My Genealogy Hound

David E. Stayton, one of the enterprising farmers and stock-raisers of Saline Township, was born in Jackson County, Mo., in 1836, and is the youngest of nine children born to Moses A. and Catherine (Smith) Stayton, both natives of Kentucky. The father was a farmer by occupation, and was also a Baptist minister. He moved to Jackson County, Mo., in 1832, and entered 320 acres of land, which he improved. He died in 1836, and his wife August 2, 1874. David E. Stayton was reared to farm life, and educated in the district schools of Jackson County, but supplemented this by several terms at Independence. He went to California in 1854, engaging in mining and stock-raising, and there remained until 1857. He returned to Missouri, by way of the Isthmus, and settled in Jackson County. He moved to Miller County in 1865. He was married in Miller County, in 1858, to Miss E. F. Hite, a native of Kentucky, and the daughter of James C. and Rebecca Ann (Butler) Hite. Mr. Hite was a farmer by occupation, and came to Jackson County, Mo., in 1852, remaining two years, and then moved to Miller County, where he now resides. Mrs. Hite died in 1878. After marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Stayton moved to Jackson County, settled on a farm, and there remained until 1863, when they moved to Saline Township, Miller County. One year later Mr. Stayton, in company with two others, went to Montana, engaged in mining, and there remained one summer. From there they went to Salt Lake City, Utah, and later, in 1865, they returned to the States. Here Mr. Stayton purchased 292 acres of partially improved land. He now has 150 acres under cultivation, and has a fine residence. He is engaged in raising a good grade of stock, cattle and hogs, and is one of the wide-awake, energetic business men of the county. Mr. Stayton is active in politics, votes with the Democratic party, and is at present a member of the Central Democratic Committee. He has been a candidate for representative from this district twice. Mr. and Mrs. Stayton are members of the Baptist Church, Big Rock, Morgan County. They are the parents of seven children, five now living: Louis Napoleon, who died in 1877, at the age of seventeen; A. C, at home; Sterling P., who is married, and resides near home; Sally I., who died in 1879, at the age of twelve; William W., Harriet M., and Lucy Ann, the last two being twins. Mr. Stayton has been quite active in educational and church affairs, and has assisted in forming the school district, and in erecting churches.