St. Clair County Missouri
Biographies

S
 

 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)

SAYLES, Edward D.
Edward D. Sayles, farmer and stock raiser, section 12, was born in Summit County, Ohio, August 8, 1856. His father, Dr. Dwight Sayles, married Miss Estella Wright, and they were also both natives of Ohio. The former died July 24, 1862. Edward D. was raised a farmer and received a good education at the common schools and the Talmage High School. After completing his studies he was foreman in a fire brick establishment for one year. In 1871 he came to Missouri and purchased the land where he now resides. After living there one summer he returned to Ohio. In 1876 he came back to his farm in St. Clair County. He went to Colorado in the spring of 1880 and spent the summer, returning to his farm in the fall. He has eighty acres of good land, and is devoting some attention to the breeding and raising of fine stock. He has a flock of 120 graded Cotswold sheep and a herd of eight head of thoroughbred shorthorn cattle. Mr. Sayles was married February 23, 1882, to Miss Barbara Warner, a daughter of Abraham Warner. She is a native of and was reared and educated in Washtenaw County, Michigan. -- History of St. Clair Co., Missouri, 1883

SCHELLMANN, J.H.
Proprietor of the East Side Dry Goods House, Mr. Schellmann is a pointed illustration of what business ability and energy will accomplish when properly directed in Appleton City. Mr. Schellmann embarked in business on his "own hook" on a very small scale, but success has attended his efforts until now he is found in a commodious two-story brick and stone store building, erected by himself a few years since, with a large and complete stock of dry goods, clothing, boots, shoes, etc., and with a rapidly increasing trade. Mr. Schellmann is an enterprising man and takes a lively interest in everything that tends to upbuild the town of Appleton City and develop the resources of the country. Mr. Schellmann is fortunate in having most valuable assistance in the work of carrying on his business in his son, Willie Schellmann, and daughter, Miss Sophia. -- Appleton City Journal, 28 March 1901

SCHEMPP, Jacob
Ex-Mayor Jacob Schempp. Mr. Schempp is one of Appleton City's prominent and progressive young men. He is a son of Jacob Schempp, one of the pioneer business men of the town who was called to his reward above some years ago. Jake was born in 1873, acquired a good education in our public schools and for a number of years has been engaged in business "on his own hook". His restaurant is a model of neatness and taste and as a result enjoys a very large patronage. Mr. Schempp is entitled to the distinction, we believe, of being the youngest man in the State to serve as Mayor of a town as large as Appleton City. He was elected to that important office in the spring of 1899 and served until the close of the term, filling the position with credit to himself and honor to the town. -- Appleton City Journal, 28 March 1901

SCOTT, J. B.
J. B. Scott, farmer, section 7, was born in Bucyrus, Ohio, June 26, 1849, being a son of T. W. and Susan (Kintner) Scott. The former was born in Pennsylvania, and the latter in Indiana. T. W. Scott early went to Ohio with his parents, who were among the first settlers of Richland and Crawford Counties. He removed to DeKalb County, Indiana, in 1861, where the subject of this sketch grew to manhood. He was educated in the common and higher schools, and after completing his studies was engaged in teaching and taught for six years in the public schools of Michigan and Indiana. He has made the study of phrenology a specialty, and delivers an able lecture on this subject. Mr. Scott was married in DeKalb County, November 5, 1874, to Miss Emeline A. Clark, a daughter of O. C. Clark. She died in 1877. He was again married in DeKalb County, December 30, 1880, to Miss Minnie Wagner, a daughter of Jacob Wagner. She is a native of Michigan but was reared and educated in DeKalb County. Mr. Scott came to Missouri in the spring of 1882, and located on land which he had previously purchased in this county. He has 160 acres, but at present resides on a tract of eighty acres belonging to his father, which he is farming. -- History of St. Clair Co., Missouri, 1883

SEEVERS, John
John Seevers, physician and surgeon, was born in Oskaloosa, Mahaska County, Iowa, in 1843, his father being Alfred Seevers, a native of Coshocton County, Ohio, he having emigrated to Iowa in 1840. He was largely and most successfully engaged in the nursery and fruit business, and in an early day supplied trees for many adjoining counties. His fine collection of fruit at the Centennial was admired by many. The maiden name of John's mother was Maria Bryan, of Pennsylvania. His grandfather Seevers served through the war of 1812 and his grandfather Bryan came originally from Ireland. His father is a near relative of Judge Seevers, of the supreme court of Iowa. Having determined when a boy to be a physician, John bent all his energies in that direction. In 1862 he went to Colorado and spent two years. On his return in 1864 he commenced the study of medicine. In 1865 he attended a course of lectures at the Medical College at Keokuk, Iowa, where he graduated in 1876. His professional education was acquired by his own efforts, and he is deserving the success that has attended his career here. He came to Osceola in 1881. Dr. Seevers married Miss Fidelia E. Freeborn in 1868. She was the daughter of Joseph Freeborn, of Winterset, Iowa, formerly from Ohio. They have four children: Iowa, Grace, Nellie and Roxy. The doctor is a prominent member and elder in the Presbyterian Church. He is a Mason and also belongs to the I.O.O.F. He has been a member of the city council and takes an active part in the improvements of the city. -- History of St. Clair Co., Missouri, 1883

