty-seventh District. He is Worthy Patron of Crescent Hill Chapter, No. 144,
Order of Eastern Star. (History of Bates County, Missouri, 1883)
SATTERLEE, Orin
Deer Creek Township - Orin Satterlee, merchant at Adrian. The subject of this
sketch is a native of Onondaga County, New York, and was born August 26, 1837.
His father, Aaron Satterlee, came originally from the same state. Orin was the
third child of five brothers and three sisters. He was reared on the farm in New
York, there being educated in the common schools. When twenty-two years of age
he removed to Illinois and was engaged in farming until 1867, when he removed to
Harrison County, Missouri. There he gave his attention to agricultural pursuits
until 1870, when he came to Bates County, Missouri. He remained on the farm
until 1880, in which year he located at Adrian, building the Adrian Hotel, which
was burned in June, 1881. He subsequently embarked in the furniture business, in
which he is now enjoying a good trade. He carries a large and complete stock in
his line, and deserves his success. He and his wife are members of the M.E.
Church. Mr. S. has been married twice. First to Miss Mary J. Benson, November 7,
1850. They had three children: George W., Benjamin (deceased), and Hermon
(deceased). Her death occurred November 7, 1858. He was again married to Miss
Malinda A. Nance, of Illinois, January 9, 1858. They have six children living:
Eva, Edgar, Mary, Dick, John, and Charley. They have lost three. (History of
Bates County, Missouri, 1883)
SCUDDER, Charles H.
Deer Creek Township - Charles H. Scudder, farmer and school teacher, section 28,
was born in Green County, Wisconsin, December 4, 1847, and was the son of Henry
Scudder, a native of Pennsylvania, and Katie (Kinsley) Scudder, of Ohio. He grew
up on the farm in Wisconsin, receiving his education in the common schools and
state university. In 1868, he came to Bates County, Missouri, and taught school
for six years. In 1872, he entered the office of the Papinville Democrat, where
he stayed about nine months. In 1875, he returned to Wisconsin, and remained
there three years, farming, etc. In 1878, he again came to Missouri, and after
stopping one year in Atchison County occupied in teaching, he returned to Bates
County. His farm now contains eighty acres of good land, well improved. Mr.
Scudder was clerk of Deer Creek Township for two terms. May 4, 1878, he married
Miss Susie H. Dunwiddie, a native of Wisconsin, born December 23, 1849. They
have two children: Mary, born March 11, 1879, and Katie, born December 21, 1881.
(History of Bates County, Missouri, 1883)
SCUDDER, J.
Deer Creek Township - J. Scudder, banker, is a native of Miami County, Ohio,
where he was born December 14, 1837. His father, Henry Scudder, was a
Pennsylvanian by birth while his mother whose maiden name was Katherine Kinsley,
was a native of Ohio. When our subject was an infant his parents removed to
Green County, Wisconsin, where he was reared to manhood and educated. He spent
six years in the Wisconsin State University, graduating from that institution in
1867. After teaching school one year in that state he removed to Bates County,
Missouri, in 1868, where he taught until 1871, then engaging in the newspaper
business in Butler, as one of the editors of the Democrat. This he continued
until 1882, when he came to Adrian and commenced banking. Mr. Scudder enlisted
in August, 1862, in Company K, Twenty-Second Wisconsin, and was discharged June
30, 1865, after having participated in every engagement in which the regiment
took part. He was taken prisoner March 25, 1863, and was transferred to Libby
Prison, where he spent one night. The next day he was taken to City Point, and
in sixteen days was exchanged. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity.
(History of Bates County, Missouri, 1883)
SETTLE, A.F.
Mingo Township - A.F. Settle, farmer and stock raiser, is the son of James F.
Settle, who was born in Virginia, and who was one of the pioneers of Missouri.
In 1861 he removed to Bates County, where his death occurred August 13, 1873. He
married Nancy J. Majors, a native of Kentucky, who came to Cass County,
Missouri, with her parents in 1840. The subject of this sketch was born in Cass
County, Missouri, October 10, 1855. He was brought up on his father's farm and
received his education in the common schools of Missouri. In 1878 he went to
California, and remained there until 1881, farming and threshing. He is one of
the most enterprising farmers and stock raisers of this county, and has charge
of the home place in section 16, which contains 320 acres of choice land, well
improved. Mr. Settle was the third in a family of twelve children, nine of whom
are now living. Three died in infancy. (History of Bates County, Missouri, 1883)
SHANNON, John F.
