Atlas of Steuben County, Indiana 1880 (reprint) P.53 clm 1   Richland
Township

        STEVENS, FRANCIS (deceased), son of Peirson Stevens and ____ Cook, was born
in Peirmont, N.H., January 30, 1820.  At the age of nineteen, he came to
this county, purchased of Abraham Beecher 120 acres of land, giving his
promise to pay, as he had but $1 in each in his pocket.  In 1845, was
united in marriage with Miss Malinda F. Aldrich, of Otsego Township, and
began the battle of life in real earnest, in a little log hut, seconded by
the efforts of his amiable wife.  The first crop of wheat was burned, but,
nothing daunted, he labored the harder, and erelong his land was paid for. 
Other acres have been added as the result of industry and economy, and,
during all the years of hardship and privation, the education of his
children was not neglected.  He joined the Methodist Church in early life,
but of late years had associated with the United Brethren; he was the
father of nine children--- Asa A. (deceased), Sabina J. (deceased), Abraham
B., Sarah A., Hattie M., Lettie, Fremont C., Frank P., and Leslie O.  Mr.
Stevens departed this life December 14, 1873, mourned by a large circle of
relatives and friends.  Mrs Stevens' father was a native of Vermont; her
mother of New York.  They came to this township in 1837, where they reared
a large family, both were members of the Methodist Church.  Mr. Aldrich
died in 1855; Mrs. Aldrich died in 1860.  Mrs. Stevens is in the enjoyment
of a good degree of health, and is at present residing in Angola, for the
purpose of superintending the education of the younger members of the
family.  Abraham B. Stevens is a young man of marked ability.  Married Miss
Linda Hicks, by whom he has had one child-- a daughter.  He is engaged at
present in teaching school in the neighborhood.

Submitted by J.A. Childers