James A. STEPHENSON, Iowa State Representative from Ringgold County, Iowa, was born in Green County, Pennsylvania, on May 12, 1865. His parents were both born in Pennsylvania, his father of Irish descent and his mother of Pennsylvania Dutch descent. The STEPHENSON family came to Ringgold County, Iowa, when James was two-years-old. James received his education in the common schools of the county. James was the township clerk for Benton Township, holding the office for eleven years, resigining when he moved to Mount Ayr. He served two years on Mount Ayr's city council. James owned and managed a well-stocked farm. James was the vice-president of the Mount Ayr State Bank. A Democrat, James was elected as a Representative in 1910, and a Senator in 1916.

James married Ella WEST on November 25, 1886, and they were the parents of three children: Ola STEPHENSON, born June 3, 1888, married C. W. SPENCE on February 14, 1912; Perry STEPHENSON, born January 5, 1893, married Vera MERRITT in September of 1914; and John Minor STEPHENSON.

SOURCE: beta.legis.state.ia.us/Legislators/legislator.aspx?GA=34&PID=2986

Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, June of 2009