Bio: Joseph D. Stille, Sabine Parish Louisiana

Source:  Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Northwest Louisiana, The

Southern Publishing Company, 1890, Nashville and Chicago

Submitted by: 

Thelma Shields

e-mail:  shields@eufaula.lib.ok.us
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JOSEPH D. STILLE



Joseph D. Stille, merchant, Many, La..  One among the important establishments

in this city is that conducted by Joseph D. Stille, who is numbered among the

influential business men of the place.  He was originally from New Jersey, his

birth occurring in Gloucester County, March 4, 1828, and when about ten years

of age he went to Philadelphia; when he was about fifteen years of age he was

apprenticed to Charles Alexander, of the Philadelphia Daily Chronicle, Weekly

Messenger, Vade Mecom and Godies' Lady's Book.  In fact, Mr. Alexanderwas at

that time the best know  publisher in the east, but he died a drunkard.  Mr.

Stille served until twenty-one years of age, and at the same time had two

brothers, Morton A. and John, who served an apprenticeship in the same office. 

Morton A., after serving his time, became manager of the Mount Holly Herald,

New Jersey, worked in various places, and was a fine newspaper man.  He died

in Philadelohia.  John became foreman of the Saturday Courier, of

Philadelphia,and continued with the same until the paper was merged into other

purposes.  Afterward he was connected with the Philadelphia Press, where he

was engaged at the time of his death, William another brother, died in Many,

La.  He came here in 1837, was a very prominent politician and leader of Whig

party for years, doing more for Sabine Parish than any two men in it.  He was

a member of the Legislature at various times and mayor of Many at the time of

its incorporation.  Robert B., the eldest brother, came to Sabine Parish at

the same time as William.  Previous to coming here he was a clerk in New

Orleans.  He was surveyor of the Old Fort in that city in 1849, and was for

some time in the auditor's office.  He was also a  politician and bitterly

opposed to secession.  Joseph D. remained in Philadelphia for some time and

was on the Catholic Herald of that place, for a number of years.  He occupied

various positions until 1849, when he left New York and came to Many, Sabine

Parish and became the junior partner in the firm of R. B. Stille & Co.,

remaining with the same until the Civil War.  He was appointed clerk of the

court and afterward elected, filling that position for six years, but at the

same time was interested in mercantile pursuits.  In 1856 he removed to Texas,

and after the death of his brother, Robert in 1869, he moved back to Many.  He

was administrator of the estate of R. B. Stille, and at the sale bought all

the property of the deceased , both personal and real, and became the

successor of R.B.Stille & Co..  He has since continued the mercantile

business.  He was councilman for Many a number of years, and has been

president of the school board since 1884.  In fact Mr. Stille may be called

the father of public enterprise, having been identified as a prominent citizen

since 1850.  He is the largest real estate owner in the parish.  He owns about

13,000 acres of land, mostly agricultural land, and also owns two-thirds of

the property in Many besides valuable land in Texas.  He raises some stock of

a high grade, Jersey cattle, etc., and is the wealthiest citizen of Sabine

Parish.  Mr. stille was married in 1855 to Miss Hattie B. Smith, a native of

Warren County, Miss., and the sister of Senator Smith, who died recently in

Sabine Parish.  The fruits of this union were the following children:  Annie

E. (wife of N.A. Williams), William B. (merchant), Joseph D., Elliott O. and

Norrie A..  Mr. Stille was married the second time in 1882 to Miss Julia E.

Pierson, a native of DeSoto Parish, and they have two children:  Lillian and

Mary A..  Mr. and Mrs. Stille are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church

and he is a member of the Masonic and I.O.O.F. orders.  While he was living in

Philadelphia Mr. Stille, was associated with all the principal actors of that

day. viz: Warren, Weems, Hathaway, Booth, and William E. Burton, the

celebrated comedian.



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