William B. Stephenson

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.

William B. Stephenson
Member of the Maryland Senate
In office
1870–1872
Preceded byJohn Carroll Walsh
Succeeded byJohn Carroll Walsh
ConstituencyHarford County
In office
1865–1867
Preceded byWilliam F. Bayless
Succeeded byJohn Carroll Walsh
ConstituencyHarford County
Member of the Maryland House of Delegates
from the Harford County district
In office
1852–1853
In office
1845–1846
In office
1843–1843
Personal details
Born(1802-06-16)June 16, 1802
Harford County, Maryland, U.S.
DiedFebruary 13, 1884(1884-02-13) (aged 81)
Rock Run, Harford County, Maryland, U.S.
Resting placeRock Run United Methodist Church
Harford County, Maryland, U.S.
Political partyWhig
Democratic
RelativesGeorge Stephenson (brother)
Occupation
  • Politician
  • judge
  • lawyer
  • farmer

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 and 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 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 was married. They 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
  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
  3. "Mr. Geo. Stephenson". The Union. November 2, 1878. p. 2. Retrieved March 19, 2023 via Newspapers.com.open access
  4. "Death of Col. Stephenson, of Harford". The Baltimore Sun. February 15, 1884. p. 1. Retrieved November 29, 2022 via Newspapers.com.open access
  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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