SEEVERS, John & Ruth
Dr. John Seevers. In 1881 Dr. John Seevers and his family moved to Osceola from Iowa. In 1890 they purchased the home now affectionately called “Dr. Ruth’s house”. (The home was built in ’83 to ’85.) Dr. Seevers practiced medicine there until his death in 1909. His youngest daughter Ruth graduated from University of Missouri Medical School in 1906 and joined her father’s practice. “Dr. Ruth” continued to practice medicine out of her home until her retirement in 1977 at the age of 94. Dr. Ruth lived to be 102 years old. -- Historic Osceola Calendar, Limited Edition, 1995

SHAFFNER, Wade W.
Wade W. Shaffner, attorney, was born in Harrison County, Virginia, September 11, 1848. He attended in youth the common schools, though the greater part of his education was obtained at home. In 1859 the family moved to Pennsylvania, and in 1861 they went to Sangamon County, Illinois. In 1869 Wade Shaffner came to Missouri, settling on a farm and divided his time between teaching school in winter and working on a farm in summer with his father. In 1874, he became editor of the Farmers' Friend, a paper published in Osceola in the interests of agriculture. He continued teaching until March 9, 1878, when he entered the law office of the late John C. Ferguson, where, under his instruction, he was prepared for admission to the bar, September 11, 1879, before Judge John D. Parkinson. Mr. Shaffner married Miss Josephine O. Clevenger January 1, 1880. She is the daughter of the late George Clevenger. They have lost one child Gertrude. Politically Mr. Shaffner is a Democrat. He belongs to the Presbyterian Church and is a Mason. Isaac Shaffner, father of Wade W., is a farmer by occupation, and now lives in Chalk Level Township. He was born in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, June 17, 1823, and was the son of Frederick Shaffner. His mother was formerly Catharine Dihler, who died in 1860. Isaac, the third of eleven children, early went to Virginia, residing there until 1855. He then came to Illinois and remained until 1868, when he moved to this county and settled where he now lives. He married Melvina Leach, December 9, 1847. in Fauquier County, Virginia. She is the daughter of Thornton K. Leach, of Virginia, a soldier in the war of 1812. They have four children: Wade W., Mary A. (now Mrs. John Warner), Jacob M. and Luther L. Politically he is a Democrat and his religious preferences Presbyterian. -- History of St. Clair Co., Missouri, 1883

SHEEKS, Robert D.
Robert D. Sheeks was born in Obion County, Tennessee, in 1830, and was the son of Jesse Sheeks, a Kentuckian, by birth, who after his marriage in that state, removed to Tennessee. After his death his widow married again, and in 1845 Robert D. accompanied his stepfather to St. Clair County, Missouri. He was married in 1858 to Miss Nancy Deshazo, of Collins Township, this county, and a daughter of Robert and Elizabeth Deshazo. They have eight children: Rufus P., Martha J., William R., Cornelius, Benjamin F., Mary E., Lucy and Cora. Mr. Sheeks is the owner of a good farm of 415 acres. -- History of St. Clair Co., Missouri, 1883

SHELDON, Albert B.
Albert B. Sheldon was born December 27, 1816, near Hartford, Connecticut, his parents being Pardon and Nancy Sheldon, nee Mann, both of whom were born near Providence, Rhode Island, in the year 1780. They had three sons and three daughters. Pardon died June 18, 1822, in Connecticut, and his widow departed this life in 1836 in Rhode Island. In 1837, leaving the state of his birth, Albert B. Sheldon went to St. Louis, Missouri, and was occupied for a time in traveling through Missouri, Illinois, Arkansas and the Cherokee Nation in the interest of a clock business. Subsequently, with Nicholas Campbell, he purchased a stock of general merchandise and took it as far as Boonville, then going in search of a suitable location. Upon reaching Fairfield, in Benton County, they opened up a business in a log structure erected for the purpose on August 20, 1837. In December of that year Mr. S. received an appointment as postmaster. He continued this trade for three years, and on December 25, 1839, Miss Eliza Gardner, of St. Clair County, who was born September 10, 1822, in Marion County, Missouri, became his wife. Her father, James Gardner, was among the oldest pioneers of this county. He was originally from Georgia, but emigrated to Tennessee in an early day, going thence to Marion County, Missouri, and later to this county in 1833, before it was organized. He, together with Crow and Crutchfield, located the town of Osceola, erecting the first store above the government trading post, conducted by Bishop and Hogle. Mr. and Mrs. Sheldon have had nine children, six sons and three daughters, of whom there are living: William P., married a Miss Seaby, of Osceola; Luther W., married Anna White, of Monroe City; Thomas J., born September 15, 1853, and Marietta, born December 15, 1855, (wife of Dr. Nathaniel Wright, of this county. After his marriage Mr. S. purchased eighty acres of land on King's Prairie, but eight years later sold it and bought 120 acres in Polk Township. He has since then been a large land owner, but now has only 160 acres, upon which he resides. He and his wife have been members of the Christian Church for thirty-five years. His political views are Democratic and he has served as magistrate in this township. -- History of St. Clair Co., Missouri, 1883

SHELDON, Luther W.
Luther W. Sheldon was born January 23, 1845, in St. Clair County, Missouri, and was the son of Albert B. and Eliza (Gardner) Sheldon, who had been married December 25, 1839. The former was born near Hartford, Connecticut, December 27, 1816, and the latter was born December 10, 1822, and of the original family of nine chidden - six sons and three daughters - four children survive: William P., Thomas J., Marietta and Luther W. The last named son married Miss Anna E. White, of Marion County, Missouri and they have had five children. William Albert, born September 9, 1871; Shelby W., born January 9, 1873; Bessie and Byron (twins), born September 2, 1877, (both died in early infancy); and Hattie May, born May 14, 1879. In 1868 Mr. Sheldon purchased seventy-five acres of land on section 8, of this township, and subsequently bought eighty acres adjoining. He has since been actively engaged in farming and stock raising and is one of the model farmers of Polk Township. He is a member of the I.O.O.F. fraternity at Osceola and is also connected with the M. E. Church, South, while his wife belongs to the Missionary Baptist Church, at Osceola. Politically he is a Democrat. -- History of St. Clair Co., Missouri, 1883

