Shelby County Indiana
Martin Stephens,
of Washington Township,
Martin Stephens,
of Washington Township,
son of John and Mary Stephens, was born Nov. 12, 1820, in the town of Links, Kingdom of Baden, Germany. In 1835, at the age of 15, he came to this country, landing in New York. Proceeding West, he came to Loveland, Ohio, and worked on a farm in that vicinity for about a year, when he came to Shelby Co., Ind., for a year, and then returned to Ohio. In 1843, however, he again came to Shelby County, and settled on a farm in Jackson Township. After a residence there of one year, he removed to the place where he now lives, Sec. 2, Washington Township.
Jan. 15, 1843, he was united in marriage to Mary, daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth Claton, of Washington Township. This union resulted in the birth of the following children: George W. (deceased), Elizabeth, now Mrs. H. Kelsey, of Tipton Co., Ind.; Cyrus and Sarah E. (deceased). Mr. Stephens lost his wife in August, 1853. Her mother, Mrs. Claton, survived her until April 21, 1866, and her father died Oct. 29, 1874. Mr. Stephens was again united in marriage Feb. 16, 1854, to Mrs. Leah Campbell, of Bartholomew County. By her had one child --- Mary C., now Mrs. P. Harris, of Jackson Township.
May 14, 1874, he was married in Shelbyville, to Mrs. Cynthia Cochran, daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth Claton, and formerly wife of John Cochran, of Washington Township, by whom he had six children --- Elizabeth, now wife of Rev. S. Hawkins, Washington Township; Thomas (deceased), George Albert; Elnora (deceased); Estella K., now Mrs. J. W. Wherritt, Washington Township, and John Augustus, now in Nebraska.
Mr. Stephens' mother died in Germany in 1829. His father lived to 86 years old, and died at the residence of his son Martin. They were both members of the Lutheran Church. Martin also belongs to that church. His present wife is a member of the South Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics, Mr. Stephens is a Democrat. May he have many years before him in which to enjoy the fruits of a well-spent life.
Atlas of Shelby Co., Indiana, Chicago: J.H. Beers & Co, 1880, p 72.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming
