THOMAS STEVENSON, who in his day was one of the prominent and progressive agriculturists of Washington county, was born June 30, 1798, in Northampton county, Penn., on the old home farm near Easton. James Stevenson, his father, was a native of the North of Ireland, where he married Ann Miller, and soon thereafter they immigrated to America, and about the year 1786 settled near Easton, Northampton Co., Penn, where they resided till 1800. They then crossed the mountains, all their worldly possessions, comprising household goods, their little ones and themselves, being carried in one wagon. Coming to Washington county, they located near Hickory, Mt. Pleasant township, and there resided till 1808, when they moved to the southeastern part of Smith township. In 1809 James Stevenson made a permanent home on a farm situated one mile north of Bulger, in Smith township. He was an honest, energetic citizen, was a successful farmer, and carried on a very extensive distillery. In politics he was an active member of the Whig party. He and his wife passed away at a good old age, and were the parents of the following: John (born about the year 1786, died about 1860, having lived up to the time of his death on the farm where John C. Stevenson now resides; he was a soldier in the war of 1812), Thomas, Margaret (who married Finley Scott), Jane and Mrs. Smith, all now deceased. Thomas Stevenson, the subject proper of this memoir, came with his parents to Washington county when a boy, and here received his education in the schools of the period, where the "Single Rule of Three" was the test of mathematical knowledge. He hauled loads of produce to Pittsburgh, returning with merchandise for country merchants. On February 28, 1827, he was married to Eliza Kerr, who was born November 16, 1806, daughter of William and Eleanor Kerr. This wife died March 4, 1849, and on September 28, 1852, Mr. Stevenson married Margaret A. Whan, who was born February 15, 1824, daughter of John and Mary (Stevenson) Whan, and their children were: Mary Margaret (wife of David McCoy, of Baca county, Colo.), born October 17, 1853; Ann Eliza (living in Burgettstown, Penn., with her widowed mother), born March 22, 1855; Celicia J. (living at home), born January 28, 1857; John C., James M., and William E. (of whom special mention is made further on); and David S. K., born December 29, 1865. Mr. and Mrs. Stevenson passed all of their married life on a part of the "Old Ravenscraft Tract," in Cherry Valley, Smith township. He was a careful manager and excellent financier, year by year adding to his possessions until he owned 750 acres of choice land. He was a kindhearted, generous man, ever ready to assist those who proved worthy of aid; in business he was a careful manager. At one time he owned a flourmill in Midway, Penn., but passed most of his time in agriculture. In politics he was first a Whig, then a Republican, and was much interested in the selection of suitable candidates. He was a charter member of the Mt. Vernon Seceder Church, and was one of the leading organizers of the Centre U. P. Church, serving as an elder and contributing liberally to its support. He died February 28, 1881, mourned by the entire community as one who could not well be replaced. His widow continued to reside in the elegant home left to her until 1892, when she moved to Burgettstown, this county, and is now living a retired life. She is one of the most highly respected ladies of the vicinity, and is a consistent member of the U. P. Church.
John C. Stevenson was born August 4, 1858, in Cherry Valley, Smith township, this county. He received a limited education in the district schools, and being the eldest son, the greater portion of the farm work fell to his share. On February 12, 1880, he was united in marriage with Eliza J. Stewart, who was born September 27, 1855, daughter of John Stewart. Three daughters have been born to this marriage: Maggie T., Elvia May and Cora Viola. After their marriage John C. and Eliza J. (Stewart) Stevenson settled on the home farm one mile north of Bulger, which has been in the possession of the family since 1809. He has followed farming and stock raising, also devoted some attention to the dairy business. In politics he is a Democrat, and has held various township offices; in religion he and his wife are members of the United Presbyterian Church at Midway, this county.
James M. and William E. Stevenson were born on the home farm in Smith township, September 28, 1860 and August 13, 1863, respectively. Their literary education was received at the common schools of the neighborhood, during which time they were also learning valuable lessons in the principles of successful agriculture and general business. After the death of their father the two brothers took charge of the home place, and in September, 1883, John C. sold his interest in cattle to James M. and William E., who then began an extensive business in the breeding of Holstein-Friesau cattle. Their first stock was purchased from J. L. Henderson, of Washington county, and Powell Bros., of Springboro, Penn. Their stock soon increased in quantity and value, and was exhibited at various agricultural shows throughout the country - Detroit, Chicago, Toledo, Columbus, Youngstown (Ohio), Wheeling (W. Va.) and several other places, and they received a large number of premiums as testimonials of their superior grade of cattle. Many gold and silver medals were awarded them at the various exhibitions, from which they always took some premium. These two young men won a national reputation as stock raisers, and command the very highest prices. In 1892 they disposed of their farming implements and stock, making one of the largest sales ever held in Smith township. Politically the Messrs. Stevenson are earnest, active members of the Republican party and, it is needless to add, are most intelligent, practical and successful business men. Neither are married.
Text taken from page 636 of:
Beers, J. H. and Co., Commemorative Biographical Record of Washington County, Pennsylvania (Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co., 1893).Transcribed April 1997 by Betty Stewart of Pittsburgh, PA as part of the Beers Project.
Published April 1997 on the Washington County, PA USGenWeb pages at http://www.chartiers.com/.[ [Back to Beers Table of Contents] [Back to Beers Project Page]