SHELTON, William E.
William E. Shelton, M.D. was born in Spartanburg District, South Carolina, August 5, 1838. His father, Michael Shelton, was a native of Pittsylvania County, Virginia, but was reared in South Carolina. His mother, Delila (Keller) Shelton, was born in South Carolina. Their family consisted of six children, our subject being, the youngest. In 1845 they removed to Lexington, Missouri, where Mrs. S. died in 1857, and Mr. S. in 1863. In 1858 William removed to Warrenton, Warren County, Missouri, and the fall following (1859) began the study of medicine under Dr. C. D. Strother, with whom he remained as a student until 1861. In. 1861-2 he attended the St. Louis Medical College. In March, 1863, he enlisted in Company D, First Mississippi Regiment, Light Artillery, C. S. A., and was taken prisoner in the rear of Vicksburg, and held at Camp Morton, Indianapolis, Indiana, till February, 1865. The succeeding three months he spent in Mississippi. About June, 1865, he returned to Warren County, Missouri, and October 10, 1865, came to St. Clair County, and was actively engaged in the practice of medicine near Johnson City till 1870. In that year he went to Papinville, Bates County, Missouri, and devoted his attention to his profession for three months. Going back to Johnson City he resided there till October, 1872, when he came to Appleton City. Since his arrival here he has been a prominent practitioner. During the term of 1881-2 he attended the Bellevue Hospital Medical College of New York, and graduated from that institution at the expiration of that term. He is a member of the Masonic order and has attained to the Templar degrees. He also belongs to the I.O.O.F., and is a prominent member of the Good Templars. Dr. Shelton was mayor of this city in 1873-4-5, and has been chairman of the school board for the past eight years. He was united in marriage in April, 1866, to Miss Elizabeth Dodgson, a native of this county. They have three children, Mitchell C., John D. and Theodocia H. -- History of St. Clair Co., Missouri, 1883

SHEPHERD, Wesley G.
Wesley G. Shepherd, was born in Wells County, Indiana, December 29, 1853, his father being Thomas Shepherd, originally from Ross County, Ohio, who was one of the first to settle in Bluffton, the county seat, he building the first house in the city. In 1857 he went to Navoo, Illinois, remained for two years, and then came with a colony to Henry County. In 1874 they moved to this county and settled one mile from Osceola, on the old Cox farm. Wesley's mother was formerly Clarissa Gracey, of Ross County, Ohio. They have two children living: W. G. and Ellen. In 1870, Wesley went to the Indian Territory, and was one of the parties driven out by the order of the government, losing everything he had. He returned home and made a new start. He was then engaged in various occupations in different localities. In 1879 he opened a restaurant, which has since grown into an hotel, and he is doing a successful business. He has held the office of city marshal. He married Miss C. Lyon, November 8, 1880. She was a daughter of Samuel Lyon. Her grandfather, Thomas Sheppard served in the Federal army, and he was the guide of the first company of United States soldiers in Henry County. -- History of St. Clair Co., Missouri, 1883

SHOE, Christopher
Christopher Shoe, proprietor of the Appleton City Mills, came originally from Germany, where he was born July 23, 1831. When he was two and a half years old the family emigrated to America, locating in Richland County, Ohio, which was their home for six years. Moving thence to Rock Island County, Illinois, they lived there one year, and then farmed in Scott County, Iowa, until 1849. For five years they gave their attention to saw milling and after this farmed and operated a saw mill alternately each for three years. Going to Union County of the same state, Mr. Shoe ran a saw mill and carding factory, which was destroyed by fire. As a result he erected a large grist and saw mill, conducting it for five years. In 1869 he came to St. Clair County and engaged in farming. In September, 1877, he erected his present large mills. He is also a prominent farmer of the county, owning one of the finest farms in this section. Mr. Shoe was married September 22, 1847, to Miss Nancy Forgey, a native of Indiana. They have nine children Margaret, David, Esther, Mary, John W., Christopher L., Sarah E., William E., and Nancy L. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity. In 1873, he was one of the county commissioners. -- History of St. Clair Co., Missouri, 1883

SHORT, George W.
George W. Short, a native of Kentucky, was born June 18, 1811, his parents being George and Catharine (Monical) Short. George W. was the second son of six sons and five daughters. In 1813 the family removed to Indiana and located in Washington County, where they were among the pioneer settlers. Our subject grew to manhood in Washington County, and was married October 13, 1831, to Easter Carleton, of that county. There were nine children by this marriage: Elizabeth (deceased), Nancy C., William L., Hannah (wife of C. Minns), George F. (deceased), Samuel R., Margaret (wife of John Lewellen, Easter Ann (deceased) and David W. Mrs. Short died in the fall of 1862. Mr. S was married in Putnam County, Indiana, January 24, 1865, to Mrs. Cynthia Ann Hines, a widow of John Hines and a daughter of Thomas Read. She was a Kentuckian by birth. She has one son by her former marriage, Franklin Hines. There are two children by this last union, General Alonzo Sherman and Ama Cynthia. Mr. Short removed from Indiana to Missouri in 1839 and first located in Howard County, but in the fall of 1840 came to this county and settled on his present farm. He now owns 235 acres of land, but has owned 800 acres, of which he has given the larger portion to his children. He enlisted in March, 1862, in Company E of the Seventh Missouri Cavalry and served till discharged in the spring of 1863. After this he returned home, and re-enlisted and served in the Home Guards until the close of tile war. Mr. and Mrs. Short are members of the M. E. Church. -- History of St. Clair Co., Missouri, 1883