Mt. Pleasant Township - John F. Shannon was born in Montgomery County,
Pennsylvania, on the 20th day of January, 1837. He grew to manhood in his native
county, receiving his education from the public schools there. At the age of
fourteen years he began the trade of milling, which he has continued to follow
through life. After serving five years apprenticeship in Philadelphia he went to
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 1856, where he resided one year. During the succeeding
year he worked at his chosen calling in Chicago, Illinois. Removing to
Princeton, Illinois, he made it his home till the winter of 1859, after which
time he was interested at his profession in a number of towns. In 1870, he came
to Butler, Missouri, and began working in the Diamond Mill. To this occupation
he has adhered continuously until the present time, with the exception of 1875,
which year he spent at Hannibal, Missouri. He owns a fine farm in section 20, of
Mt. Pleasant Township, consisting of 128 acres of land, well improved. Mr.
Shannon was married, September 15, 1860, to Miss Mary A. Dunleavy, originally
from Illinois. They have ten children: Mon, Nellie, Robert, Daisy, Frank, John,
Mary, Jessie, Arthur and Maud. Mr. S. is a member of the Masonic fraternity.
(History of Bates County, Missouri, 1883)
SHELTON, William H.
Deepwater Township - William H. Shelton, section 12, is a native of Missouri,
and was born in Cass County, August 10, 1839. A.M. Shelton, his father, married
Miss Permelia C. Lyon. They were both natives of Virginia, where they were
raised and married. Coming to Missouri in 1831 or 1832, they located first in
Jackson County, near Independence, and after living there about three years,
came to Cass County and entered land and improved a farm near Harrisonville.
They resided there three years, and afterward improved two other farms in the
county. William H. located in Bates County in 1856 with his parents. He spent
his youth on a farm, and has acquired a fair education. He served in the
Confederate Army during the war, having enlisted in 1862, in Colonel O'Kane's
Infantry. He participated in a number of important engagements in Missouri, and
was in the service six months. When Order No. 11 was issued he, with his
father's family, went to Illinois, and settled in Madison County, where they
farmed about one year, then moved to Macon County, and there W.H. engaged in the
butcher business until the fall of 1865, when they returned to Missouri. Mr.
Shelton was married in Henry County, December 25, 1873, to Miss J.A. Parish,
daughter of J. and Ellen F. Parish. She is a native of Virginia, and was born
April 3, 1840. Mr. S. subsequently located on a farm in Bates County, near
Johnstown, and in December, 1875, moved to his present place. He has forty-nine
acres of land in a good state of cultivation, with a bearing orchard. Mr. and
Mrs. Shelton have three children: Gertrude, born in November, 1874; William
Madison, born December 14, 1876; and Llewella, born January 18, 1878. Mr. S. is
a member of the M.E. Church, South, which he joined in 1871, and of which he is
one of the leading supporters. He is also superintendent of the Sabbath school.
(History of Bates County, Missouri, 1883)
SHEPHERD, J.C.
Deer Creek Township - J.C. Shepherd was born in Monroe County, Illinois, January
12, 1852, and is a son of J.F.O. Shepherd, a native of Kentucky and a farmer by
occupation. He passed his younger days on his father's farm in Illinois and was
educated in the common schools of that state. In 1869 he came to Bates County,
Missouri, and resumed farming, following that occupation until June, 1881, when
he moved into Adrian and accepted a situation as salesman with Duncan & McCory.
In September, 1882, he purchased an interest in the business and is now a member
of the firm of McCory & Co. They carry a complete assortment of dry goods,
clothing, boots, shoes and groceries, and are receiving liberal patronage from
the citizens of this locality. Mr. S. was township clerk for one year. He is a
member of the Baptist Church. He married Miss Annie Griner, of Missouri,
November 6, 1879. They have two children, Fred C. and Alvin Earl. Mr. S.'s
father and mother had ten children, six sons and four daughters, he being the
seventh child. (History of Bates County, Missouri, 1883)
SHEPHERD, Jesse
Deer Creek Township - Jesse Shepherd, farmer, section 25, was born in Burke
County, North Carolina, February 19, 1814, his parents being James and Millie
(Gilmore) Shepherd, natives of North Carolina. When Jesse was thirteen years of
age they removed to Tennessee, where he was reared on a farm, attending for a
time the common schools. After arriving at manhood he engaged in farming, which
he followed until 1841, then coming to Bates County, Missouri. One year later he
went to Jasper County, where he spent three years, from whence he moved to
Miller County, and thence to Cooper County, where he remained until 1863, when
he visited Howard County. Going to Johnson County, he farmed in that locality
until 1878, when he again came to Bates County. His farm contains eighty acres
of some of the best land in the county, well improved, with good house, orchard,
etc. In 1861, Mr. S. organized Company A, Ninth Missouri Volunteers, and was
captain of the company. He and his wife are members of the Baptist Church. April
13, 1836, Mr. Shepherd was married to Miss Elizabeth Burk, a native of
Tennessee. They have five children living: John, Mary Ann, R.P., Francis E. and
George. They lost four: Kennie P., Martha J., Samuel Z.T. and Norris. (History
of Bates County, Missouri, 1883)
SHEPPARD, John H.
