William Steers

Form OLD SETTLERS OF PIKE COUNTY, Atlas Map of Pike Co., IL, 1872, located at Mid Continent Library, Indep., MO; 977.345, AT65a, Oversize:

"WILLIAMS STEERS is the son of Holiday Steers, who was born in the state of Virginia in the year 1786, and emigrated to the state of Kentucky in 1810, where he remained until 1828. He then removed to Missouri, where he resided at the time of his death, which occurred in 1831. His wife's maiden name was Sarah Henderson. She was born in the state of Virginia in 1787, and died in the state of Missouri in 1843. Mr. and Mrs. Steers both lived good citizens, and died devoted Christians.

William Steers, the subject of this sketch, was born in the state of Kentucky in 1819, and remained with his parents while they lived. In 1841 he married Miss Lucinda D. Hitch, who was born in the state of Virginia in the year 1823, and moved with her parents to the state of Missouri, where she remained until her marriage.

Mr. Steers remained in Missouri, engaged in farming, until the year 1857, when he moved with his family to Pleasant Vale township, Pike County, Illinois, and purchased the warehouses at Cincinnati Landing, on the Mississippi river, where he bought and shipped grain and produce for three years. He then sold out and moved to New Canton, where he farmed for one year, and was then elected county clerk of Pike county, in which office he served for eight years. He then moved to the enterprising town of Kinderhook, and with his son-in-law, James Blain, engaged in the milling business, in the fine flouring mill built by himself and Mr. Blain in 1869.

Within the last two years this mill has been thoroughly remodeled, and it is at this time in perfect order and doing a heavy business. The proprietors are No. 1 business men, and employ none but the best of mechanics. They warrant their flour to be of the best quality, and are ready at all times to pay the highest price in cash for good fall wheat.

Mr. Steers is a very reliable business man, and has done much to improve the town of Kinderhook. He is very popular throughout the county, both as a public officer and as a private citizen. He is the father of twelve children - four sons and eight daughters - nine of whom are yet living; three are married and six at home."

William married Lucinda D. Hitch, daughter of Nathaniel Hitch and Frances (Fanny) Drummond, on 18 Nov 1841 in Ralls Co., MO.¹ (Lucinda D. Hitch was born in 1823 in Fauquier Co., VA ^{2 3}.)