Biographical Sketch of
William Stevens
Transcribed by Robert Schieber Source: Memorial and Biographical Record and Illustrated Compendium of Biography of Citizens of Columbia, Sauk and Adams Counties, Wisconsin, published 1901 by G. A. Ogle & Co., Chicago, 1901, Pages 466 - 467 William Stevens, a native of New Hampshire, born in Meredith, July 19, 1819, has contributed much to the prosperity and good citizenship of Adams county, Wisconsin, by his fidelity to principles of right and justice, and his industry, energy and good management. William Stevens was the only child born to John and Sarah Ann (St. Clair) Stevens. His father was of Scotch descent and his mother's family was English. The Stevens family settled in Maine at an early day, and his father became a sailor, making many voyages from Boston, New York and other leading eastern ports. When William Stevens was but three days old his mother died, and the father died when the child had reached the age of nine years. On the death of his parents he was placed in the care of an aunt (Elizabeth St. Clair), and he remained with her until he was twelve years of age. After that he lived about three years with an uncle at Cabot, Vermont. His education was somewhat neglected in those early days, and at the age of sixteen years he went to sea. During the four years that followed he made many trips from New York, a number of voyages to the West Indies, and two trips to Liverpool, England. He was also in a fishing fleet off the banks of Newfoundland. When he was about twenty years old he became a boatman on the Erie canal and followed that calling for seven years. In 1850 he made a trip to California, going by way of the Isthmus, and the vessel was lost near Acapulco, and the passengers were detained there about two months. Mr. Stevens returned to New York in 1855, and soon after again started for California, this trip taking about three months. He remained in California about five years this time, and engaged in mining, with fair success. He then returned to New York, and immediately left for Dane county, Wisconsin, in 1860. He purchased a farm of eighty acres near Oregon. After living there seven years he left the farm to his son, Weston O. Stevens, and came to Adams county. Mr. Stevens settled on section 31, near the village of Easton, in 1867, where he has since resided. He is the owner of one hundred and twenty acres of excellent land, enhanced by valuable, improvements, a fine residence and a large barn. He has been a prosperous agriculturist, and his thrift, good judgment and honesty have won for him not only a valuable property, but the confidence and esteem of the entire community in which he resides. Mr. Stevens enlisted in November, 1863, in company I, Second Wisconsin Cavalry. He saw severe service around Vicksburg and endured much privation and hardship. He was never wanting in courage, and bore his trials without complaint. He was honorably discharged in January, 1865, at Austin, Texas. December 1, 1840, occurred the marriage of Mr. Stevens to Miss Sarah Ann, daughter of Abraham and Elizabeth (Smith) De Remmer. Their marriage was celebrated in Genesee county, New York. To this union three children have been born, named in order of birth as follows: Weston O., born October 12, 1843, now farming near Glidden, Iowa; Charles H., born November 17, 1848, now in the state of Washington; George W., born September, 1858, now operating the homestead farm. Though a man of many and varied experiences, and one who has endured great hardship at various times in his life, he retains his mental and physical vigor with wonderful tenacity. His eye is still bright and his step steady and strong, and his four score years seem to set lightly upon his shoulders. He is a member of the G. A. R. Post, No. 122, at Friendship, and in political faith has always been a Republican since the party was organized.Transcribed by Robert Schieber
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