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SAMUEL M. STALEY, merchant, Fairfield, was born in Montgomery County, Tenn., Jan. 22, 1823, and descends from German ancestors.  His father, .Frederick Staley, was .married in Virginia to Mary Kirk,  and reared a family of  nine children, Samuel M. being the youngest, Frederick Staley died in  Virginia, and the wife, with her children, afterward removed to Illinois imd in 1828 located in  White County.  Here Samuel grew to maturity, and was married, March 1, 1848, to Harriet Melrose, of Edwards County, Ill., who died nine years  later, leaving three children -- George, Ulla S.,  and Worley Staley; the latter died in infancy.  Mr. Staley next married Rebecca Melrose, a younger sister of his former wife, which union resulted in the birth of four children -- Douglas M.,  Charles M.,  Mary H. and John E. Staley. The maiden name of his present wife, to whom he was married in 1870, was Sarah Renfro. She was born in Illinois in 1832. Their marriage has been blessed with one child Sarah E. Staley. Mr. Staley is a practical farmer, which pursuit still absorbs a portion of his attention. He removed to Fairfield in 1875, and engaged in the hardware trade, which he continues successfully.  His family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, he sustaining the relation of Steward.   George M. Staley, son of Samuel M. and Harriet (Melrose) Staley. was born in Carmi, White Co., Ill., on the 10th of April, 1849. His education was obtained in the common schools of Grayville, and in the MeKendree College at Lebanon, Ill. He became an experienced teacher, and for three years was employed in the Gravyille Public School. He was married in Bloomington, Ill., December 30, 1874, to Sophia AL Merritt.  She was born in Nashville, N. Y., May 10, 1853. Their family consists of John Merritt Staley, born November 30, 1875, and Samuel C. Staley, born January 1, 1878, and died June 15, 1878. George M.  Staley came to Fairfield in 1875, and for some years was employed as salesman and book-keeper in his father's store.  He was three years a student in the McKendree College, and one year in the State Normal Institute, and being a true gentleman, enjoys the esteem of a large circle of friends.  He fills with efficiency the position of Deputy Postmaster at Fairfield, and is an honored member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.  Ulla S. is a young man  of noble parts,  universally esteemed. He is present bookkeeper in the bank of E. Bonham & Co., Fairfield.