From the 1885 History of Steuben County Page 693


Francis Stevens, a son of Peirson and Abigail (Cook) Stevens, was born in 
Piermont, Grafton Co., N. H., Jan. 30, 1820.  His father died in 1826 and 
his mother about 1834.  Francis was the youngest of a large family of 
children.  In settling his father's estate, complications arose which 
resulted in its entire loss as far as the children were concerned.  He made 
his home with his brother-in-law, John Chandler, of Piermont, till nineteen 
years of age, when ha came to Steuben County, Ind., and lived with another 
brother-in-law, Samuel Leonard, then of Richland Township, about two years.  In 1841 
he returned to New Hampshire, walking all the way and remained a year.  
While there he worked for farmers and saved enough to make a payment on land
he had bought of Abram Beecher, in Richland Township.  He cleared twelve 
acres and built a small log-cabin.  He worked by the month till 1845 when 
he was married to Melinda F. Aldrich and went to housekeeping on his land.  
His first crop of wheat was burned, but instead of being discouraged he only
worked the harder and ere long had his land paid for.  In early life he 
united with the Congregational church in New Hampshire, but later 
transferred his membership to the United Brethren church.  Mr. And Mrs. 
Stevens had a family of nine children-Asa, Sabina J., Abraham B., Sarah A., 
Hattie M., Bertha D., Fremont C., Francis P. and Leslie O.  Asa and Sabina 
are deceased.  Mr Stevens died Dec. 14, 1874.  He was a prominent man of the
county and one of its most worthy citizens.  Mrs. Stevens's father, Asa 
Aldrich, came to Steuben County in 1837.  He died in 1855 and his wife in 
1860.  They were members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Submitted By: Charles Baker
E-mail: cebaker@erols.com