I think our Southern  Stephens lines and Alexander Hamilton Stephens ( Vice President of the Confederacy) line was  from Scotland.  Col. M. D. L. Stephens was related to Alexander's line, and the Stephens arriving Tishomingo County in the 1840's-50's and later (at least 3 of our kin groups) claim Scotch ancestry.
My father thought we were decendents of  two or more brothers who came from Virginia, and so do I, but only document  back as far as North Carolina.  2/21/98
Some of our Confederates
New Club Data Theory Stephens Family Trees

A link to Jamestown.  I am more comfortable with the Leo Bailey chart and am looking for some more information on dates the Scotch-Irish arived in Virginia or North Carolina. I am looking for a marrage of a Hardy and a Stephens (around 1717) where we picked up the Hardy first name and also, later a Theophilus, mabe from the wifes side and later in Mississippi, a Rhodes link.. 6/20/97 gold1001@dpdweb.com

If I do not reply to your E-mail, then your address could be undeliverable. You also can leave message in Queries. HERE  
Jackie has move most of her Stephens data to the Gulfcoastplus Site PS.  Looks like she has filled up her site again 7/9/97

Stevenson is a variation of the English Patronymic name Stephen/Steven, which originated in the Greek given name Stephanos, meaning 'crown.' Stephen was the first Christian martyr, stoned to death three years after the death of Christ, and his name was widely adopted throughout the Christian countries in the Middle Ages. Among the numerous variations are Stephenson, Stevenson, Steven, Stiven, Steffen, Steffan. French cognates are Stephan, Stephane, Estienne, Etienne.

My starting point was 1850's Tishomingo County Mississippi, but I studied many co-related lines, so here the starting point is Jamestown Virginia About 1606.

| Free Quries Here.. . ... Laws of William the Conqueror ... why William"s Laws 

(Info from the Cherry Creek Group in Tishomingo Co., from John Stephens  Line in Tishomingo Co. MS )

M.D.L. Stephens claims to Alexander Stephens ~ Scotch ancestry.

Hardy Stephen's (Leo Bailey Below GF-5) son Theophilus Stephens and his son Hardy living in Putnam and Washington Co. Georgia in 1820 by 1839 Hardy Stephens was living in Franklin Co. AL in 1839 near Tishomingo Co. MS

Heads of families Tishomingo and Itawamba County Mississippi 1850's and these original families started a Jamestown.

Hardy Stephens VA, NC, GA, AL to MS (GGF stevetho-my line Tom Stevens)

Calvan Stephens Dons line ( Calvan was a brother to Hardy and 2 of his sons were in the 26th )

Zachariah Stephens traveled from VA,NC, SC, AL then to MS
Josiah Stephens traveled fromVA, NC, SC, TN to MS some descendants now in West Point MS (Dr. Joe stephens )
Texas 1889

(family links to early Josiah Stephens whos son was Daniel Stephens) "Judge J. E. Stephens a farmer and early settler of Texas is of old South Carolina stock and is of English and Scotch extraction" (source - Biographical souvnir or Texas)

(The 26 Mississippi Infantry was a Tishomingo County Company captured early in the war and exchanged, then 32 MS Infantry was formed. [I could use some help on a listing of vetrens of the 32MS Co. C which I am putting together]) _____________________________________________________________________________________________
Stephens\Stevens History from Virginia South and West Compiled by Tom Stevens 9-1-1994

(First I )Richard Stephens married Audrey ______ and their children were

(IIII)Richard L., (III)Samuel, (II) William and (I-2) Dr. John Stephens.

In 1606 James I gave a charter to the London Company, later known as the Virginia Company. The company sent out an expedition in 1607 that in May founded Jamestown on a peninsula in the James River, the first permanent English settlement in America. It fared poorly; and by 1610, despite the leadership of John Smith, more than half the colonists were dead.

(I-2)John's brother, (IIII) Richard Stephens who's spouse was Elizabeth Piercy born in 1600 is called a paynter-stayner and the worshipful company of paynters-stayners is named in the first London Company's Charter of Virginia with many others. (a painter of arms and a glass stainer - an artist)

(IIII) Richard's children were Richard, Samuel, William and John Stephens.

(IIII)Richard Stephens had the dubious honor of fighting the first duel on American soil and another duel was not recorded for 100 years.

The colony's prospects improved when the demand for tobacco, first cultivated in 1612, grew. The governor, Sir George Yeardley, convened the first legislative assembly in America at Jamestown in 1619.

That same year a Dutch ship brought the first blacks, most of whom were indentured servants, and toward the end of the century slavery became a characteristic feature of the economy.

(IIII) Richard Stephens built a block house in James City (Jamestown). We know through the manuscript and of the incorporation of James City, Capt. Richard Stephens was given Patient No. 1, that others might be encouraged by his example to enclose ground and plant trees.

A group of Indian tribes, the Susquehanocks, made a surprise attack on the colony in 1622 and killed a third of the settlers before being defeated. In 1660 the first of the British Navigation Acts, which restricted the way trade could be carried on, put an end to a prosperous era. The resulting economic slowdown and the refusal of the governor to campaign against the frontier Indians lay behind Bacon's Rebellion of 1675-1676, led by Nathaniel Bacon.

Bacon's Rebellion was a short-lived revolt in colonial Virginia. It began in May 1676 when Nathaniel Bacon (1647-76), a young, well-placed Virginian, led a small army of his fellow colonists in combat against both the royal governor, Sir William Berkeley, and the Indians on the frontier. The participants in the rebellion were motivated by a variety of concerns. Nearly all were opposed to the governor's Indian policy, which threatened to restrict their expansion into western lands occupied by Indians.

Bacon and his men enjoyed some initial success. In June 1676 an assembly dominated by Bacon's supporters passed laws extending the rights of freemen and restricting still further the rights of Indians. Bacon died of Dysentery, however, in October 1676, and by January 1677, the Royal Governor was once again in control of the colony.

Richard Stephens, son of (IIII) Richard and Elizabeth Piercy Stephens, was thought to be a leader under Bacon, known as Richard Lawrence. It is believed he returned to England after the rebellion and died there.

Samuel Stephens born in 1650, son of (I-2) John Stephens and Miss. _____ Wade and his brothers John and William threw them selves into that hopeless fight loosing all they possessed.

Samuel was one of those who were banished and fled to a lonely place near the forks of the Rappahannock River in Virginia where his children were raised with Indians where the only teaching was done by their parents.

Banished, William settled on James River near Lynchburg Virginia amongst rugged wilds and Indians. William See Col. M D L Stephens-Source: Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Mississippi , also People Helper Vol.6 No.1 )

Gallman, Robert E., Developing the American Colonies, 1607-1783 (1964); Washburn, Wilcomb E., The Governor and the Rebel (1957; repr. 1972); Wertenbaker, Thomas J., Torchbearer of the Revolution: The Story of Bacon's Rebellion and Its Leader (1940)

Compiled by Tom Stevens 868 Beach Road, Poplarville MS 39470 (504 735 7882)

Revised 6/23/97 because A link to Jamestown also thoughts on North Carolina

(7)John  Stevens, was born about 1717 and died in 1784. He purchased 290 acres in New Hanover Co., N.C. in 1758 and in 1765 bought 100 acres in Duplin Co., N.C. At the time of death, his included for son, John, a six year old slave boy named, Carry; Isaac, a ten year old Negro girl named, NaNa; for Hardy, a fifteen year old boy, Sam and for Richard, a seventeen year old boy name James. His daughters were Elizabeth Rogers, Mary Rogers and Maryan Carr.