Shawnee Township - John H. Sheppard was born in what was then Van Buren County,
Missouri, December 28, 1841, and was a son of Jesse Sheppard, a sketch of whom
will be found in this work. When John was small his parents removed to Cooper
County, where he attained his growth and received a fair education in the common
schools of that county. In 1861, he served about six months in the Missouri
State Guard, and then went to Howard County, where he remained until the close
of the war, with the exception of about one year, spent in freighting upon the
plains. In 1866 he removed to Johnson County and resumed farming. In 1868, on
March 12, he married Miss Virginia Smith, a native of Johnson County, and
continued his farming operations there until the year 1882, when he came to his
present home. His house, costing $1,000, is on section 5, and his farm contains
360 acres, all of which is in good condition. Mr. S. is connected with the
Methodist Church, South, and is a member of the Masonic fraternity. He and his
wife have but one child, Lillian M. (History of Bates County, Missouri, 1883)
SHEPPARD, R.P.
Mingo Township - R.P. Sheppard, farmer, was born in Cooper County, Missouri,
September 7, 1845, and is the sixth of nine children. His parents were Jesse and
Elizabeth (Burke) Sheppard. He remained upon his father's farm until about
nineteen years old, receiving a fair common school education, and in 1864 he
went west to the plains and for four years was employed in freighting to points
in Colorado, Nebraska, Wyoming and Montana. He returned to Missouri, and
December 6, 1868, he married Miss Anna E. Lowe, a native of Howard County, where
she was born April 11, 1852. In 1869 he came to this county, and has since
followed farming and raising stock. He lives on section 34, and has a farm of
160 acres in a good state of cultivation. Mr. Sheppard has recently opened a
coal bank on his farm. He handles annually about thirty head of cattle, ten
horses and sixty hogs. Himself and wife are identified with the Baptist Church.
They have three children living: William H., Katie E. and Mary A. Eva Lee died
in 1876 when three years old. (History of Bates County, Missouri, 1883)
SHOWALTER, Aaron
Deer Creek Township - Aaron Showalter, farmer, section 20, was born in Wabash
County, Indiana, February 20, 1847. His father, Daniel H. Showalter, was a
farmer and minister by calling and a native of Virginia. In 1836 he married
Annie Brown, originally from Ohio. Aaron was the fifth child of a family of five
sons and four daughters. He received a common school education and remained at
home on his father's farm until 1863, when the latter died. He then worked on a
farm in Miami County until 1868, when he came to Bates County, Missouri,
engaging in farming. His estate now consists of 108 acres, 100 acres of which
are under fence. This farm is well improved and above the average for stock
purposes. Mr. S. deals extensively in stock. He has taken a great interest
in educational matters since becoming a resident of Missouri. He is a member of
the Congressional Brethren Church. November 1, 1868, he married Miss Hannah
Mull, a daughter of Joseph Mull. She was born in Indiana, October 6, 1845. They
have three children living: Sarah E., John M. and Annie. They lost one child,
Mary Alice, born August 19, 1871, and died December 29, 1872. (History of Bates
County, Missouri, 1883)
SHUBERT, James L.
Summit Township - James L. Shubert was born in Montgomery County, Kentucky,
November 12, 1845. His father, William C. Shubert, and also his mother, whose
maiden name was Elizabeth Stephens, were born in the same county. James L. spent
his youth on his father's farm, attending the subscription schools. He also
passed one year at the Abingdon College, and has acquired a good English
education. He was married in his native county, April 17, 1870, to Miss Sallie
Stephens, a daughter of John L. Stephens, of Montgomery County. In the spring of
1872, Mr. Shubert moved to Missouri and first located in Pettis County, but
after living there about six months came to Bates County in the fall of the same
year. In the spring of 1873 he moved on his present farm, where he now resides.
