Letter from Archibald Standifer to Mr. Standifer-July 1864

From: Archibald Standifer (Jasper Co., GA) To: Mr. Standifer
The letter was sent to a Mr. Standifer in Texas (don’t know who) in response to an inquiry about the Standifer family tree.

"Hillsboro, July 8, 1864

Mr. Standifer,

Sir. I have just received yours of 6 June and reply by the first mail. I take pleasure in giving you all the information that I can respecting the family. I am the son of John Standifer who had two brothers, Samuel and Archibald. My grandfather was Skelton Standifer. My great grandfather was Israel Standifer. They were all originally from Scotland, settled in Maryland, in Sequatchie (I don’t know that I spelled the city right) Valley in Tenn. I knew three brothers, James, William and Israel. James I think went to congress. Served one term, died on his way there the second time, was a Col. in the Creek War, was at the battle of Horse Shoe Bend. I also know one Luke Standifer there. I have known many of them in different parts of the United States. As far as my knowledge extends, they all descended from one family. Were you the grandson of Mr. Standifer of Tenn.? I know some of our relatives in Kentucky and Virginia. Did your sister or cousin marry a man by the name of Underwood. Our ancestors formerly spelled the name Standever, then Standiford, then Standerfer and now Standifer. I had two brothers, William and John. They married daughters of a Mr. Woodcock and niece of James Standifer.

When you receive this please write me again. Another time I will think of more to write or have written. I am eighty two years old, have eight children all grown long since. My youngest son is in the army at Savannah or below there. I live in a mile of Hillsboro, Jasper Co. I would be glad for you to visit us any time. Please write me on the receipt of this. I am very old and not at all accustomed to writing, but I have a son and daughter living with me who will be pleased to write you. Write me about the army and what you think of the condition of our country. The people here feel rather gloomy. Do not think because I am old I am indifferent to most things. I take as much interest in worldly affairs as any person of any advanced age. I have two sons-in-law in the army, one in Florida and one in Atlanta. Please write if you know of any of the name that lived in Virginia. Knowing as you do my advanced age I feel that it is unnecessary to ask you to excuse the writing. I hope to hear from you soon."

Yours truly,

A. Standifer

Carol's Note: According to this letter, Archibald's pedigree is as follows:

1. Isreal Standifer
2. Skelton
3. i. John ii. Archibald iii. Samuel
4. i. Archibald (b. 1782),
ii. William, m. Woodcock,
iii. John, m. niece of James Standifer,
iv. Margaret m. Hicks