SHOUP, John W.
John W. Shoup, farmer, section 30, is a son of Reason Shoup, a native of Adams County, Ohio, his parents having come originally from Pennsylvania. The mother of John W., whose maiden name was Elizabeth Foster, was also born in Adams County, Ohio. Her parents were Virginians by birth. The subject of this sketch, the third child in a family of six children, was born in Adams County, Ohio, August 9, 1839. When he was six years old his parents moved to Lee County, Iowa, where he grew to manhood, spending his boyhood days on a farm. He has made farming his occupation during life. August 20, 1861, he enlisted in Company A, Thirteenth United States Infantry, and remained in service three years, participating in many important battles, among which were Chickasau, Bayou, Arkansas Post, sieges of Jackson and Vicksburg, and others. After being mustered out he went to Putnam County, Missouri, where he was married to Miss Mollie E. Price, after which he resided in Putnam County till 1870. Then he came to his present location, where he has a farm of 110 acres. Mrs. S. was born in Jefferson County, Iowa, May 16, 1844. She was a daughter of Joseph and Mary A. (Puffenbarger) Price, who were natives of Ohio. The family of Mr. and Mrs. S. have numbered eight children, six of whom are living: Ostella F., Cora L., George T., Effie A., James M. and Fannie A. -- History of St. Clair Co., Missouri, 1883

SIMMONS, Thomas Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson Simmons - The story of Thomas Jefferson Simmons and Rosa Anne Cripe is a story of devotion to God's work and love of family. The little Church of the Brethren northeast of Osceola, Missouri owes its history and beign to these two people. Thomas Jefferson Simmons was born February 1, 1856 in Hawkins County, Tennessee, the third child of John Hiram Simmons, Sr. and Mary Francisco. The Simmonses (once Simon) had been involved with the Dunkard (Church of the Brethren) Church almost since its beginnings in America, there having been many preachers in the family. Thomas Jefferson was to follow in their shoes. Rosa Anne Cripe was born September 4, 1867 in Oakley, Illinois and was brought to Osceola, St. Clair County, Missouri when she was ten months old. She was the daughter of Christian Cripe and Catherine Annie Replogle. Both Christian and Catherine are buried in the Old Dunkard South Cemetery near Osceola. The Cripes (once Greib) had also been Dunkards of long standing. When the small congregation in St. Clair County was in need of a preacher in 1882, they advertised in the church paper and young Thomas Jefferson Simmons was called from Tennessee as a "temporary" minister until an older, more experienced man could be found. Little did they know that this man was the only preacher they would have for the next 51 years. When Thomas Jefferson met Rosa Anne Cripe, love blossomed almost immediately and the young couple was married March 3, 1885 and soon began their family which would come to include eleven children. Shortly after the marriage, T.J. and Rosa Anna's brother-in-law, Abraham Repplogle, began building the small church that still stands and holds regular Sunday services in St. Clair Co. That same year, Rachel Simmons Henderson had come from Tennessee to visit her brother and his new wife. One early morning Rachel and Rosa were picking blackberries on the hill behind the site of the new church. Rachel looked down on the scene below and told her sister-in-law that it was such a beautiful spot that if she died she would like to be buried right there. Perhaps she was ill at the time, or just had a premonition, but Rachel sickened and died shortly thereafter and hers was the first burial in what is now the Pleasant Mound Cemetery. T.J. and Rosa had moved to a house about two miles from Rosa's parents when they married. When Christian became ill, they moved in with them to help in his illness. In November of that year, Christian died and thereafter, T.J. bought out the other heirs; thus, Rosa Anne Cripe Simmons lived her entire life - 84 years - in the same house on the same land. T.J. gave the piece of land for the church and cemetery to his congregation. The house and property are still owned by the Simmons descendants. T.J. and Rosa and their family were devote Brethrens and never shirked their Christian duty, always ministering to the sick even during epidemics of flu, smallpox and diptheria. Several of them were ill themselves during these epidemics, but the Lord always allowed them to live to carry on their work. The children of Thomas Jefferson Simmons and Rosa Anne Cripe are: Daniel Christian Simmons, John Abraham Simmons, Thomas James Simmons, Iva Susan Simmons Zeiler, William Earnest Simmons, Rosie Alma Simmons Minert, Samuel Harry Simmons, Charles David Simmons, Mary Katherine Simmons Walker, Viola Elizabeth Simmons Snyder, Bertha Myrtle Simmons Foster.
-- St. Clair County Courier - Appleton City Journal, 15 December 1988