He has 100 acres of land in his home place, all fenced and in cultivation, with
a substantial farm house and a bearing young orchard. This place is located in
section 9. Mr. and Mrs. Shubert have one child, Bertha, who was born December 3,
1880. Mr. S. is Democratic in politics and takes a great interest in the
political issues of the day. He was nominated by his party and elected township
trustee in the spring of 1876, and was afterwards re-elected. Mrs. Shubert is a
member of the Christian Church. (History of Bates County, Missouri, 1883)
SIMPSON, James R.
Mt. Pleasant Township - James R. Simpson, the present popular recorder of Bates
County, came originally from Jackson County, Missouri, where he was born June
24, 1843. His father, James M. Simpson, a native of Kentucky, removed to Jackson
County, Missouri, when eighteen years of age, and was there united in marriage
with Miss Frances Cummings, daughter of R.W. Cummings, then Indian agent, and
among the first white settlers of Jackson County. They had ten children, James
R. being the eighth in number. His father died in 1863, and the death of his
mother occurred in 1867. The subject of this sketch accompanied the family to
Cass County when he was five years old, and there he resided until twelve years
of age, when he came to Bates County. Here he was brought up and educated,
giving his attention to agricultural pursuits until elected sheriff of the
county. In 1861 he enlisted in Captain Irwin's company of Colonel Peyton's
regiment, Missouri State Guards, and in the following year he enlisted in
Company I under J.T. Crisp, serving until the close of the war. He participated
in the battles of Oak Hills, Helena and Little Rock, Arkansas, and Carthage,
Missouri, and at the close of hostilities he was a second lieutenant. March 24,
1870, Mr. Simpson was married to Miss A. Lutsenhizer, a Missourian by birth.
They have two children, Olive L. and Stella M. Mr. S. is a member of the
I.O.O.F. fraternity. For three years he was assessor of Deepwater Township, and
on November 7, 1882, he was elected recorder of Bates County, which position he
is now filling to the satisfaction of all. (History of Bates County, Missouri,
1883)
SIMS, Archer L.
Mt. Pleasant Township - Archer L. Sims is a member of the firm of Sims & Tucker.
The subject of this sketch is a native of Saline County, Missouri, and was born
September 4, 1857. He resided in that locality until 1869, when with the family
he removed to Johnson County, Missouri. This was his home for two years, at the
expiration of which time he returned to Saline County. There he was engaged in
farming for two years, and in 1875 he came to Bates County, Missouri, and in
1877 was appointed deputy recorder under J.L. Pace. This position he continued
to hold till the expiration of that official's term. In December, 1881, Mr. Sims
became a member of the abstract and loan firm of Sims & Tucker. He belongs to
the blue lodge, chapter and commandery, A.F. & A.M., and now holds the office of
secretary of those lodges. Mr. Sims is a young man of more than ordinary ability
and is meeting with that success in life which he richly deserves. (History of
Bates County, Missouri, 1883)
SMITH, George L.
Mt. Pleasant Township - George L. Smith, proprietor of livery and feed stable,
is a native of Crawford County, Indiana and was born February 28, 1847. When
eight years of age he accompanied his father's family to Monroe County, Iowa,
and after a years residence there they returned to Indiana, settling in Monroe
County. George was reared on a farm in that locality, receiving his education
from the common schools. In 1868 he came to Bates County, Missouri, and engaged
in farming, which he continued till embarking in his present business, November
1, 1880, the firm being then Williams & Smith. In February, 1881, the firm name
was changed to Smith & Scott, they remaining in partnership till August, 1882,
when Mr. Smith became sole proprietor. His barn is well stocked and he is
enjoying a good train. He was married July 11, 1867, to Miss Mary Cooper. They
have four children: Lillie, Estilla, John and Harlen. Mr. S. is a member of the
I.O.O.F. lodge of this city. In 1864 he enlisted in Company I, Seventeenth
Indiana Regiment and served until the close of the war. (History of Bates
County, Missouri, 1883)
SMITH, James A.
Deer Creek Township - James A. Smith, farmer, section 29, was born in Clark
County, Indiana, November 12, 1837. His father, Ashbul Smith, was wagon
maker by trade, and a native of Indiana. His mother's maiden name was Matilda
Kelley, also of Indiana. James was the eldest of four sons. He was reared on a
farm, receiving his education in the common schools, and in 1855 he left Indiana
with his father's family, and located near Austin, Cass County, Missouri, where
they followed farming for about three years. Then they moved into the town of
Austin. There the subject of this sketch was occupied in the livery business. He
enlisted in June 1861, in Company C, Missouri Home Guard, and was mustered out
in about nine months, when he re-inlisted in the Missouri State Militia, with
whom he remained nineteen months. After this he enlisted in the Second Missouri
Artillery. He was mustered out November, 1864. After the war Mr. Smith resumed
the livery business in Kansas City until 1867, when he returned to Austin where
he farmed until 1879. At that date he came to Bates County. His farm contains
forty acres of average land, well improved, with a good orchard and brick house.