(8)Hardy Stevens, was born about 1735. He and his wife, Jemima Brown, had four sons, but we have no record of daughters at this time. his death in 1793, he left to his sons the following acreage's -- Micajah 285, Edward 136, Theophilus 345 and Hardy 310. These inheritances were balanced with cash grants. These acreage's are significant since 30 acres was considered a one family unit. Slaves were used for farm and home chores.

(8) Hardy Stephens lived in and around Cumberland, Sampson and Duplin Counties, North Carolina ca. 1780-1802.

(9) Theophilus Stephens born about 1771, married Celia Devane and their children were John D., Ann Jane, Elizabeth,[ James R. ?], (10) Hardy, Flete C., Thomas, Martha, Calvin and Hubbard.

[Hardy (8), Theophilus(9 or?) and Hardy (10) were all living in Putnam County Georgia before 1839, all moved to Chambers County Alabama , and Jan. 28, 1839 Hardy(8) bought 160 acres in Franklin County Alabama, just 3 miles east of Etawamba County in Mississippi. Hardy in 1840 Alabama Census Franklin Co. 261 Russleville. By 1850 Hardy was living in Tishomingo County Mississippi.

(10) Hardy Stephens born in Duplin County, North Carolina in 1802 married Annie ________in 1825 and their children were Eliza Jane, Annie Mariar, James Albert, Rhoda Marget, Elizabeth Emoline, William Calvin and John Rhodes. 2nd marriage to Leathy (Lulu) Parish in 1841 and their children were (11) Joel Marion, Hardy Richardson George Dallis, Joseph Frank, Narcissis, Thomas Jasper, Abagie and Harrett Helon.

(11) Joel Marion Stephens born 1/31/1842 in Alabama married: 1st. Mary Ann McMillen 2nd. __________? 3rd. Sallie Ann Dillard in 1901 and their children were Clara Ellen, (12) Joseph Frank, Fannie Bertrice, Mattie Lou and Ida May.

Notes: Prentiss Co. marrage Records . J. M. Stephens -m- Sarah E. Qwens, March 24, 1874.

J.M. Stephens -m- A. E. Wilson Jan. 22, 1878. The Sureties were made by J.M. Stephens and W..A. Stephens.

(12) Joseph Frank Stephens born in Printiss, County Mississippi in 1905 married Lois Roberta Moss from Obien County , Tennessee and their children were (13) Thomas Leon, Joseph Edward and James Ronald Stephens

(13) Thomas Leon Stevens born 10/30/32 in Obion County Tennessee married Gladys Ann Russell in California in 1951 and their children were Thomas Franklin and Robin Ann Stevens.

Before 1839, Hardy Sr., Theophilus, and Hardy Stephens ( my G-Grandfather) were living in Putnam Co. Georgia, just a short ways from where Alexander Hamilton Stephens lived.

Compiled by Tom Stevens 868 Beach Road, Poplarville MS 39470 (601) 795 6773

With lots of information from Don Stephens/ Stevens, Dallas TX.

I guessed we were related to some Stephens around Tishomingo. It never occurred to me that we could be related to MOST Stephens.

Revised 6/23/97 because A link to Jamestown

(7)John Stevens, was born about 1717 and died in 1784. He purchased 290 acres in New Hanover Co., N.C. in 1758 and in 1765 bought 100 acres in Duplin Co., N.C. At the time of death, his included for son, John, a six year old slave boy named, Carry; Isaac, a ten year old Negro girl named, NaNa; for Hardy, a fifteen year old boy, Sam and for Richard, a seventeen year old boy name James. His daughters were Elizabeth Rogers, Mary Rogers and Maryan Carr.

(8)Hardy Stevens, was born about 1735. He and his wife, Jemima Brown, had four sons, but we have no record of daughters at this time. his death in 1793, he left to his sons the following acreage's -- Micajah 285, Edward 136, Theophilus 345 and Hardy 310. These inheritances were balanced with cash grants. These acreage's are significant since 30 acres was considered a one family unit. Slaves were used for farm and home chores.

(9) Theophilus Stephens born about 1771, married Celia Devane and their children were John D., Ann Jane, Elizabeth,[ James R. ?], (10) Hardy, Flete C., Thomas, Martha, Calvin and Hubbard.

[Hardy (8), Theophilus(9 or?) and Hardy (10) were all living in Putnam County Georgia before 1839, all moved to Chambers County Alabama , and Jan. 28, 1839 Hardy(8) bought 160 acres in Franklin County Alabama, just 3 miles east of Etawamba County in Mississippi. Hardy in 1840 Alabama Census Franklin Co. 261 Russelville. By 1850 Hardy was living in Tishomingo County Mississippi.]

(10) Hardy Stephens born in Duplin County, North Carolina in 1802 married Annie ________in 1825 and their children were Eliza Jane, Annie Mariar, James Albert, Rhoda Marget, Elizabeth Emoline, William Calvin and (11) John Rhodes. 2nd marriage to Leathy (Lulu) Parish in 1841 and their children were Joel Marion, Hardy Richardson (who died in a Yankee Prison), George Dallis, (Joseph Frank devorced Sarah in 1908), Narcissis, Thomas Jasper, Abagie and Harrett Helon.

(11)John Rhodes Stephens born in __________ married _____________ in the year _________ and their children were,(12) William Jefferson, _______________,____________,_______________ Etc.

(12) William Jefferson Stephens born in ____________married Lannie King, Feb 12, 1890 Printiss Co. Ms. and their children were _____________, ___________ __________ ,_________ _________,

(John Rhodes descendant's are still living in Booneville MS near (10)Hardy Stephens' old homesite)

Note: Joel Marion Stephens ( my Grandfather -Stevetho) named a son Hardy and this son named his son Hardy and they or he taught at Seminary in Arlington Texas. I can only find 4 Hardy Stevens in USA phone numbers and none of them seem right.

(7)John Stevens, was born about 1717 and died in 1784. He purchased 290 acres in New Hanover Co., N.C. in 1758 and in 1765 bought 100 acres in Duplin Co., N.C. At the time of death, his included for son, John, a six year old slave boy named, Carry; Isaac, a ten year old Negro girl named, NaNa; for Hardy, a fifteen year old boy, Sam and for Richard, a seventeen year old boy name James. His daughters were Elizabeth Rogers, Mary Rogers and Maryan Carr.

(8)Hardy Stevens, was born about 1735. He and his wife, Jemima Brown, had four sons, but we have no record of daughters at this time. his death in 1793, he left to his sons the following acreage's -- Micajah 285, Edward 136, Theophilus 345 and Hardy 310. These inheritances were balanced with cash grants. These acreage's are significant since 30 acres was considered a one family unit. Slaves were used for farm and home chores.

Edward Stephens born 1772 in Dupin, North Carolina married Rhoda and their children were William, Hardy, Elizabeth, Susan Ann, John Rhodes, Redick, Theophilus and Calvan Brown Stevens.

Calvin Brown Stevens born 1820 in North Carolina married Jane Wooldridge and their children were Alfred, Susan, William Henry, Eliza Jane, Joseph Freeman Stephens, Martha, John and Mary.

