S. B. Stevens was one of a family of three children. He received a common school education and although only fifteen years of age at the time of the breaking out of the great rebellion, his services were accepted and for four years and two months he valiantly defended the cause of the Union, participating in many of the most important engagements and movements of the war. He marched under General Sherman to the sea and was present at the surrender of Fort McAllister. After being mustered out when then only nineteen years of age, he worked during the winter months. in a packing house at Farmington, Iowa, and in summer was foreman of a bridge gang on the Des Moines Valley Railroad. Subsequently he entered the employ of James Tuttle as foreman of his farm in Polk county, seven miles from Des Moines. In 1870 he began farming on his own account in Valley township, Polk county, but two years later sold out and moved to Elkhart township, taking up his residence four years later in Union township, Story county. In 1891 he removed to Sherman township and ten years later, having acquired a competence, took up his residence at New Albany. He has been very active and energetic as a farmer and business man and has gained an enviable reputation as a breeder of fine cattle and Chester White hogs. He is now serving as president of the Johnson Grove, Colo & New Albany Telephone Company.
On the 26th of March, 1869, Mr. Stevens was united in marriage to Miss Dorcas Bullington, of Polk county, who was born at Blakesburg, Wapello county, January 29, 1850. They became the parents of six children, namely : Arthur, who was born December 20, 1870, and is now engaged in the general merchandise business at McCallsburg; A. J. and Alice May, twins, born January 13, 1872, the former of whom is farming in Richland township and the latter the wife of Phil Buffiington ; C. W., now a prosperous farmer of Warren township, who was born March 28, 1875, and married Miss Minnie Webb; Hattie, born March 20, 1877, who married W. W. Carver and is now living in Lincoln township; and Dorcas, born August 20, 1879, who married Charles Webb and is living in Sherman township. The mother of these children departed this life September 18, 1879, and Mr. Stevens was married, April 24, 1882, to Miss Emily A. Hanks, a daughter of Jay and Jane Songers Hanks. Eleven children blessed this union, namely : Bradford, born September 1883, who was graduated from the Cedar Falls Normal School and married Edith Sherer; S. W., born July 3, 1884, who married Adelia Klein; John Quincy, born July 15, 1885, who is a professional auctioneer ; Edith Belle who was born July 17, 1889, and is one of the popular school teachers of the county; Janet Blanche, born February 14, 1891; William J., born December 17, 1895; Ethel born August 7 1898; Iver born April 26, 1900; Winifred, born May 7, 1903; Velma, born July 23, 1907; and Thelma, born September 6, 1909. Of these children the nine last named are at home.
Mr. Stevens has ever since reaching manhood given his earnest support to the democratic party. He has been active in its local councils and served