McDonough ILGenWeb

STALEY, William (deceased), formerly a substantial and highly respected farmer of New Salem Township, McDonough County, Ill., was born in Staffordshire, England, December 15, 1832, a son of Robert and Ada (Blower) Staley, natives of England. Robert Staley was born November 16, 1790, and his wife January 8, 1803, and they were married in England, February 13, 1830. The father was a dairyman by occupation, and followed this pursuit in Bolton, Staffordshire. In 1856, Robert Staley came with his family to the United States, landing in New York. He then proceeded to Fulton County, Ill., where he had a brother-in-law engaged in farming, and there applied himself to agricultural pursuits during the remainder of his life. He died August 13, 1867, and his wife passed away January 8, 1868.

William Staley received his early education in the schools of his native country, where his boyhood and early manhood were spent. On the completion of his studies he went to work in the coal mines, continuing this occupation until twenty-one years of age, when he accompanied his parents to the land of his future adoption. He assisted his father on the farm in Fulton County, and after a while, together with his brother Benjamin, bought a farm near the town of Vermont. Not being satisfied with the purchase, they afterward moved to New Salem Township, McDonough County, where they bought a quarter-section of land. This they divided after the marriage of William Staley, and the latter carried on farming on his portion (eighty acres) until his death, on October 31, 1892. Mrs. Staley, after living on this place twenty-seven years, disposed of it and moved to Macomb, where she bought a residence.

On February 19, 1873, Mr. Staley was married to Nancy A. Marr, who was born in McDonough County, near Macomb, February 24, 1839. Mrs. Staley is a daughter of Jonathan B. and Hepsebeth (Hays) Marr, whose marriage took place in Tennessee. Her father was born in North Carolina, June 19, 1800, and moved with his parents to East Tennessee. He died May 10, 1884. Her mother was born October 7, 1800, and moved with her parents to West Tennessee. She died September 16, 1868. On political issues, William Staley was identified with the Democratic party, and in religious belief adhered to the doctrines of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. He was an upright man and a useful citizen, and in his death the church and the community suffered a serious loss. His estimable widow, who has many friends, is passing her declining years in comfort at her pleasant home. No. 916 East Jackson street, Macomb.

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Source: The Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of McDonough County, compiled by Dr. Newton Bateman, and Paul Shelby, 1907, volume 2, pages 1008-1009, extracted 30 Jul 2020 by Norma Hass.