William Henry Stevens born 1843 in Tishomingo Co. Mississippi married Francis [Vanderford] Smith born 1836 in Georgia and their children were Milissa, William Oscar and Henry Edgar.

William Oscar Stevens born 1868 in Tishomingo Co., Mississippi married Mary Della Wheatly born 1874 in Tennessee and their children were Charles R., Benjamin Franklin, Earnest, and Elizia.

Benjamin Franklin Stevens born in 1903 in Chester Co., Tennessee married Sallie Walker Dammon born 1906 Pineville, Rapides, Louisaina and their children were Benjamin Franklin Jr., Donald Walker and William Warren.

Donald Walker Stevens born 2-6-1935 in Alexandra, Rapids, Louisaina married Edna Lou Morrow born 1-5-1937 in Emory, Rains Co. Texas and their children are Susan Camille, Donald Mark and Tracy Kent Stevens.

Compiled by Tom Stevens 868 Beach Road, Poplarville MS 39470 (601) 795 6773

With lots of information from E-mail Don Stevens, 14411 Dennis Ln., Dallas TX 75234

(First I )Richard Stephens married Audrey ______ and their children were (IIII)Richard L., (III)Samuel, (II) William and (I-2) John Stephens.

(Page IIII) Captain Richard Stephens was born in Mealemore, Buckinghams, England, who's spouse was Elizabeth Piercy born in 1600 and their children were John, William, Samuel and ___________?.

John Stephens was born in 1622 and married Miss. _______ Wade and their children were Samuel ___

Samuel Stephens was born in 1650 and married Miss. _______ Lawrence and their children were Joseph, John and William.

William Stephens born 1674 married ____________? and their children were William, Richard, John, Joseph, Samuel, Edward and James.

William Stephens born in 1692 married Penelope Martin and their children were Samuel, Joseph, Mary, James and William Stephens.

( Brig. General) William Stephens born 1711, married Mary Sampson and their children were Ann, Louise, James, Daniel, John, Richard, Samuel, William and Alexander Stephens.

(another source: William Stephens born in 1704 in North Carolina married Mary Sampson 1716. Their children were Ann, James, John, Louise, Mary, Richard and Samuel Stephens. (6-1) William spent the early part of his life on the frontiers of Virginia, where he became a skilled Indian fighter. he was with his brother in Edgecomb, North Carolina in 1748, but rarely remained long in any place. In 1753 he bought land in Salsbury, a pepper corn _ase, which is still in the hand of his descendants. About 1754 he bought land of _ard Fairfax at Winchester, Virginia where his brother Samuel Peter lived, but did not complete the sale, owing to a call for troops for the French and Indian War. The name of his wife Mary and Sampson Stephens appear on this deed. He went to Staunton Virginia and raised a body of militia which he commanded as first Lieutenant and afterwards as Colonel. He later made LT. Col. and later Brig. Gen. in the Revolutionary War. He was at the Siege of Charleston, South Carolina and for his service received a grant of land 2,260 acres in 1783. This was located in Anderson County, Tennessee. William Stephens and his Nephew Lewis Penter had a grant of 1,500 acres adjoining. Williams Wife was a descendant of the Hugenot refugee, Richard Sampson.)

This above line is not our  ALEXANDER STEPHENS, 6/1/97 Here is what Jackie says click on back to return.

[ Various Decendents of Josiah Stephens and Other Heterogeneous Groups" by Bryant published abt 1950]

This book is dedicated to JOSIAH EBB STEPHENS, the only son of Josiah Stephens living today.

Colonial Times

Jeremiah Stephens was probably living in Virginia prior to 1710. Very little information is available about him except that it is known that he had a son. Samuel. (From Bible Records possessed by Mr. Elmer Stephens of near Fulton, Mississippi a descendent of Zachariah Stephens (b. 1787) it is certain that Samuel was the son of Jeremiah Stephens. These records further state that -Samuel had a son, John Stephens who was the father of Zachariah Stephens--(Note: These Records were dictated before the death of Zachariah Stephens from memory. No dates or places were listed.) According to family traditions (preserved by Senator James Solomon Stephens of Itawamba County, Mississippi), A Feud occurred in this time period between a set of Stephens brothers and another family. As a result one of the Stephens brothers was killed and three brothers of the other family. It was at this time that the family separated-one brother went to Massachusetts, one to what is now Kentucky, one to what is now Arkansas, and two southward eventually ending up in what is now Alabama. According to information received several years ago from Dr. Walter W. Smith of Moscow, Idaho, a John Stephens (born 1666 died 1700) and wife, Elizabeth had the following children: Jeremiah Stephens Sr, (born 1689 died 1760), John Stephens, Charles Stephens, Elizabeth Stephens. This Jeremiah Sr. had the following children: John Stephens and (born 1722. Adam Stephens. Samuel Stephens, William Stephens and Jeremiah Stephens Jr. (died 1772). This is the most documented evidence that we have of a Jeremiah Stephens who had a son, Samuel, Definite proof as related to our direct line of descent is lacking although.

.Source: "Various Decendents of Josiah Stephens and Other Heterogeneous Groups" by Bryant
 

Some of ours Confederates 

William Henry Stephens enlisted Company C 26th Ms. Reg Aug. 24, 1861 in Iuka and joined Capt. Davenports Co. signed in by Capt. Reed , He was shot in the hand and wrist in the battle of Jackson Ms. b. Tishomingo Co. 1843, he moved to Henderson Co. TN before 1880 and was on Confederate Honor Role. [Filed pension application in 1891]

[William's brother] Joseph Freeman Stephens enlisted at 17 years old in 26Ms. Co. C enlisted at Tupelo Ms. (Marion Co. AL and Lee Co. Ms 1869)

2nd cousins to Joseph Freeman and William Henry -Hardy's sons Joel, Hardy R., and Joseph Stephens.

Joel Marion Stephens Co. C, 32 Ms Inf. (This is my Grandfather, Tom Stevens) Joel was from Tishomingo County , enlisted march 8, 1862 age 19 by General M. P. Lowery, then a Capt..at Iuka Ms.

Hardy Richardson Stevens enlisted Company C 26th Ms. Reg Aug. 24, 1861 in Iuka and joined Capt. Davenports Co. signed in by Capt. Reed was captured at Fort Donelson. Hardy was exchanged, wounded captured again and in 1862 Died in Yankee prison at 19 years old. Vet. of 26MS and 32Ms.

** Joseph Frank Stephens enlisted from Okolana MS. Co. C 26 Ms. Sept 19th 1864 at 17 years old. Oklona is 30 mi. south of Tupelo MS.

Alfred Stephens 22 Years , eyes grey, 5'10" from Renzi F=Green Shelton Stephens of Zachery Stephens Ittawamba County. ) enlisted Company C 26th Ms. Reg Aug. 24, 1861 in Iuka and joined Capt. Davenports Co. signed in by Capt. Reed

William A. Stephens 22 years enlisted Iuka P.O. Renzi Co. K 26 Ms. [ Served in all Battles]

G. W. Stephens 26 Ms. Co. A Iuka

JW Stephens 19 years, 26 Ms. Co.A enlisted Aug 19, 1861 frm Boonville Ms.

