My Genealogy Hound

FRANCIS S. STEBBINS was a life-long resident of Granby, the date of his birth being August 22, 1812, and that of his death June 6, 1882. As the descendant of early settlers and a citizen whose memory is held in respect, he is deserving of honorable mention in this biographical volume. His father, John Stebbins, was born in this town, December 22, 1763, and from earliest manhood was identified with the agricultural interests of this section of Hampshire County, being one of its successful practical farmers. He died January 15, 1847. He was thrice married, his first wife being Susannah Warner, of Amherst, born October 16, 1772. Of this union six children were born: Ruth, Josephus, Aaron W., John A., Cyrus, and Susannah. His second wife was Jerusha Clark, of Amherst, born May 12, 1772. She bore him five children: Philena, Josephus, Lucius, Francis, and Simeon, all of whom, with the exception of Lucius, have passed to the life immortal. His last wife, sister of the second, was born in Amherst, December 13, 1767, and died June 30, 1855.

Francis S. Stebbins attended the district schools in his younger days, and when old enough to learn a trade selected that of a shoemaker, working at it industriously and until 1846, when failing health compelled him to seek some other occupation. Having been reared on a farm, and therefore familiar with its labors, he then turned his attention to agriculture in Granby, and in this pursuit also was prosperous, realizing both health and cash. He made excellent improvements on his farm, placing the fertile land in a good state of cultivation, and carrying on general farming with satisfactory results, year by year adding to his possessions. Mr. Stebbins held a secure position in the esteem and respect of his neighbors, and, being public-spirited and of wise judgment, was prominent in local affairs, and served with acceptance in various offices of trust, as that of Surveyor and also of Assessor. He was domestic in his tastes, enjoying the quiet of his fireside, and was a kind husband, an obliging neighbor, and a most worthy and valued citizen.

On March 2, 1843, Mr. Stebbins was united in marriage with Miss Acelia R. Dickinson, who was born January 7, 1820, in Granby, where she has spent her entire years. Her parents, Abner M. Dickinson, born December, 1790, and Ruth Warner Dickinson, born August 26, 1794, were well-known members of the farming community of this locality, where they reared their five children: Lucilla F., Acelia R. (Mrs. Stebbins), Sophronia, Orpha C., and Clarissa.