John Stevens

STEVENS, DESHIELDS, STEMPLE

Posted By: Fran Hunt, Volunteer
Date: 10/5/2001 at 21:28:44

From the Portrait and Biographical Album of Jefferson and Van Buren Counties – 1890
JOHN R. STEVENS
John R. Stevens has been manager of the Edward Manning store of Cantril for the past five years. He is a native of Van Buren County, and a representative of one of its pioneer families. His father A.N. Stevens was born in Halifax Nova Scotia in 1808, but when quite small was brought to the United States. The family is of Scotch-Irish descent. Having attained to mature years, Mr. Stevens sought the hand of Miss Sallie Deshields in marriage. The lady is a native of Maryland and in her maidenhood removed to Indiana where she became the wife of Mr. Stevens. For several years they continued their residence in the state, but in 1840, they immigrated to the territory of Iowa, locating in Van Buren County.
John R. was born on September 8, 1850, and his early life was spent in the usual manner in which boys pass their time. He acquired a good common school education, after which he learned the science of telegraphy, which business he followed in Iowa for a number of years. In the year 1879 he was made agent for the Chicago, Burlington and Kansas City Railroad at Cantril, which position he occupied for four years when he embarked in the drug business. Later he engaged in general merchandising but sold out and took charge of Mr. Manning’s store in 1885. The stock is composed of general merchandise to the value of $8,000 and; he is assisted in the care of the same, by one salesman.
Mr. Stevens and Miss Gertie E. Stemple were united in the holy bands of matrimony in 1874. The lady was born October 28, 1858, and is a daughter of Samuel and Sarah Stemple, natives of West Virginia. Their union has been blessed with seven children, as follows: Roy A., Clarence J., Seba L., Verne F., Nellie L., Thayne and Bliss A.
Mr. Stevens is a member of Apollo Lodge No. 461, A.F. & A.M. and an adherent of Republican principles. He is an enterprising and progressive citizen and the fidelity, which he displays in the management of the Manning store, indicates him to be a man of uprightness. His sterling worth has won for him many friends and it is with pleasure that we record his sketch in this volume.
I am not related, and am only copying this for the information of those who might find this person in their family.