Biographies

SAMUEL MATTHEWS STANSBURY, one of the enterprising and highly respected farmers of Henderson County, who now resides on section 12, township 10 north, range 5 west, is a native of Tennessee, born April 25, 1832.

His parents were Solomon and Sarah (Willheight) Stansbury. The father was born in Jefferson, Tenn., in 1790, and made farming his life work. His wife was born in the same locality in 1800. They became the parents of fourteen children, namely: Mrs. Katie Wilson; Ezekiel; Mrs. Susan Mulvaney; Mrs. Hattie Wilson; John, who is now deceased; Mrs. Rosanna Weathers; Mrs. Betsy Walden; Solomon, who is also deceased; Mrs. Hettie Donaldson; James; S. M., of this sketch; and Mrs. Sarah Pack. The father of this family passed away in 1855, and the mother died about 1879.

Upon the old home farm S. M. Stansbury was reared. His educational privileges were quite limited. He had to walk a distance of four miles to school, and then could attend only through the winter season, for his sen-ices were needed at home during the summer months. Very seldom was an opportunity afforded to attend church services, for the family lived far from town. Thus, with few privileges, Mr. Stansbury grew to man- hood, but he has made the most of his opportunities, and has become a well-informed man on general topics.

On the 19th of September, 1852, our subject was united in marriage with Miss Julia A. Hayes, daughter of Absalom C. and Martha (Caldwell) Hayes, of Tennessee. She was one of a family of five children, three sons and two daughters, all of whom reached mature years. By the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Stansbury have been born seven children: Solomon C; Elva J., wife of Hosea Dougherty; John A.; Thomas C; Mary Louise, wife of James Tadlock; Martha, at home; and Sarah C, wife of David Shook.

On coming to Illinois, Mr. Stansbury located first in Decatur, where he spent one year, and then came to Henderson County. In the vicinity of Biggsville he rented a farm, and continued the operation of land belonging to others until 1887, when he purchased his present farm. He is now comfortably situated, having a pleasant home and a good farm, and in return for the care and cultivation he bestows upon his land he reaps there-from a good income. He has led a busy and useful life, idleness being utterly foreign to his nature.

Both he and his wife hold membership with the Methodist Episcopal Church, and in the community where they live the)- are widely and favorably known, being held in high esteem for their many excellencies of character.

In politics, Mr. Stansbury is a supporter of Republican principles.

From the Portrait and biographical record of Hancock, McDonough and Henderson counties, Illinois : containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county (1894)
May, 1894. Lake City Publishing Co.