SINK, John R.
John R. Sink is a native of Wilmington, Delaware, and was born in 1826. John Sink, his father, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1800, was married on the 14th day of July, 1822, to Miss Sallie A. Peterson, of Wilmington, and by this union there were three children, of whom John R. was the youngest. He accompanied his father to Kentucky while young, and lived there until seventeen years of age, when he emigrated to Green County, Illinois, living there until 1880. Then he came to St. Clair County, Missouri, and has here gained for himself an enviable reputation as a progressive agriculturist and citizen. In 1848 he married Miss Mary M. Story, a daughter of Vincent Story, Esq., and a resident of Morgan County, Illinois. They have had a family of twelve children: John Vincent, George W., James J., Lydia A., Sallie J., Mary J., Nancy H., Charles M., Martha E., Harry A., Ida E. and Eugene. Two of these are deceased. Mr. S. first came to this county during the fall of 1873, purchasing the land which he now occupies, consisting of 288 acres. Politically he is a Democrat. He is master of the Grange at Mitchell, Greene County, Illinois.
-- History of St. Clair Co., Missouri, 1883

SLUDER, Isaac
Isaac Sluder, farmer and stock raiser, section 4, was born in Hendricks County, Indiana, August 30, 1839. His father, Henry Sluder, was a native of the same state, and his mother, whose maiden name was Nancy Lockhart, came originally from West Virginia. The family early removed to Owen County, and from there to Washington and then to Sullivan County, where Henry Sluder died in 1864. Isaac grew to maturity in Indiana, and after removing to Sullivan County he learned the shoemakers trade, working at the business about twenty years. He was married in Sullivan County April 20, 1859, to Miss Nancy Chestnut, a daughter of James Chestnut. They had four children: Martha E., (wife of Walter Kennett), Mary F., (wife of Martin Anderson), Ollie O. and Emma. Mrs. Sluder died in St. Clair County February 16, 1881. Mr. S. was married in this county June 2, 1881, to Mrs. Eliza Parker, widow of Elias Parker. She was born in Ohio, but moved west after her marriage and settled in St. Clair County. She has three children by her first husband, Estella Ann, Frank C. and Alice J. Parker. Mr. and Mrs. Sluder have one child, John Edward. Mr. S. removed to Missouri in 1880, settling on the farm where he now resides in 1881. There are 400 acres of excellent land in his place. -- History of St. Clair Co., Missouri, 1883

SMITH, J.O.
J. O. Smith, farmer, section 5. The subject of this sketch was born in Crawford County, Illinois, October 15, 1836. He is a son of James W. and Elizabeth (Watts) Smith, the former originally from Kentucky, and the latter of Illinois. When J. O. was two years old, his father moved to Wayne County, Kentucky, his mother having died in Illinois. Mr. Smith was reared in Wayne County and received an academic education. In 1860, he went to Wayne County, Iowa, and in 1862, to Putnam County, Missouri, where he resided till 1867. Since that time he has been a citizen of St. Clair County. He has followed farming during life and now has a farm of ninety acres. Mr. S. was married in September, 1858, to Miss Sarah A. Huffaker, a native of Wayne County, Kentucky. By this union they have eight children: Henry S., James J., Maggie A., Rosa B., William, Charles R., Walter and Lulu E. -- History of St. Clair Co., Missouri, 1883

SMITH, John S.
John S. Smith, editor of The Voice of the People, is a native of Jay County, Indiana, and was born March 13, 1848. His father, Aaron Smith was born in Ohio and his grandfather, Martin Smith, was a Virginian by birth. The mother of John S. was Mary Dillman, of Randolph County, Indiana, she being a daughter of William Dillman, whose father was robbed and murdered for his money in Chester County, Pennsylvania, in 1852. The subject of this sketch is the oldest of eight children. His father removed to Dallas County, Iowa, while he was young, and there he was reared, improving his limited facilities for acquiring an education until he was qualified for teaching school. In 1864 he enlisted in the Forty-sixth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, and after some months spent in the service he was discharged on account of disability. After his return he attended school for a time, and in 1867 went to St. Clair County, Missouri, and taught one term of school. He then returned to Iowa, and the succeeding ten years he was engaged in teaching, and succeeded in winning an enviable reputation as a painstaking, competent and faithful instructor. In 1877 he returned to St. Clair County and took charge of a school at Johnson City. In 1879 he took charge of The Voice of the People, and conducted it for the company owning it until 1882, when he purchased it, and he has since associated Dr. A. C. Marquis with him, and they are publishing one of the most readable papers in Southwest Missouri. In 1881, in the interest of the Greenback and Reform party, Mr. Smith was elected county school commissioner, an office he has proved himself amply qualified to fill. He was married October 21, 1881, to Miss Annie B. Nalley, a daughter of William Nalley, of this county, originally from Pike County, Missouri. They have one son, Clyde S., born September 1, 1882. -- History of St. Clair Co., Missouri, 1883

SMITH, Roland J.
Dr. R. J. Smith was born January 18, 1861, at Waupaca, Wisconsin. When seven years old, he moved with his parents to Benton County, Missouri. When he became a young man they moved to Johnson County so that he could take advantage of the schools in Warrensburg. He attended the Warrensburg Normal, later he taught school for $30. a month saving his money to study medicine. This he did at the Missouri Medical College in St. Louis, which was part of the University of Missouri at Columbia, from which he graduated March 1887. He started to practice medicine in the small new town of Seward, Kansas.  After the death of his wife and infant daughter, he brought his small son back to Warrensburg. In 1891, he located in Johnson City, Missouri where he married Gertrude Lee Walters. He purchased a farm, one mile north, which he named Grand View Farm. To take advantage of the schools the family moved to Appleton City in 1914 where he continued his practice. When his health began to fail, they returned to Grand view Farm. He died July 20, 1940 at the age of 79. -- Appleton City Centennial Book 1870-1971

