The subject of this review was born in Butler County, Ohio, on the 1^st day of October, 1838, and came to Carroll County, Ind., March 16, 1864, locating on the farm in Democrat Township in which he now resides. His father, Samuel Stephenson, was a native of Lancaster County, Penn., and his mother, June (Stuart) Stephenson, was born in Butler County, Ohio. The grandfather of John Stephenson, a native of England, was closely related to George and Robert Stephenson, the founders of the railway system of Great Britain, and the builders of the first high-speed locomotives of the standard modern type.

John Stephenson, in addition tot he limited advantages of district schools when a young man, took an irregular scientific course of study at Miami University, Oxford, Ohio. Subsequently for a number of years he taught school in Ohio and after his removal to Indiana, continued for awhile in the same laudable avocation though his real occupation in life, as was that of his father, has been and still is that of a farmer.

On the 14^th of October, 1859, he was joined in marriage to Miss Nancy J. Alexander, also a native of Butler County, Ohio, born May 13, 1842, and the daughter of a farmer, Henry Alexander. Six children bless this union; William H., George, Samuel A., Darby L., John and Wayne. Mrs. Stephenson and her husband are members of the Presbyterian Church.

In 1865, on the 3d of March, John Stephenson enlisted in Company K, One Hundred and Fiftieth Regiment Indiana Volunteers, at La Fayette, Col. Marx B. Taylor commanding. Passing their time for the most part in the Shenandoah Valley, the regiment was mustered out on the 17^th day of August, 1865, at Indianapolis, Ind.

In 1878, Mr. Stephenson was elected Trustee of Democrat Township, serving with fidelity and ability in this position two years. During his incumbency of this office, he established the graded school at Cutler and built two schoolhouses. As one of the Viewers, he has assisted in assessing the lands situated along all of the new gravel roads; Range Line, Delphi & Prince William, Flora & Michigan and Delphi & Dayton – building in Carroll County.

Mr. Stephenson has always been an ardent member of the Republican party.

It is sufficient to say as evidence of Mr. Stephenson’s business qualifications, that he has accumulated a body of 447 acres of valuable land in the southeastern part of the county. In his dealings with all, he is a man of the strictest probity and whole hearted honesty. All respect and praise him for his excellent qualities of heart and head.

County Coordinator: Suzy Sprague suzyq.wa@worldnet.att.net