Died Alcon Co. Ms 1904

Daniel P. Stephens 31 years, enlisted 1/2/1863 Tishomingo Co. Ms., Corpral 26 Ms. Co. K [Transportation to Boonville] is in 1870 Census Printiss Co. Ms. wife Marietta

John P. Stevens b11/30/1835 Caswell Co. NC. reared in Christian Co. Ky.

came to Jackson Ms. in 1858 until 1861 serving in Co. A 6th Ms. Reg. mar in 1868 Miss Sidney E. Green of Baltimore Md.

J.H. Stephens of Columbus MS born 1838 Co. K, Old Columbus Riflemen and the 35Ms. Reg. Co. H

M. D. L. stephens on the 7th day of April, 1861, he mustered into the state service under General Lowery of Pontotoc, Mississippi.

R. B. or B.F. Stephens Co. E 12Ms. Inf.

William McGowan Stephens was born in Talladega Co., AL, in 1839 enlisted in the Confederate Army under Captain R. Draper, Co. D, 51st AL Cavalry. MORE

** The Hardy Stephens family may have moved south to get away from the fighting around Tishomingo County and northern Mississippi. Pick up a map of Mississippi and you can see battlefields all around old Tishomingo County, Tupelo, Iuka, Ripley, Corith  

Compiled by Tom Stevens 868 Beach Road, Poplarville MS 39470 gold1001@dpdweb.com

THE MIGRATION TO TENNESSEE

According to family tradition (recollections of tales told by Nancy Catherine Selman Stephens) Josiah Stephens traveled through Northern Georgia from Greenville District South Carolina shortly after 1810 on his way Westward in a party of settlers (which must have included several members of the South Carolina Stephens Family) using a covered wagon pulled by a team of four oxen which was typical of migration during this time period. Eastern Alabama at that time was occupied by the Creek Nation of Indians so in order to enter Tennessee, one had to travel Northward. It is known that Josiah Stephens and Party camped for a prolonged period of time that Winter at Fort Oglethrope. Georgia which was then a part of old Cass (County. (named after Andrew Jackson's Secretary of War). Only forty years earlier this area was occupied by a band of rebellious Cherokee Indians various outcasts. half breeds and white Tories who waged a relentless war upon parties of white settlers descending into Tennessee. It had been a short time ago that an expedition had been sent against the Indians, driving them into the gorges of the

Cumberland Mountains. Now more peaceful Cherokees succeeded them; the Brainard Mission had been established consisting of a church, school trading post and mill, but as yet the United States Calvary Post had not been established.

By 1812 Josiah Stephens was living near Knoxville, Tennessee with his wife. Nancy Van Stephens, and family. It was from here that Josiah Stephens was mustered into the service of the United States in the War of 1812 on the 10th December 1812, being honorably discharged 9th February 1813. He served in the grade of Private in Captain George Caperton's Company of the Tennessee.

Josiah Stephens, Jr., son of Josiah Stephens, Sr. and Nancy Stephens was born in Tennessee in 1816. By 1824 his father was living in Franklin County Tennessee, and entered claim for 50 acres of land on the South side of Elk River. Edward Stephens. page 8

THE STEPHENS FAMILIES OF ITAWAMBA COUNTY MISSISSIPPI

On October 22. 1832, the Treaty of Pontotoc, concluded between the Chickasaw Indians and the United States Government, wiped out the remaining Chickasaw titles east of the Mississippi. Much of the ceded land became various present day North Mississippi Counties. Itawamba was one such county, It was between 1835-37 that Northern Mississippi experienced the greatest land boom in its history. Nearly half of the land area in the State of Mississippi was offered at Public Sales in the years 1837-38.

According to the 1830 Federal Census of Alabama, Zachariah Stephens had arrived in Blount County. Apparently he lived there for the next several years and then migrated by 1840 to what is now Tuscaloosa County, Alabama. Mr. Elmer Stephens, a descendent, stated that Zachariah, son of John Stephens, and his five sons lived about three miles from the present day city of Tuscaloosa at the forks of the Warrior River. Apparently Zachariah and his sons enjoyed hunting very much, because as more and more settlers encroached upon their hunting lands in Tuscaloosa County, this family migrated around 1844 to newly formed Itawamba County where game and land were abundant.

(In Misssissippi)Zachariah Stephens homesteaded several hundred acres of land lying between present day Fulton and 20-Mile Bottom on the old Fulton-Jacinto Road. According to numerous personal interviews with elderly descendants of this family in Itawamba County, Zachariah was accompanied by his wife, Tabitha, born in South Carolina in 1799 and his five sons, Abel, Green Sheldon, James Milton, John R. and Redden Byrd. The settlement around which they settled became known as Stephens Town and is still known by this name by many of the Stephens descendants of that area.

Zachariah Stephens was born February 8, 1787 in South Carolina according to the 1880 and 1860 Federal Census of Itawamba County. He died October 2. 1881, in Itawamba County and is buried there in the Stephens Cemetery, which he founded. by the side of his wife, Tabitha. Abel, John R., and James M. Stephens also are buried in the Stephens Cemetery. Zackariah Stephens had one known sister (according to Mr. Kirksey, descendent of Tupelo), who was Elizabeth Stephens born in South Carolina in 1780. Elizabeth was living in 1880 in the home of Abel Stephens. In the later years of Old Zachariah's life, he lived with his son, John R. Stephens. a veteran of the Civil War having fought in Company one 12th Mississippi Cavalry in the grade of Lt.

By 1830 Josiah Stephens, Sr. had migrated from Franklin County, Tennessee to Maynard's Cove in Jackson County, Alabama. It was here that Josiah Stephens, Jr. grew up and before 1840 had married Nancy Midlock Mitchell who was born in Alabama in 1820. Apparently young Josiah Stephens, Jr. had heard of the newly opened land in Northern Mississippi and between 1840-43, according to his descendants still living in Itawamba County, migrated with his wife by covered wagon through the Moulton Valley in North Alabama to Marion County, Alabama settling in Itawamba.

Analysis of consecutive census records of Old Pendleton and Greenville Districts and correlation of these analyses with the Bible Records possessed by Mr. Elmer Stephens of Fulton, Mississippi and correlation of this data with personal interviews with elderly descendants of John and Josiah Stephens (now living in Itawamba County Mississippi) would allow one to reason that Samuel had at least two sons, Josiah and John Stephens. Probably Daniel was a third son, Apparently these two sons left Virginia around the time of the America Revolution, and by 1790 both were living in South Carolina as proven by examination of South Carolina Federal Census Records for this time period. John and Daniel Stephens lived in Pendleton District and Josiah Stephens lived in the adjacent District of Greenville.

Source: "Various Decendents of Josiah Stephens and Other Heterogeneous Groups" by Bryant

Compiled by Tom Stevens 868 Beach Road, Poplarville MS 39470 (601) 795 6773

Source: History of Wilkinson Co. Georga

John Stephens of N.C. mar. Elizabeth (Matthews)

John Stephens was Veteran Revelutionary War in the North Carolina Militia and also a veteran of the War of 1812. He is burried 2 mi. S. of Toomsburo Ga. (? Stephens Family Cemetary)

Children

James Stephens b 2/27/1817 Spouse = Jerusha (Barnes) [Confed. Vet in home service]

Gracy Stephens mar. John Israel Garrett

more children

Source: Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Miss.

