My Genealogy Hound

James Franklin Stephens has been a resident of Lonoke County since he was eighteen years of age, and though, perhaps, one of its smaller farmers, he is among the most esteemed. He was born in Marion County, Ala., January 27, 1849, being the son of W. B. and Lucinda (Oglisbie) Stephens, both natives of Georgia. W. B. Stephens moved from the State of his birth to Mississippi, and then to Alabama, afterward returning to Mississippi, where he died in 1857. His wife died in 1855, leaving a family of twelve children (two dead) who were then reared by an older sister of James. James F. Stephens came to this county January 1, 1868, where he remained two years. Going thence to White County, he made his home there until 1872, when he chose a location in Mississippi, there being married on December 25, of that year, to Mrs. Mary A. Smith (nee Neely), a widow. She was born in Marshall County, Miss., July 28, 1845. After his marriage he returned to White County, Ark., where he had a farm rented, and in 1875 came again to Lonoke County, this having since been his home. He bought a farm of 133 acres, forty acres being under cultivation, and now has over eighty acres cleared, with good buildings, orchard, etc. In 1883 Mr. Stephens engaged in the occupation of a well borer, and as such has had great success. He bores a thirty-inch well, and has failed only four times in getting water. Himself and wife have been the parents of eight children, four of whom are still living: Thomas F., Hally, Clyde and Lynn. John H., Pearl, Maud and Vela are deceased. Mrs. Stephens is a member of the Baptist Church. Mr. Stephens belongs to the County Wheel, and is a highly respected citizen.