William_B._Stephenson

William B. Stephenson

William B. Stephenson

American politician (1802–1884)


William B. Stephenson (June 16, 1802 – February 13, 1884) was an American politician and judge from Maryland. He served in the Maryland House of Delegates and Maryland Senate.

Quick Facts Member of the Maryland Senate, Preceded by ...

Early life

William B. Stephenson was born on June 16, 1802, in Harford County, Maryland, to Priscilla (or Mary) (née Hopkins) and James Stephenson. His father was a slaveholder, served in the War of 1812, and was a hotelier in Perryville, Maryland.[1][2] His brother was George Stephenson.[3]

Career

Stephenson was a Whig, but changed to the Democratic Party during President Jackson's second campaign. He started his political career in 1830.[4] In 1830, Stephenson was elected to the Harford County Levy Court.[1] Stephenson served as a member of the Maryland House of Delegates, representing Harford County, in 1843, 1845 to 1846 and 1852 to 1853.[5] He served as a member of the Maryland Senate, representing Harford County from 1865 to 1867 and from 1870 to 1872. He was succeeded by John Carroll Walsh.[1][6]

Stephenson was a lawyer and owned a farm of 300 acres in Harford County.[1] He also served as a colonel in the militia.[2]

Personal life

Stephenson married and had no children. His wife predeceased him.[4] He bequeathed his farm to his adopted daughter, Elizabeth, who married state delegate William B. Hopkins.[2]

Stephenson died on February 13, 1884, at his home near Rock Run in Harford County, Maryland. He was buried at Rock Run United Methodist Church.[4]


References

  1. "Death of Col. Wm. B. Stephenson". The Aegis and Intelligencer. February 15, 1884. p. 2. Retrieved November 29, 2022 via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  2. Portrait and Biographical Record of Harford and Cecil Counties, Maryland. 1897. pp. 374–375, 401–402. Retrieved October 18, 2023 via Archive.org.Open access icon
  3. "Mr. Geo. Stephenson". The Union. November 2, 1878. p. 2. Retrieved March 19, 2023 via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  4. "Death of Col. Stephenson, of Harford". The Baltimore Sun. February 15, 1884. p. 1. Retrieved November 29, 2022 via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  5. "Historical List, House of Delegates, Harford County (1790-1974)". Maryland Manual On-Line. Maryland State Archives. April 30, 1999. Retrieved November 29, 2022.
  6. "Historical List, Senate, Harford County (1838-1966)". Maryland Manual On-Line. Maryland State Archives. September 30, 1999. Retrieved November 29, 2022.

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