SNUFFER, Theodoric
Theodoric Snuffer, deceased, a pioneer in southwest Missouri, was born in Henry County, Virginia, July 15, 1799, and traces his paternal ancestry to Germany, his grandfather, Jacob Snuffer, and his wife, Sally, having emigrated to the United States in 1760. He served as a soldier in the revolutionary war, and participated in the battle of Brandywine Station. After the close of the war he settled on a farm east of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia, where he spent his remaining days, attaining the remarkable age of 110 years. He left a large family widely scattered, and among those remaining in Virginia was George, the father of the subject of this sketch, who was born in Virginia and in 1797 married Miss P. Janiet, of Virginia. By this union there were four sons and six daughters. Mr. Snuffer died in the service of his country in the war of 1812. Theodoric Snuffer was married in 1834 to Miss Margaret Baker, a native of Montgomery County, Virginia, and a daughter of Colonel Josiah Baker, an officer in the war of 1776. He married Miss Sallie Patton in 1793. In 1836 Mr. Snuffer came to Missouri and settled in Henry County near the present site of Calhoun, living in this county until the spring of 1838, when he removed to what is now St. Clair County, on the Osage River. His first building was a cabin ten feet square, and in this building he resided until July, 1839. Then he built, with the assistance of neighbors, a log house eighteen feet square. This building still remains on the old homestead. Mr. S. was, at this time, in the prime of vigorous manhood. He commenced farming by clearing and planting a few acres in Indian corn, and each year clearing and breaking a few more acres. Mr. and Mrs. Snuffer had five sons and one daughter born to them. Of these the daughter died in infancy, the third son died when four years of age; Cyrus R., the fourth son, was murdered in the Choctaw Nation by a band of outlaws, the leader of which was afterward hanged in Texas; Josiah, the eldest son, died in 1863 at Little Rock, Arkansas, while a soldier under General Price. Owen M. was an officer in the confederate army, and now resides on the old homestead. He was born on the 14th day of February, 1837, in Henry County, Missouri. In 1864 he married Mrs. Susan Tunstall, widow of Captain E. B. Tunstall, who fell at the battle of Elk Horn, in Arkansas, under General Price. By this union there are now living two daughters, Sallie and Esie. Mrs. Snuffer died in Arkansas in 1876. Mr. Owen Snuffer, to whom we are indebted for this sketch, has written several articles for the press, and among these contributions are "The Early Settlers of the County" and "The Sacking and Burning of Osceola by Jim Lane." "The Battle of Lone Jack," written by him, is acknowledged to be a fair and impartial history. He also assisted A. C. Appler in writing the only true life ever written of the Younger Brothers. -- History of St. Clair Co., Missouri, 1883

SNYDER, David
David Snyder, farmer, section 16, came originally from Darke County, Ohio, where he was born in 1845. His parents, Pearson and Susan (Hidley) Snyder, moved to St. Clair County, Missouri, in 1857, where David was reared and educated. He now owns a fine farm, which contains 165 acres, and it is a good stock farm. He was married in 1867 to Miss Milliard Woolry, a native of Missouri. They have three children living: Pearson, Charley and John. -- History of St. Clair Co., Missouri, 1883

SNYDER, H. H.
H. H. Snyder, farmer, section 28, was born in Darke County, Ohio, November 6, 1842. His father, Pearson Snyder, a native of New Jersey, died in this county March 13, 1862. The maiden name of the mother of our subject was Susan Hidley, originally from Ohio. She died in November, 1850. H. H. came to St. Clair County with his parents in 1857. He received his education in the schools of Ohio and Missouri. He has followed farming in this county since his arrival at manhood. In March, 1863, he enlisted in Company B, Eleventh Missouri Cavalry, and was discharged August 11, 1865. Mr. S. held the office of township constable six years. September 6, 1866, he married Miss Hannah J. McKinsley, a native of Kentucky. They have four children: Ida B., James W., Effie M., Elizabeth T. They lost one son, David E. -- History of St. Clair Co., Missouri, 1883

SNYDER, James P.
James P. Snyder, farmer and stock raiser, section 17, is a native of Ohio and was born in Darke County, May 28, 1847, being the son of Pearson and Susan Snyder, nee Hidley, natives of New Jersey and Ohio respectively. James P. was the third of a family of six children. When ten years old his parents came to St. Clair County, Missouri, where he was brought up, attending for a time the common schools. He owns a farm of 300 acres, most of which is under fence and well improved. May 9, 1867, Mr. S. married Miss Frances Bunch, of this county. They have two children, Birdie A. and Arvel. -- History of St. Clair Co., Missouri, 1883

STEARNS, Stinson S.
Stinson S. Stearns, farmer, was born in New Castle, Me., January 25, 1811, and is the second of seven children, three sons and four daughters, born to Ezekiel and Nancy (Dodge) Stearnes. The parents were natives of Massachusetts and Maine, respectively, and both were of Scotch descent. After marriage they spent the greater part of their lives in Maine, although both died in Boston, Mass. He lived to be seventy-six years of age, and she ninety-eight. He was a cooper by trade, although he made farming his chief occupation through life. Their son, Stinson S., received a very limited education, and when about nine years of age began working in a tannery, grinding bark. Here he remained until about nineteen years of age, when he removed to Boston, and worked in a currying shop for about two years. He then went to Martinsburg, Va., where he superintended a tan-yard for about five years. He then went across the mountains to Ohio, and, after working in that State for a time, rode on westward until he reached Huntsville, Mo., where he located. In 1842 he married Miss Minerva Reed, who was born in Howard County, Mo., February 14, 1822, and soon after they removed to Osceola, Mo., where Mr. Stearnes purchased a tan-yard, and operated the same until the breaking out of the war. In 1866 he and family moved to Washington County, Ark., and here they have since made their home. Mr. and Mrs. Stearnes are the parents of seven children: Martha J., Theodocia, Cyrus P., John W., Charles S., Bettie and Moses. Mr. Stearnes is the owner of over 161 acres, of which 125 are under cultivation, and he and Mrs. Stearnes are members of the Christian Church. -- Northwestern Arkansas History

