John I. Peavler

From: Portrait and Biographical Record of Lafayette and Saline Counties, Missouri; pub. Chapman Brothers, 1893; p. 394

          John I. Peavler combines several branches of agricultural life.  Not only is he known as a successful farmer and stockraiser, but he also has been fortunate in the management of fruit and apiaries.  He was born in Knox County, Ky., and there in his childhood and youth attended the district schools.  His memory carries him back, when the subject is mentioned, to the log cabin, with its dirt floor and slab benches, to which he trudged in those primitive times.  At the age of nineteen, the influence of the Westward tide was felt in the quiet old county of Knox, and his parents decided to join with others who were also turning their faces to the fertile lands beyond the Mississippi River, and he accompanied them to Sullivan County, Mo.

The father of our subject was Lewis Peavler, a native of Tennessee, who married a Virginia lady by the name of Kate Head.  From the union with this excellent woman were born eight children, of whom but six are living.  Elizabeth is the wife of Thomas Standiford, of Oklahoma.  Matilda became the wife and is now the widow of John Stuffelbean.  Isaac died during the war, having been in service for some time before his death.  William now resides in Texas; James, in California and Thomas resided in Oklahoma, while another is deceased.  Our subject was third in order of birth.  Although sixty years of age, Mr. Peavler would not allow a younger man to take his place, but went into the ranks himself, and was discharged for disability during the war.

John J. Peavler enlisted, in August, 1861, in Company H., Seventh Kentucky Infantry, and took part in the battles at Wild Cat, Ky., Vicksburg, Champion Hill, Arkansas Post, and Big Black Water; he also had the satisfaction of seeing the surrender of Vicksburg.  Although he took part in some of the severest battles of the war, Mr. Peavler was fortunate enough to escape without wound or having served imprisonment.

The marriage of our subject took place in 1864, when he was united in the bonds of matrimony with Miss Louisa, the daughter of William Bull, of Kentucky.  To this union were born three children: Alice, who became Mrs. John Logan, of Montana; Florida Jane, who became the wife of Douglass Logan, and resides at Durham, Ill; and Pascal L.  After the death of his wife, Mr. Peavler married Miss Mary, the daughter of George Davis, and to them have come three children, but only one of thee, Della, is living.

Politically, Mr. Peavler is a Republican of the staunchest kind, and lives up to his convictions.  He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic post at Marshall.  In 1878, he began to give attention to bee culture, and has made the same very profitable.  There never seems to be an over-crowded market for honey, and Mr. Peavler may be laying the foundations of an immense income in this business.  The farm of our subject consists of forty acres, and his fruit ventures take up a great portion of his time.  He is an honest, pleasant gentleman whom it is a pleasure to meet.

Carol's note: Thomas Floyd Standifer was b. March 21, 1832 in VA and died June 11, 1917 OK.  He married Mary Elizabeth Peavler September 2, 1849 in Cumberland Ford, Knox County, KY. She was born November 14, 1832 in VA and died June 11, 1917 in OK.  Both are buried in Noble, OK.  To date, there is not proof as to Thomas Standifer's parent's were.

They are listed on the 1900 census in Cleveland Co., OK.

Elizabeth was aunt to John I. Peavler and d/o Lewis Peavler and Catherine Head.

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