On December 10, 1865, Mr. S. married Amelia Huff, a native of Indiana. They are
members of the Baptist Church. They have one child living, Jessie F. They lost
two: Freddie and an infant. (History of Bates County, Missouri, 1883)
SPEER, Henry
Summit Township - Henry Speer, section 35, the subject of this sketch, ws born
in Shelby County, Ohhio, September 5, 1841. John Speer, his father, was born in
Shelby County, August 31, 1808, as was also his mother, whose maiden name was
Nancy Richardson, the date of her birth being June 29, 1812. She was raised
there. His grandmother Speer was born October 24, 1808, and is living at this
date. Henry spent his youth on his father's farm, and received a good common
school education. In August, 1861, he enlisted in Company F, Benton Cadets,
Volunteer Infantry, and served in this regiment until January, 1862. He then
re-enlisted in August, 1862, in Company B, Fiftieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and
served until the close of the war, and was not away from his command one day
during his enlistment. He participated in the battles of Perryville, Kentucky,
Franklin and Nashville, and the engagements of the Atlanta campaign. After being
mustered out, he returned to his home in Ohio, and in the summer of 1866 he came
to Missouri and located at Pleasant Gap, in Bates County, where he engaged in
the mercantile business. This he followed for about four years. In 1870 he
bought land in Summit Township, and in 1871 moved on his present farm. He has
120 acres of land in his home place and twenty acres of timber, the former being
well improved, with a fair house a splended orchard of 1,000 apple trees, mostly
bearing, some 300 peach trees, etc. Mr. Speer was married here, July 1, 1869, to
Miss Emma M. Boyd, a daughter of J.D. Boyd, of this county. She is a native of
Ohio. They have three children: John, Minnie M. and William Percy. Mr. Speer was
elected assessor of his township in 1873 or 1874, and was the Greenback
candidate for representative of Bates County in 1880. (History of Bates County,
Missouri, 1883)
STALEY, C.P.
Mingo Township - C.P. Staley, famer and stock-raiser, is the owner of a farm
situated in section 28, containing eighty acres of choice land all in
cultivation and well improved. He was born in Lafayette County, Missouri,
February 12, 1849. His father, Abraham Staley, was a native of Virginia. He
removed to Missouri in an early day and with his enterprise helped to build up
one of the greatest states in the Union. His mother's maiden name was Elizabeth
Dickson, also of Virginia. C.P. was the sixth of a family of seven children. He
was reared to manhood on his father's farm, receiving his education in the
common schools. When twenty-one years old he took a trip to the Lone Star State,
but after a short time visited Montana, where he was engaged in the cattle
business for five years. In 1876 he came to Bates County, Missouri, and has
since followed farming and stock-raising. Mr. S. was constable of this township
for two years. November 11, 1880, he married Miss Lou Tye, a native of Missouri.
They have one child, Arthur, born August 15, 1881. (History of Bates County,
Missouri, 1883)
STANLEY, Zachariah
Mt. Pleasant Township - Zachariah Stanley, deceased, was born in St. Clair
County, Illinois, November 11, 1825. His father, John Stanley, was born in North
Carolina in 1787, and his mother, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Holcomb, was
born in South Carolina in 1810. Zachariah was raised a farmer and received a
good education. He started in life on a farm which he purchased very low. His
fine improvements and on account of its being situated near the county seat
(Bellville) advanced the value so that in 1873 he sold the 100 acres for $275
per acre and came to Butler and bought a place, which he improved from year to
year. He did a private banking or loaning business and spent much of his time
about his home, atetnding to his home duties and hunting, of which he was very
fond. He was often urged to accept offices in the city but he preferred a quiet
life to any position of honor or trust. He married Miss Eliza Powell in 1870.
She was the daughter of Levi Powell, of Perry County, Ohio. Her mother, formerly
Amanda Nall, was a Virginian by birth. By this marriage there were six children,
three of whom are living: Cora O., Albert Oscar and Josiah Patterson; John
Wesley died August 21, 1873; Arthur Hugo died in 1874, and Pearl died October
21, 1881. We here give an account of the death of Mr. Zachariah Stanley which is
taken from the Times of this city. "The death of Mr. Zachariah Stanley on
Friday, last, May 6, 1881, was as sad as it was sudden. In company with Mr. M.A.
