John S. Staples, P. O., Arrow Rock, stock raiser and farmer. Born in Henry county Virginia, December 4, 1828. At the age of eleven years, came to Saline county, Missouri, with his father, James Staples. He was educated in the commercial schools of said county. In 1861, he enlisted in the Confederate army, under Gen. Price, in Capt. Wm. Brown’s company, Col. Bob Woods’ regiment, Gen. Shelby’s division. He participated in the following battles: Booneville, Lexington, and Dry Wood. At the end of six months he came home. In 1864, he re-enlisted under Gen. Price, in Capt. Thos. Woodson’s company, Col. Bob Woods’ battalion, where he served until the end of the war. On the 31st of October, 1865, he was married to Martha C. Lakin, a native of Cooper county, and daughter of Thos. Lakin, who was killed by the militia. Their union was blessed with three children, two of whom are now living; Wm. C., and John Henry. He is the possessor of a fine farm of 200 acres, which was given him by his father, and upon which he has resided since 1866.