My Genealogy Hound

MATT. W. STAFFORD, postmaster, Joplin, Mo., was born in Rush county, Ind., Sept. 1, 1844. His father, Nathan Stafford, was a native of Staffordshire, Eng., born in June, 1803, and died in Carthage, Mo., in June, 1882. Mother was a native of North Carolina, born in 1804, died in West Newton, Ind., in April, 1862. When about two years of age our subject moved with his parents to Shelbyville, Ind., where they remained for several months, then to Knightstown, and two years later to Marion county, same state, locating at West Newton. Father was a mechanic and engaged principally in contracting and building. Subject received a liberal education in the common schools and the Bryant & Stratton Business College, Indianapolis. After finishing his school work he engaged as clerk for Isaac Hawkins, merchant of West Newton, and afterward for same person at Monroe, same county. In 1862 he enlisted in Company D, Twenty-sixth Indiana Infantry Volunteers, Captain Manker commanding, and served about six months, then returned in fall of that year and re-enlisted in Company D, One Hundred and Seventeenth Indiana, Colonel Thomas Brady commanding, for a term of six months. At the expiration of time returned to Indianapolis and shortly after engaged as clerk for Martin Updegraff & Co., with whom he remained three months. He then re-enlisted, this time in Company A, Eleventh Indiana Infantry, and served until the close of the war. Participated in battles of Resaca, Ft. Donelson, Wilderness, Blue Springs, Walkersford, and others of considerable importance. Was mustered out at Baltimore, Md., June 25, 1865, and returned at once to Indianapolis. There he engaged in the lumber business for a time, then disposed of interests and went to Terre Haute, same state, and took charge of a branch house for Brinkmeyer & Co., foundrymen of Evansville. Remained with them one winter, then came west to Missouri, locating at Springfield, Green county, in May, 1867. In August of that year he came to Carthage and clerked for a while, then purchased land in Preston township and improved a farm. He then returned to Carthage and engaged as clerk for Davis & Murphy for several months. From this time he engaged at various occupations (principally mercantile) until 1871. Then came to Joplin and engaged in drug business for Young & Caffee. In 1871, a post-office being established, he took charge, and has held the position of post master continuously since. He has at present a drug store at Exeter, Berry county; also at Sarcoxie, this county. Mr. Stafford was married in Carthage, Mo., Oct. 28, 1868, to Miss Tamson A., daughter of John S. and Ann Workizer, formerly of Norristown, Pa. Mrs. S. was born in Chester county, Pa., Sept. 15, 1845. From this union there is one child, Lois Belle, born Jan. 12, 1870. Mrs. S. died May 15, 1873. Subject was again married April 7, 1874, to Miss Lucy Ann Workizer, a sister of his former wife. Mrs. S. was born in Howellville, county of Chester, Pa, They have one child, Nora, born Dec. 5, 1874. Mr. Stafford is a member of the order of Knights of Pythias; also a Mason, A. O. U. W., and member of the G. A. R. He takes an active interest in political and educational matters, and as postmaster has proven himself a most efficient and acceptable officer.