Lownds Co. MS came horseback in 1830 Stevens, Hardy d1889 was a carpenter and home builder b1803___ Raleigh NC

married Elizabeth (Myatt) d1882 and their children were Mrs. Taylor of Kentucky, more

J.H. Stephens of Columbus MS b1838 ( Co. K, Old Columbus Riflemen and the 35Ms. Reg. Co. H in CSA) , m 1869 Ophelia (Wallace)

Mrs. Palmer of Columbus MS,

John A. of West Point,

J.A. & Mrs. J.B.Cobb of Texas.

Rev. George P. Stevens ([Scotch Irish] Methodist Episcopal) of Georgia married Susan P. Richards [ English Descent] of NC.

son Capt. John P. Stevens b11/30/1835 Caswell Co. NC. reared in Christian Co. Ky.

came to Jackson in 1858 until 1861 serving in Co. A 6th Ms. Reg. mar in 1868 Miss Sidney E. Green of Baltimore Md. ( Jackson Grocery Co.)

Children

Sue Stuart & John Price Stevens

Thomas Stevens d1658 Stamford Conn.

Benjamin Stevens 6th child, b Lee, Mass.( Surveyor of Hwys.) b1795 d 1832

Benjamin Stevens b1830 Lucedale Ms.

Chauncy Bigelow Stevens mar Elizabeth Jackson (aunt of Stonewall Jackson) Boloxi, Ms.

2nd wife Lucy Ferril (Irish descent) moved to Augusta, Ms.

Hattiesburg Stevens

son William Forrest Stevens

son H. Stewart Stevens

son Benjamin was Capt. in Gen. Forrests Cavalry

mar Lorena Annette (Breland)

Benjamin's son John Morgan Stevens (judge)

mar Ethel Featherstun 1880s a

Dear Stephens/ Stevens 1/3/1994 (as published in the People Helper by Tom Stevens=Stevetho)
 

I am hoping to gather information on most of the early Stevens before 1920 ( current info is OK, but volume may be too much. for my own personal information and a computer data bank for others who may be interested. ( I seem to be in a hurry, though it probably won't do me much good.)

My family legend : Va. N.C. and S.C. (maybe Georgia) I know my great-grandfather Hardy Stephens born 1802 in N.C. bought 161 acres in Franklin County Alabama in 1839 almost in Tishomingo County Miss. His Father name was Theophilus Stephens. Later, they either moved to Tishomingo County or maybe a new survey put them in Mississippi. Hardy Stephens first marriage to Anne _________? in 1825, with children, Eliza Jane born in 1827, Annie Miria, James Albert, Rhoda Margaret, Elizabeth Emoline, William Calvin and John Rhodes who died in 1881. He was in the 1850 census in Tishomingo County married to (Lulu) Leathy Parrish born in 1818, children were Joel Marion (My Grandfather) ,Hardy Richardson, George Dallas, Joseph Frank, Narcissis, Thomas Jasper, Abagie and Harrett Helon. Some of these descendants are around.

[ Update: found cousin's in Booneville, Ms. John Rhodes Stephens line 9-1-94]

I found 2 or three of Grandfather's brothers in 26 Ms. Reg. captured at the fall of Fort Donelson. They were exchanged and Hardy Richardson was captured again died in a Yankee prison in Md.

Joseph Frank raised a family in Printiss County Ms. In the 1900 census Joseph 54 years old, has a wife Sarah, a son Pracida?, born in 1891, Willie J. B. born in 1894, and Joseph E. born in 1897. A Joseph Stevens is living next door 26 years old married to Mary J., Children: Walter, Mattie L., and Burlie. ***{11-8-96 found Burlie Stevens toomstone near Booneville MS. , guess the family still around -I taped it more, info later -stevetho}

My Grandfather, (Joseph) Joel Marion Stephens, Born in 1842 and died in 1923. His first wife was Mary Ann McMillan, Children:

Another Marrage__________________?

3rd. Marriage Sally Ann "Dillard" Stevens Lived in Wheeler, Ms. married in 1901. My father Joseph Frank Stevens born in 1908. (my Grandmother Sally Ann and my Father Joseph Frank Stevens - stevetho)

( Old info -I thought in 1994 Stevetho=Tom Stevens)The probability of a relationship to Early Zachariah Stevens Clan of Etawamba, County and the Josiah Stevens Clan, comming from Virgina.  

[last People Helper VOl.6 NO.1]Stephens From Virginia Source: Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Mississippi

Col. M. D. L. Stephens, the subject of this notice, was born in Williamson County, Tenn., November 9, 1829. His father, Dennis Stephens, the son of Thomas and Martha Stephens was born at Fort Nash, now the city of Nashville, in May, 1796. Thomas Stephens "'as born near Lynchburg, VA.in 1760, 760 and his grandfather took part in what. is known in history as the Bacon rebellion, in 1675, in which Bacon and his adherents were either killed or banished from the country by the British government. W. H. Stephens being one of the prominent actors in this rebellion, was banished and all of his property confiscated. He took his wife and went west, and settled on the James river, near where Lynchburg now stands, being obliged to raise his family amid the most adverse circumstances. in rugid wilds, amongst the Indians without any schools or advantages for his family.

From this family Thomas Stephens sprung, and many families bearing this name and that of Stevens have spred over the South and West. Georgia's great statesman, Alexander Hamilton Stephens, (Vice President Confedercy) belonged to this family. Thomas Stephens and Martha Davis were united in marriage near Knoxville in what was then the territory of North Carolina, in June, 1790. Soon after their marrage Thomas Stephens moved to Fort Nash, and at or near this fort Dennis Stephen was born. n. He was reared in Montgomery and Murray counties, with but little educational advantages. In 1822 he was united in marriage to Jane Hudson, the only daughter of John and Elizabeth Hudson. John Hudson was of Irish nativity, and his wife was Elizabetht, who was the daughter of Andrew and Elizabeth (Blythe) Spratt. Andrew Spratt was born in North Ireland and was educated for a Presbyterian minister, but when he had graduated he fled to America instead of embarking in the ministry. He settled at Charlotte, N. C. where he established a school in 1760. In a short time he was united in marriage to Elizabeth Blythe, who had a brother, Dr. Blythe, who was a surgeon in the Continental army. Andrew Spratt left his family, to serve some years in the Army. At the close of the war he himself very poor, with a large family to support. Dr. Blythe was the owner of a large of tract of land in what is now Tennessee, which he gave his sister, and there this family settled. Sixteen children of this family lived to be grown. John Hudson and his wife came to Tennessee with Mr. Spratt, and settled here in 1800. A postoffice was soon established inn thi settlement, named Bethesda.

