My Genealogy Hound

THOMAS STEPHENSON, farmer, P. O. Ripley, son of Robert P. and Mary Stephenson, was born on the old Stephenson homestead, near Ripley, July 2, 1826. He was reared on his father’s farm and received his training in the common schools of his native place. His marriage occurred September 12, 1850, with Miss Elmira J. Wiles, born in Union Township August 29, 1829, and a daughter of Joseph B. and Harriet Wiles. Eleven children were the issue of this union, of these all but one are living — Harriet A., a school teacher; Mary E., a teacher; Julietta, wife of George Miller, of Springfield; Edwin E., Florence G., Edith W., Lucy C., Newton J., Daisy A. and Myrta M. Jocasta A. is deceased. In 1850, Mr. Stephenson located on the farm he now occupies and has since resided on it, except five years he lived on the old homestead. Mr. Stephenson’s occupation has always been that of an agriculturist, giving his principal attention to cultivating tobacco, which he has raised successfully for thirty-five years. He owns a farm of eighty-three acres of good land. Mrs. S. is united with the Christian Church. His political views are Democratic.