Burkhart and a Mr. Taber, Mr. Stanley went down to Mound Branch to fish. About 2
o'clock p.m. a severe rain storm came up which caught the three gentlemen on the
creek. Messrs. Burkhart and Taber took shelter under the trunk of a fallen tree,
while Mr. Stanley took shelter under a large tree. The bolt of lightning struck
the top of the tree and ran down till it came within a few feet of the ground,
when it left the tree and entered the body of the deceased, tearing his clothing
and killing him instantly. The funeral took place on Sunday and was among the
largest ever seen in this city. Mr. Stanley was one of the honored Mexican
veterans who enlisted uner Colonel Dan Morrison in 1846. He belonged to no
church or society but endeavored to live the life of a strictly honorable and
honest man. In the sad death of Mr. Stanley Butler and Bates County has lost a
substantial and beloved citizen." (History of Bates County, Missouri, 1883)
STEELE, H.C.
Mt. Pleasant Township - H.C. Steele, of the firm of Steele & Kennedy, grain
dealerse and proprietors of elevator, owes his nativity to Lee County, Iowa,
where he was born March 4, 1844. He passed his youth at his birthplace, and when
eighteen years of age enlisted in the United States Army, in Company D, Seventh
Iowa Regiment, serving three years. During this time he was with General Sherman
on his famous "March to the Sea". In 1865 he returned home, and in the fall of
that year attended Bryant & Statton's Business College at Chicago, Illinois. In
July, 1866, he removed to Pleasant Hill, Missouri, and for two years was engaged
in teaching school in that vicinity. In 1868 he came to Bates County, and until
1873 gave his attention to agricultural pursuits, in which year he embarked in
the grocery business in Butler. There he remained until 1879, when he resumed
farming. In July, 1881, he started his present business. Messrs. Steele &
Kennedy now do a large portion of this trade at Butler, and have succeeded in
becoming one of the principal firms here. Mr. S. was married, August 25, 1868,
to Miss Jessie Patterson, a native of Iowa. They had three children: Joseph P.,
Alice S. and Charles H. Mrs. Steele departed this life on the 7th of April,
1880. Mr. S. is a member of the Masonic fraternity. (History of Bates County,
Missouri, 1883)
STUBBLEFIELD, Robert N.
Deepwater Township - Robert N. Stubblefield, a Tennesseean by birth, was born in
McMinn County, February 14, 1843. Robert Stubblefield, his father, was born in
Hawkins County, Tennessee, and his mother, formerly Matilda C. Lawson, also came
originally from East Tennessee. Robert N. moved with his parents to Missouri in
1857, and located in Henry County, being among the pioneers of that county. He
passed his younger days on a farm and attending the common schools, where he was
educated. In February 1862, he enlisted in the Missouri State Militia, in
Company H, Seventh Missouri Cavalry, and served till the close of the war,
having been elected corporal when his company was organized. He participated in
the battles of Lone Jack and Marshall, and Price's raid, and was taken prisoner
at Lone Jack and held as such for three months, when he was paroled and
exchanged. After the close of the war he returned to Henry County, where he was
married January 27, 1867, to Miss Elizabeth J. Dobson, a native of North
Carolina, born in Stokes County. She is a daughter of J.B. and Lucinda Dobson.
Soon after Mr. S. located in Clinton, Henry County, and was engaged in
freighting and teaming for one year. In the fall of 1868 he came to his present
farm in Bates County, where he has eighty acres, nearly all fenced and fairly
improved, with a good orchard of 150 apple and a variety of small fruits. This
place is located on section 13. Mr. Stubblefield is Republican in politics, and
was nominated and elected constable of Deepwater Township in the fall of 1878,
and has since been twice re-elected. In the spring of 1881 he was also elected
township collector and is now discharging the duties of the two official
positions. He and his wife have three children: Mary C., born March 16, 1870;
John W., born in December, 1871; and Lula, born August 21, 1879. They have lost
two children: Willie, was born December 27, 1867, and died December 27, 1879. He
was a bright, intelligent child, with more than ordinary intellect and was his
parents' pride and joy, and the favorite of all who knew him. Emma J. was born
September 24, 1875, and died November 30, 1880. Mrs. Stubblefield is a member of
the Christian Church. (History of Bates County, Missouri, 1883)