The eldest daughter of Dennis and Jane Stephens was Susan T. J., born in l825; the next child was a daughter, Martba E. N., born in 1827; Marcus D. LaFayette, the subject of this notice, was born in 1829, and Melissa A. E. was horn in 1832. Dennis Stephens left Tennessee with his family and moved to what was then called the Chickasaw Nation, and settled in Marshall county, Miss., near Tallaloosa, in January, 1838. Sarah married W. H. Daniel February 14, 1844.and became thee mother of three daughters, Dora, Scott and Fannie, and thre sons Duruyter, William L. and Robert Lee. Mrs Daniel died in 1871. The Children are now residents of Nevada and California. Martha married Berry 0. Best and became the mother of five daughters and three sons. All are now residing in Tallahatchie county, Miss., beiig all miarried except one. Melissa married Jerard Burch in December 1852. They have two daughters and one son, and all are married. R. L. Burch Cora Weathers; Nora married R. J. Thompson; Ella married Newton Mathews. Mrs. Best and Mr. Burch are both living. LaFayette, the stubject of this notice, the only son engaged with his father in working a small farm on Pigeon Roost creek, in Marshall county until he was seventeen years old, working on the farm, and going to school through a few months of the year. His parents were in straitened circumstances and had hard work to keep the daughters in school, but LaFayette was enabled to get a fairly good English education. He began teaching school in the neighborhood and afterward tought in Tippah and Panola counties, in Mississippi for the purpose of making money with which to complete his education. In 1851 he took up the study of medicine in connection with teaching and in 1853-4 he attended lectures at Louisville, Ky. His preceptor was Dr. R. M. Glover of Tallaloosa, Marshall county. Having completed his education, he located at Banner, in Calhoun county and entered into a large and lucrative practice. He moved to Sarepta in the same county in 1858. In 1860 he was nominated on the union co-operation ticker for a seat in the state convention called by Gov. J. J. Petters to concider the question of secession of Mississippi. He voted against the ordinance of secession in all of its various forms presented to the people of the convention, but on its final passage he recorded his vote for it with these remarks: "I was elected to this convention on what is known as the co-operation ticket ad every vote I have cast since this ordinance has been before the convention in good faith to carry out the pledges made to my people. The question now having narrowed down to secession or submission, and as between the two I am for secession for the ordinance, feeling at the same time that a different course should have been pursued; but I am a Mississippian to the core the bones of my ancestors sleep upon its hills and I am and have, and ever expect to be, are within her borders; and whatever may be, I am with her heart and soul."

Immediately after the state had seceded he wrote home to his partner, Dr. Lyles, that war was imminent and they must organize to resist, and directed him to enroll his name on the muster role of a company organizing by Dr. Lyles. On his return home he found the company organized, and on the 7th day of April, 1861, he mustered into the state service under General Lowery of Pontotoc, Mississippi. General Lowery (I think Gen. Lowery was only a Col. then. Stevetho)

At the breaking out of the war Stephens was engaged in a lucrative practice an stood at the head of his profession. February 14, 1 856 he was united in marriage to Mary Jane Duff, the daughter of James Madison and Jane (Hullman) Duff married in South Carolina in l837 and settled near Sarepta.

The Revolution Lexington and Concord

War clouds were gathering rapidly. The sending of more than 3,000 British army regulars under Maj. Gen. Thomas GAGE to Boston further exacerbated the imperial rift. When a column of these troops under Lt. Col. Francis Smith moved into the countryside to collect arms and munitions gathered by the patriot militia, hostilities erupted at Lexington and Concord on Apr. 19, 1775. Soon afterward militia contingents from places throughout New England took up positions outside Boston, putting the city under siege. The Battle of Bunker Hill was fought across from Boston (June 17, 1775). Although Gage's units dislodged the rebels from their advanced positions threatening the city, the British casualties came to 42 percent of the 2,500 redcoats engaged, their heaviest losses of the war. The lawmakers chose as commander of this "Continental Army" George Washington, a 43-year-old delegate from Virginia, a planter and a ranking militia officer in the French and Indian Wars.

British advantages were steadily negated by the vastness of the struggle, by waging war 3,000 miles from Europe against an armed population spread over hundreds of miles, from the Atlantic to the Mississippi, from Maine to Georgia. The land was forested, ravined, swampy, and interlaced by myriad streams and rivers. It was discouraging to win battle after battle and see Britain's armies bled of men and supplies in the process, while the beaten rebels always bounced back. It was equally frustrating to seize at one time or another every American urban center and yet have nothing more to show for it than the mere possession of territory., since the Americans had no single vital strategic center.

Moreover, Americans owned guns, and they knew how to use them. If the Continental Army won few fixed battles, it normally fought reasonably well; it extracted a heavy toll on the enemy, who usually could not easily obtain reinforcements. Although only Washington and Maj. Gen. Nathanael Greene were outstanding commanders, many others were steady and reliable, including Brig. General Stephens. ( Who, what Line? I would like some one to tell me.) stevetho@datastar.net  Eva Kozney says

During the American Revolution the British burned Norfolk in 1776 and three years later invaded and took Portsmouth and Suffolk. The final battle of the Revolution was fought at Yorktown, where General Cornwallis surrendered to General George Washington on October 19, 1781.

Insert Alex. Revolution fighter w/ Washington

Follows is a closly related line- Some new details for me. stevetho@datastar.net 

John Stevens, gf-6, was born about 1717 and died in 1784. He purchased 290 acres in New Hanover Co., N.C. in 1758 and in 1765 bought 100 acres in Duplin Co., N.C. At the time of death, his included for son, John, a six year old slave boy named, Carry; Isaac, a ten year old Negro girl named, NaNa; for Hardy, a fifteen year old boy, Sam and for Richard, a seventeen year old boy name James. His daughters were Elizabeth Rogers, Mary Rogers and Maryan Carr.

Hardy Stevens, gf-5, was born about 1740. He and his wife, Jemima, had four sons, but we have no record of daughters at this time. his death in 1793, he left to his sons the following acreage's -- Micajah 285, Edward 136, Theophilus 345 and Hardy 310. These inheritances were balanced with cash grants. These acreage's are significant since 30 acres was considered a one family unit. Slaves were used for farm and home chores.

Edward Stevens, gf-4, was born in about 1770 in Duplin Co., N. C. and died in 1821 in Sampson Co., N.C. He left his wife, Rhoda (Rhody) with these minors -- Rhedick, John Rhodes, Susan Ann, Theophilus Calvin Brown. His older children were William, Hardy and Elizabeth.

Legal records show Edward buying 125 acres in 1796, 125 acres in and another 125 in 1805. He sold 130 acres in 1796, 68 acres in 105 acres in 1797, 50 acres in 1802 and 270 acres in 1804. When he died in 1821, the estate included 125 acres.

Calvin Brown Stevens, gf-3, youngest of eight children, was born 24 Oct.., 1820 in Cumberland Co., N.C. His father died less than a year after he was born. In 1840), Calvin married Jane Wooldridge in Lee Co.. Is. Al ford, Eliza Jane, Joseph Freeman and Martha were born in Alabama (likely Marion Co.) William Henry and Susan were born in Ms. White John W. and Mary A. were born in Arkansas. Calvin died in 1853 at the age of 33 leaving his wife with eight children ranging from 0 to 12. years old.

Joseph Freeman Stevens, gf-2., born in 1847 in Marion County, Alabama married Laura Cornelia Lovelace in 1863 in Lee County, Mississippi. they raised their family in Perry County, Arkansas and at Cuthand in Red River Co., Texas. Their children were Martha Jane, William Durant, John Allison, Joseph Edcar, Calvin Early, Laura Ada, Robert Henry and Susan Telia.

Joseph Freeman Stevens enlisted in the Confederate States Army before is seventeenth birthday. He joined Company C. of the 26th Mississippi Infantry at Tupelo. He was captured at the Battle of Petersburg in April 1865- and was released at Point Lookout, Maryland June 13, 1865 upon taking the Oath of Al legiance to the United State....He was described by the Army as light complexioned, light brown hair, gray eyes and five feet three inches tall.