STILES, James R.
James R. Stiles was born in Johnson County, Missouri, in 1847, and was the son of Dennis Stiles, a Kentuckian by birth, born in 1818, who, in 1838, emigrated to Johnson County, being one of the first settlers there. He was married twice, the second time in 1845, to Miss Tamson Bazzill, daughter of Ezekiel Bazzill. They had seven children, four sons and three daughters, James being the eldest child. In 1866 the senior Stiles leaving Johnson County, came to St. Clair County. A few years later, or in August, 1870, James R. was united in marriage with Miss Mary M. Jackson. They had five children, four of whom are living: James Henry, Lizzie S., Clara B. and Rolla J. The eldest son, Johnny Lewis, died August 18, 1881. Mr. Stiles is the owner of a farm of 100 acres, located in section 7. He is much interested in stock matters and gives considerable attention to fine stock, having some excellent animals. Formerly he was politically a Democrat, but later began to be found in the ranks of the Greenback party. He is a member of the Baptist Church at Macedonia and also belongs to the Grange, Concord lodge. Mr. S.'s mother, a native of Virginia, born in 1807, is now living and in the enjoyment of good health. -- History of St. Clair Co., Missouri, 1883

STOUT, W.B., Jr.
Dr. W. B. Stout, Jr., D.D.S., was born in 1902 at Appleton City, Missouri, only child of Mr. and Mrs. Will B. Stout. Dr. Stout began his dental practice in Appleton City in 1927. He passed away in 1980 and is buried in Appleton City Cemetery with his wife, Mary Elizabeth (Moss) who passed away in 2004. -- Appleton City Centennial Book 1870-1970

STOUT, William B.
William B. Stout, of the firm of Stout & Co., is a native of Harrison County, West Virginia, and was born July 3, 1854. His father, also originally of that state, was born November 4, 1818. His mother, whose maiden name was Amanda Blake, was born in West Virginia August 5, 1816. They had eight children, William being the sixth child. His father died September 24, 1876. He resided in the county of his birth until sixteen years old, when the family came to St. Clair County, Missouri, and here he farmed for three years. Then he engaged in school teaching, which he continued until April, 1881, when he embarked in his present business. He is a member of the Baptist Church. -- History of St. Clair Co., Missouri, 1883

STRICKLAND, M. B.
Hon. M. B. Strickland. Among the prominent men of St. Clair County is the subject of this sketch, who was born in Franklin County, Missouri, August 8, 1835. His father, E. B. Strickland, was a native of Georgia, and his mother, formerly Sarah K. Caldwell, was a Kentuckian by birth. E. B. Strickland was one of the early settlers and leading men of Franklin County. M. B. grew to manhood at his birth place on a farm, receiving a good common school education. He was married in St. Louis County, May 5, 1857, to Miss Mary Conway, a daughter of Samuel Conway. She is a native of St. Louis County. After this event Mr. S. resided in Franklin County until 1877, and in March of that year came to St. Clair County and purchased the farm where he now resides. He has 480 acres, improved, and makes a business of raising and feeding cattle, fattening annually about two car loads of steers. He takes a prominent part in the political issues of the day, and was nominated and elected to represent his county in the legislature at the general election of 1882. This position he filled with honorable distinction. Mr. and Mrs. Strickland have a family of five children: Virgil C., Mary, Virginia S., Ada L. and James L. Himself, wife and oldest daughter are members of the Presbyterian Church. -- History of St. Clair Co., Missouri, 1883

STURTEVANT, S.C.
In the real estate line S.C. Sturtevant is the pioneer in the business. Mr. Sturtevant has served continuously as a Notary Public for over fifty years and has maintained an insurance and real estate office in Appleton City since 1882. Mr. Sturtevant has always taken an active and influential interest in the making of Appleton City what it is to-day in business, educationally and socially. Mrs. S.B. Naylor since the death Mr. James Hodkins has conducted the insurance and real estate office so long owned by her father. Others who devote time to real estate and insurance are J.G. Coffin, H.R. Howard, F.H. Miller, O.D. Bradley, John A. Gilbreath and J.P. Hastain. -- Appleton City Journal, 28 March 1901

 
STURTEVANT, Samuel C.
Samuel C. Sturtevant, a descendant of the old Puritan stock, traces his lineage back to the Allerton family, who were on board the Mayflower, and also to the Cushmans, who, as the agents of the Pilgrims in England, chartered the vessel for the first voyage. Samuel's father, Carleton Sturtevant, was a native of Litchfield County, Connecticut, and in 1823 emigrated to Ruggles, then of Huron, now of Ashland County, Ohio. Our subject was born on July 24, 1838. His primary education was received in the common schools, but this he supplemented with an attendance at Huron Institute, Milan, Ohio. In October, 1860, he married Adelaide E. Taylor, a most estimable lady. Emigrating to Bates County, Missouri, Mr. S. settled in Deepwater Township in the winter of 1867-68, and devoted his attention to farming and school teaching. He was a prominent citizen of that county until the summer of 1882, when he removed to Appleton City, St. Clair County. He has five children: Carleton W. (now in the class of civil engineers at the State University, Columbia, Missouri), Cora Allerton, Marion Cushman, Adelaide E. and Winfield E.
-- History of St. Clair Co., Missouri, 1883

