My Genealogy Hound

Jefferson B. Hatler, dealer in hardware, pumps and saddles, at Bolivar, Mo., was born in Greene County, Mo., August 22, 1840, and when five years of age came with his parents to this county. His father, Charles B. Hatler, was a native of West Tennessee, born in 1801, and his mother was born in Kentucky, in 1800. After marriage they moved to Missouri (1832), and settled near Springfield, whence after a residence of about thirteen years, they moved to Polk County, Mo. He was a farmer by occupation; a Whig in his political views, and a member of the Methodist Church, as was also his wife. He lived to be fifty-four years of age, and she, eighty-two. They were the parents of eight children, three of whom are now living, all sons. The youngest of this family, Jefferson B. Hatler, received a limited education in the old-time log school-house, and assisted his father on the farm. In June, 1861, he enlisted in Capt. Mitchell’s Company of State Militia Cavalry, Confederate Army, and served six months, participating in the battles of Wilson’s Creek, Drywood and Lexington. In 1862 he joined the regular Confederate Cavalry, and served until the close of the war, participating in the following battles: Pea Ridge, Corinth, Champion’s Hill, Grand Gulf, siege of Vicksburg, before Sherman from Dalton to Atlanta, Altoona and Franklin. At the last-named battle he was captured, taken to Chicago and exchanged in March, 1865. During his service he was three times slightly wounded. He then returned home, and in 1867 was united in marriage to Miss Theresa E. Elzey, a native of Bentonville, Ark. Three children are the fruits of this union: Troy C., Benjamin and Zoa. Having farmed until 1882, Mr. Hatler turned his attention to merchandising at Slagle, Polk County, and in 1885, he moved to Bolivar, where he has a good business. In politics, he affiliates with the Democratic party. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and the A. O. U. W. Mrs. Hatler is a member of the Baptist Church.