My gf-1 William Durant Stevens born near Perryville, Arkansas in 1873 married Telia Tennessee Butler in Red River Texas I891. They raised their family near East Postoak along the Lamar and Red River County lines. Their eight children were Nora Bell, Butler Freeman, Mittie Mae, William Allison, David Irby, Prudence Nevada, Cora Lee ard R.T. [Nora Bell Stevens was our source: Leo Bailey's Mother] .

In l840, Calvin B. Stevens married Jane Wooldridge. In 1843, Josiah Wooldridge, brother of Jane, married Sarah Ann Owens Stephens in Morgan Co., Ala. She was identified as the widow of Theophilus Stephens. There was always a thought that the Stevens/Stephens men might be brothers. Quite by accident on Feb. 23, 1989, we stumbled upon Cumberland Co. N. C. records reporting the death of Edward Stevens. He left his wife, Rhoda, with five minor children including Calvin B. and Theophilus.

Since that date, puzzle parts have begun to fit. We have Edward, Hardy and John as new grandfathers with Rhoda and Jemina as grandmothers. These ancestors seemed to have been fairly large land and slave owners. We expect to learn more. They surely had a role in the Revolutionary

As we review Stevens ancestors, we pay homage to Curtis, son of Ellen and Joseph Ed car Stevens, who initiated the family research. We remember with favor Muriel, daughter of Mary Nevada and Robert Henry Stevens, who researched the records in Ark., Ms., Ala. and N.C.

We are grateful to Pansy Rae, daughter of Susan Telia Stevens and John Arthur Eaves, and her husband, Tom Burtis, who maintain the records and add to them when the rest of us make contributions.

Source: Leo Bailey (Pres Hist Society), 431 King Ave., Kingsville TX 78363 ph.512 592 2773

______________________________________________________________

Query:

A minor detail bothers me. If this William Stephens born 1704 /or 1711 is father to Alex who married Cathrine Baskin, then wouldn't it be hard for Alex to arrive from Scotland by 1746. I noticed Alex's brother Nehemiah "who took his fiddle and rode off to Tennessee" never to be heard form again was represented by a family tree in the LDS database where Nehemiah line was traced back to the above William Stephens. I also find it hard to believe so many in our Dr. Jon Stephens line would claim a relationship and not be some how related. Somebody straighten me out on this.  what Jackie says

Query: Hardy Stevens born in 1803 came on horseback in 1830. Hardy died 1889 was a carpenter and home builder. Lownds Co. MS - Raleigh NC ( not my Hardy Stephens line, but close I think, had a spare from Georgia. Any decendants around? stevetho@datastar.net)

Query: (Cherry Creek Group)I had the opportunity to talk with (Mrs. Smith in 1993) Stephens in Texas who's ancestors came through Georgia, South Carolina and stopped Pontotoc Mississippi in about 1844 a while before traveling on to Texas. Hope to get a lot of good information from/through this source. Her Ancestors name was John Stephens and along with eight or so more John Stephens in Georgia, Alabama, North and South Carolina in the right time frame, I am up to my ears in Johns. I have a spare Lieut.. John Stephens with General Claiborne's Creek Indian war. He should be easy to trace. Who does he belong to? Any Help Appreciated. Tom Stevens Source: The Early Records of Taliaferro County Willingham, op. cit., p. 37. Great Men of Mississippi

Query:

LAWS OF WILLIAM THE CONQUEROR. (Normans conquered England in 1066. William died 1087.)

Here is set down what William, king of the English, established in consultation with his magnates after the conquest of England:

1. First that above all things he wishes one God to be revered throughout his whole realm, one faith in Christ to be kept ever inviolate, and peace and security to be preserved between English and Normans.

2. We decree also that every freeman shall affirm by oath and compact that he will be loyal to king William both within and without England, that he will preserve with him his lands and honor with all fidelity and defend him against his enemies.

3. I will, moreover, that all the men I have brought with me, or who have come after me, shall be protected by my peace and shall dwell in quiet. And if any one of them shall be slain, let the lord of his murderer seize him within five days, if he can; but if he cannot, let him pay me 46 marks of silver so long as his substance avails. And when his substance is exhausted, let the whole hundred in which the murder took place pay what remains in common.

4. And let every Frenchman who, in the time of king Edward, my kinsman, was a sharer in the customs of the English, pay what they call "scot and lot", according to the laws of the English. This decree was ordained in the city of Gloucester.

5. We forbid also that any live cattle shall be bought or sold for money except within cities, and this shall be done before three faithful witnesses; nor even anything old without surety and warrant. But if anyone shall do otherwise, let him pay once, and afterwards a second time for a fine.

6. It was decreed there that if a Frenchman shall charge an Englishman with perjury or murder or theft or homicide or "ran", as the English call open rapine which cannot be denied, the Englishman may defend himself, as he shall prefer, either by the ordeal of hot iron or by wager of battle. But if the Englishman be infirm, let him find another who will take his place. If one of them shall be vanquished, he shall pay a fine of 40 shillings to the king. If an Englishman shall charge a Frenchman and be unwilling to prove his accusation either by ordeal or by wager of battle, I will, nevertheless, that the Frenchman shall acquit himself by a valid oath.

7. This also I command and will, that all shall have and hold the law of the king Edward in respect of their lands and all their posessions, with the addition of those decrees I have ordained for the welfare of the English people.

8. Every man who wishes to be considered a freeman shall be in pledge so that his surety shall hold him and hand him over to justice if he shall offend in any way. And if any such shall escape, let his sureties see to it that they pay forthwith what is charge against him, and let them clear themselves of any complicity in his escape. Let recourse be had to the hundred and shire courts as our predecessors decreed. And those who ought of right to come and are unwilling to appear, shall be summoned once; and if for the second time they refuse to come, one ox shall be taken from them, and they shall be summoned a third time. And if they do not come the third time, a second ox shall be taken from them. But if they do not come the fourth summons, the man who is unwilling to come shall forfeit from his goods the amount of the charge against him -- "ceapgeld" as it is called -- and in addition to this a fine to the king.

9. I prohibit the sale of any man by another outside the country on pain of a fine to be paid in full to me.

10. I also forbid that anyone shall be slain or hanged for any fault, but let his eyes be put out and let him be castrated. And this command shall not be violated under pain of a fine in full to me.

From memory ,can't find my file, Rollo or Rollon the Viking for services rendered (keeping other Vikings out Normandy in France) was invited and married into English nobility. About six generations later when the old king died and the crown of England was up for grabs, William the Norman whipped the necessary parties and the Stephens were on their way........ (source was Reader Digest Histories)or Try this link Viking or Norsmen

When William the Norman invaded England, Queen Matilda presented him with a magnificent ship called the "Mora" commanded by Airard Fitz Stephen, a nobleman of Normandy. A son Thomas commanded the "White Ship." Thomas Fitz Stephen had two sons: 1st was Ralph his heir, founder of the English line; 2nd Stephen, founder of the welsh and Irish lines.

Links to Battle of Hastings Bayeux Tapestry

(source -" The Long Grey Line")(have more on this - Stephens first appear in English history.)

The Battle of Hastings in 1066

William and his barons had been recruiting and preparing the invasion of England since early spring of that year. He was a seasoned general and master tactician, using cavalry, archers and infantry and had fought many notable battles. Off Beachy Head, his ship, the "Mora", arrived ahead of the fleet.. William waited and ate a hearty breakfast. As his fleet straggled into place behind him they moved eastward to the first sheltered bay to provide protection for his armada. Pevensey and Bulverhythe were the villages on each promontory. Pevensey, to the west, was protected by an old Roman Fort and behind the fort there was much flat acreage to house his large Army. To suggest this landing was not pre-planned, is not in keeping with the preparatory time taken by William, or his track record. There had been much intelligence gathering in the past few months.

