Deepwater Township – Robert N. Stubblefield, a Tennesseean by birth, was born in McMinn County, February 14, 1843. Robert Stubblefield, his father, was born in Hawkins County, Tennessee, and his mother, formerly Matilda C. Lawson, also came originally from East Tennessee. Robert N. moved with his parents to Missouri in 1857, and located in Henry
County, being among the pioneers of that county. He passed his younger days on a farm and attending the common schools, where he was educated. In February 1862, he enlisted in the Missouri State Militia, in Company H, Seventh Missouri Cavalry, and served till the close of the war, having been elected corporal when his company was organized. He participated in the battles of Lone Jack and Marshall, and Price’s raid, and was taken prisoner at Lone Jack and
held as such for three months, when he was paroled and exchanged. After the close of the war he returned to Henry County, where he was married January 27, 1867, to Miss Elizabeth J. Dobson, a native of North Carolina, born in Stokes County. She is a daughter of J.B. and Lucinda Dobson. Soon after Mr. S. located in Clinton, Henry County, and was engaged in freighting and teaming for one year. In the fall of 1868 he came to his present farm in Bates County, where he has eighty acres, nearly all fenced and fairly improved, with a good orchard of 150 apple and a variety of small fruits. This place is located on section 13. Mr. Stubblefield is Republican in politics, and was nominated and elected constable of Deepwater Township in the fall of 1878, and has since been twice re-elected. In the spring of 1881 he was also elected township collector and is now discharging the duties of the two official positions. He and his wife have three children: Mary C., born March 16, 1870; John W., born in December, 1871; and Lula, born August 21, 1879. They have lost two children: Willie, was born December 27, 1867, and died December 27, 1879. He was a bright, intelligent child, with more than ordinary intellect and was his parents’ pride and joy, and the favorite of all who knew him. Emma J. was born September 24, 1875, and died November 30, 1880. Mrs. Stubblefield is a member of the Christian Church.
(History of Bates County, Missouri, 1883)