SUTHERLAND, U.L.
Nine miles west of Collins on Highway 54 is the Sac River Bridge. It was the first bridge built about a block north of the last. The abutments and the old road are still there. The old road running east of the bridge was very steep and rocky. A good team would be needed to maneuver this road. The original El Dorado – Collins road is still used east of the present road. On the west side of the old bridge, a side road ran next to the river. About a half mile down this road would have brought you to the water mill and a small settlement. Old man Ward settled on a piece of land on the west side of the Sac River. Dr. Cox and Avery B. Howard built a mill on Ward’s land in 1841. This was the first water mill in the county and was known as Howard’s Mill or the Ritchey Mill. It was with one exception, the only mill of the kind in the county for several years. It had two run of burrs and did a good business. Going to a mill in early pioneer days was one of the first necessities to get food for their families. With no roads, no bridges and no ferry boats, getting to a mill was no sorry task when so many rivers and streams were to be crossed. Several of the early census records list Howard’s Mill as the local post office. The first Post Office was from Roscoe, Rives County with John Burch as postmaster on June 18, 1840, but was changed to Howard’s Mill on Sept. 8, 1854 with William H. Cock as the postmaster. A series of postmasters were in charge from 1880 and moved from Howard’s Mill to Roscoe a number of times. The postmasters from 1856 to 1867 were: Bertrand O. Weidemeyer, Gabrial P. Nash, William W. Ritchey, John H. Dice, Anderson Morton, Noah Graham, Abraham S. Hart and Sterling Cooper. There were several others until it was discontinued in 1886. The mill was called Cobb on May 25, 1889 with James H. Fletcher, Mary S. Fletcher, Mrs. Meda Polston and Reuben E. McLain as postmasters and continued until May 13, 1918, when the post office was discontinued. The name “Cobb” was given the mill post office since there was always a huge pile of cobbs near the mill. The people thought that would be an appropriate name to give their settlements. The mill was owned just before and at the beginning of the Civil War by William R. Ritchey and his partner, U.L. Sutherland, both natives of Kentucky who arrived in St. Clair County before 1840. They also had a large store in connection with the only mill. William R. Ritchey eventually moved onto land south of Osceola, close to the Harris Plantation. U.L. Sutherland had a large house about ½ mile southwest of the river bridge. He was probably responsible for the starting of a school in the area, Cole-Hampton-Riverview. He had several slaves. Some of the rock foundations are still visible on the north side of the present road, about one block west of the bridge. On the night of Jan. 9, 1862, several riders came to his house looking for his gold and called him out to kill him. He told them they could kill him but not his soul. They let his wife keep a team, then shot him and burned their house. The riders told his wife they would come back and kill whoever buried him. His wife and children went to one of his slave’s cabins and stayed until they took her husband and buried him at the George’s Cemetery (Harris Plantation Cemetery). His father-in-law was Major Edwin Eugene Harris. A number of his young children are buried there along with William R. Ritchey and his family. Mrs. Sutherland later went north and the family doesn’t know what happened to her. U.L. did have a large amount of gold, which Mrs. Sutherland tied around the children’s neck and escaped with it. The family said her hair turned white in one night. A small battle was fought there at the mill on Oct. 13, 1862. A small unit of the Southern Army took over a short time and began to mill their flour. A union force of 50 men under General U.R. Parsons took the mill back and began to mill their flour and meal. A number of operators ran the store and mill over the next years. There was always a blacksmith shop in the settlement, several drug stores, probably several stills, a saw mill, several homes, store and one-pump gas station ran by James Keeton which burned about 1927 or ’28. Evon Gentry built a store south of the El Dorado – Collins road in the early ‘30s. The area has some nice homes there now, but only rocks and some bolts drilled into solid rock that held the mill in place show where the mill was at an earlier time. Mills were washed away with flooding quite often, rebuilt, and destroyed again by floods. The last mill burned around the turn of the century and was not rebuilt. Many stories from the memories of early residents are also there. (St. Clair County Courier, 10 November 2000)

SUTMILLER, Rudolph
Rudolph Sutmiller, a member of the extensive establishment of Sutmiller & Co., dealers in hardware, stoves, tinware, furniture, etc., is a native of Hanover, Germany, and was born July 20, 1840. He was reared in that country, and when fourteen years of age was apprenticed to the cabinet maker's trade, at which he served a term of four years. Emigrating to America, he landed at New Orleans, and there worked six weeks, when he went to St. Louis, Missouri. He followed his trade in that city and vicinity till June, 1862, then enlisting in the United States army, and serving one year. He soon came to Warren County, Missouri, and was engaged in contracting and building six years. He made his home in Clinton for eighteen months, after which he came to Appleton City and continued contracting and building, and erected many of the best buildings in the city. In April, 1877, he with his present partner, R. L. Booth, embarked in the hardware business at Schell City, Missouri, where they had a good trade till 1880. They then removed their business to Appleton City, and now carry a large stock in this line, and are enjoying a lucrative patronage. Mr. Sutmiller was married June 1, 1883, to Miss Frances C. Hawkins, a native of Illinois. They have two children: Mary E. and Eliza M. They are members of the Lutheran Church. -- History of St. Clair Co., Missouri, 1883

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