The bay, wide enough for maneuverability of this large fleet, was flat shored. William is said to have fallen on the beach, grasped the sand, and declared "This is my country" or words to that effect. Next, the ships were disembarked without resistance. They included 2,500 horses, prefabricated forts, and the materiel and equipment was prepared for any contingency. The ships shuttled in and out of the bay with the precision of a D Day landing. A Fort was built inside Pevensey Roman Fort as an H.Q, while the army camped behind it. William and FitzOsborn scouted the land He was unhappy with the terrain but it had proved to be a satisfactory landing beach. Taking his army around Pevensey Bay he camped 8 miles to the east, north of what is now known as Hastings all of which was most likely pre-planned. He camped to the east outside the friendly territory of the Norman Monks of Fecamp who may have been alerted and were waiting for his probable arrival. William waited. Perhaps he was waiting to know of the outcome of the battle to the north. In those two weeks William could have marched on London and taken it. He was obviously waiting for something?

Harold, far to the north in York at Stamford Bridge, was engaged in a life and death struggle against his brother who had teamed up with the Viking King Hadrada to invade England. Whether this was a planned Norman tactic, part of a pincer movement north and south, is not known, but students of Norman and Viking history might find it very feasible. The timing of each invasion was impeccable, and probably less than coincidental. Harold managed to resist the invasion to the north and killed both commanders. He was advised of the landing to the south by William.

Bringing the remnants of his Army south, Harold camped outside London at Waltham. For two weeks he gathered reinforcements, and exchanged taunts, threats and counterclaims to the Crown of England with William. Finally he moved his army south to a position about six miles north of where William waited.

Perhaps one of the most devastating events preceeding the battle was Harold's sudden awareness that he had been excommunicated by the Pope, and that William was wearing the papal ring. It is most likely this had been arranged by fellow Norman Robert Guiscard who had conquered most of southern Italy and was patron of the Pope who was indebted to him for saving the Vatican. Harold's spirit flagged. William was leading what might perhaps by called the first Crusade. The whole world was against Harold.

William moved up to Harold's position and set up in what was then the conventional European style. Archers, infantry and cavalry in the rear. A set piece, each assigned to their own duties. .

Harold waited. He and his brother Gyrth arranged a mass of men along a high ground ridge 8 deep, 800 yards long . A fixed corridor of tightly wedged humanity. Strategically, given the relative equipment of each side, it was hopeless from the start. To William it was almost a formality. Harold's men were hemmed in by their own elbows. William, with total mobility, held his Breton, Maine and Anjou contingents to the left of the line, the Normans the main thrust, the Flemish and French to his right. The flanking movements paid off. How long the battle took has varying estimates. Some say as little as two hours. Some as long as six hours. The latter seems more reasonable simply because of the numbers involved. .

This battle would later be called Senlac, a river of blood. It demolished most of the remnants of the Saxon fighting men of the Island at very little cost to William.

Thus began a three century Norman occupation of England, Wales and Scotland, and later Ireland.

That the Frances STEPHENS who married Mordecai LAWSON was the daughter of John and Lucy STEPHENS is unproved. This tentative conclusion is based on circumstantial evidence and conclusions of research by other descendants of John and Lucy. Before acceptance of Frances as a daughter of John and Lucy, it is desireable to identify Hardy STEPHENS of Wayne Co., TN.

Frances STEPHENS married Mordecai LAWSON by 1815. The LAWSON parents and siblings lived in Wayne Co., TN, and Mordecai was there in 1830, though he has not been located in 1810 and 1815. The only other STEPHENS appearing in Wayne Co. in the early 1800s was Hardy STEPHENS, with the 1830 Census showing his household composed of one male under age 5, 2 males age 20-30, 2 females under age 5, and one female age 30-40. By the age brackets of Hardy and his presumed wife, it would appear that he was just under age 30, perhaps born in 1799/1800. With Frances born in 1798, it is possible that she and Hardy were siblings.

One Hardy STEPHENS far lived in Wake Co., NC in 1800. The census records his household as 1 males under age 10, one male age 26-45, 3 females under age 10, one female age 10-16, and one female age 26-45. This would permit the Wake Co. Hardy to be father of Hardy and Frances of Wayne Co., and of the other male age 20-30 in the Wayne Co. family. Other STEPHENS families of Wake Co., NC in 1800 include Joseph, Jarrott and James all age 45+, Zach. 00001/3000, and John 1020/2010. Perhaps Hardy of Wake Co. was son of one of the older STEPHENS. With the name Zachariah appearing, perhaps the Wake Co. families were related to John STEPHENS, father of Zachariah STEPHENS of Itawamba Co., MS.

Another Hardie STEPHENS is named in biographical sketches of Bedford Co., TN. He and wife Mary moved to TN in 1836, and their son Henry H. STEPHENS (b. 1818, NC) married Nancy MULLINS in 1839.

A third Hardy STEVENS (b. about 1745; d. 1795, Sampson Co., NC) was the son of John STEVENS (d. about 1784), and married Jemima BROWN, daughter of Edward BROWN. Hardy and Jemima had the following children: John (b. May 2, 1767; d. Aug. 4, 1829, Sampson Co., NC) married Mary; Theophilus (b. 1780 Duplin Co., NC; d. about 1857, Chambers Co., AL) married first Sarah, and second Alice; and Susannah.

One source reports that William STEPHENS, brother of John (d. 1810, SC), had a son whom he named Hardy.

It would be very helpful to known where Frances STEPHENS married Mordecai LAWSON. It is noted that the name Mordecai LAWSON appears in land records in Franklin Co., TN from 1824 to 1826, as does the name of Edward STEPHENS, supposed oldest half-brother of Frances. Edward apparently lived earlier in Garrard Co., KY in his parents' family.

Many thanks to the following for virtually all the information on the STEPHENS family.

Jewell M. Climer, P. O. Box 366, Poteet, TX 78065 Carolyn Martin Cole, 803 North Union, Natchez, MS 39120 A. Maxim Coppage, 2497A Walters Way, Concord, CA 94520 Margaret S. Gurganus, 2040 N.E. 59th Place, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33308 Loudie S. Moffatt, 5708 Trailridge Drive, Austin, TX 78731 Allen Pendergraft, P. O. Box 81, Mesa, AZ 85211-0081 Sue Rarden, 3515 Welty Road, Vernalis, CA 95385 JoAnn Stevens, 1022 Pate Street, Carlsbad, NM 88220You Web Mastergold1001@dpdweb.com ~ Free Messages or Queries Here.

Historical Societies
 
                             Virginia Colonial Records
                         (Hundreds of documents/reports here)
                               Court Records Digest
              Marriage Records for Stephen's/Steven's Updated 01/07/97
                  Migration of Stephens/Stevens by Esther Kozeny
                   North East Settlers by Savage (Massachusetts)
          War of the Rebellion, Union & Confederate Armies, Series I, Vol. I
               Aerard Fitz Stephens and Descendants Updated 02/12/97
                      William & Mary (Sampson) Stephens and
                       Jackie Shepards Stephens pages stored at Gulfcoastplus