George L. Stevens came to this county with his father's family over forty years ago, when a lad about sixteen years of age. The journey was made partly by the Lakes, and partly overland from Jefferson County, N. Y., where our subject first opened his eyes to the light in the town of Lyme, Aug. 8, 1829. His father, John Stevens, also a native of the Empire State, was one of the earliest settlers of Jefferson County, where he took up his abode shortly after his marriage. He followed the trade of a ship carpenter, until starting for the West in 1847, and then, there begin no field for his services in this region, abandoned his trade and engaged in agricultural pursuits. After arriving in this county, he purchased a tract of wild land in West Point Township, and taking possession of a vacant log cabin in the vicinity, moved into it with his family, and occupied it two years until he could put up a house on his own land. He entered at once upon the improvement and cultivation of his purchase, and continued on the farm which he thus eliminated from the wild prairie, the remainder of his life, resting from his earthly labors on the 10th of May, 1860.

The mother of our subject, formerly Miss Sarah Bedford, was also a native of New York State. Of her marriage with John Stevens there were born nine children. She survived her husband eight years, her death taking place on the old homestead in West Point Township in November, 1868. The children of the household all grew to mature years, and six are still living.

The subject of this history was the sixth child of his parents, and passed his childhood and youth after the manner of most farmers' sons, pursuing his studies in the winter season, and working on the farm during the summer. He remembers distinctly the preparations made for starting on the journey to the West, and many of the incidents connected with the trip, which to his boyish nature, afforded abundant amusement and entertainment. He remained with his parents during their lifetime, and afterward continued on the farm until 1861, when the outbreak of the Rebellion necessitated the call for troops. He was among the first to enlist in the service of the Union, becoming a member of Co. G, 15th Ill. Vol. Inf., and served nearly two years, when he was discharged on account of disability. He had, however, seen considerable of the terrors of war, having participated in the battle of Shiloh, and other severe engagements. While in the service, his eyesight began to fail, and soon after returning home he became totally blind. But notwithstanding this affliction, his resolute will and natural abilities have enabled him to accomplish what many men could not, although in possession of that most important of all senses. After returning from the army he continued on the homestead six or seven years, and then took up his abode in Lena, where he has since resided. In 1880 he formed a partnership with Judge Hinds, Charles Wait and A. M. Durkee, and engaged in banking under the firm name of Charles Wait & Co. The firm is a strong one, and carries on its transactions in a business-like and reliable manner, enjoying the confidence and patronage of the general public of that section.

Mr. Stevens was married, in Lena, April 16, 1876, to Miss Nancy Eby, a native of Jo Daviess County, and the daughter of George and Susan (Fernberg) Eby, pioneers of that county. The four children born of this union are Irene B., Charles E., John Frederick, and a babe not yet named.

Mr. Stevens cast his first Presidential vote for Gen. John Fremont, and since that time has been an earnest supporter of Republican principles. His handsome home is located in the pleasantest part of the town, where with his estimable wife, he enjoys the society of many friends who have learned to esteem him for his excellent qualities of character, and his value as a member of the business community.

George Eby, the father of Mrs. Stevens, and her grandfather, Jacob Eby, were natives of Pennsylvania. The latter emigrated from his native State when a young man, with his father's family. They located in Jo Daviess County, and in due time George Eby was married to Miss Susan Fernberg, who was born in Huntingdon County, Pa., whence her parents removed in her childhood to Indiana. Afterward they came to this county, but subsequently returned to Indiana, and spent the last years of their lives there. The father of Mrs. S. settled on a tract of land which his father had given him in Jo Daviess County, where his death took place in about 1882. The mother is still living there. Rev. Enoch Eby, and uncle of Mrs. Stevens, holds the high office of Bishop in the Dunkard Church, and is a man of great talents and much learning.

The father of our subject was a musician in the War of 1812, and for his services during that struggle received a land warrant from the Government. His wife when a girl, resided with her parents at Sackett's Harbor, being there at the time of the British attack on the town, and witnessed the retreat of the enemy after their leader had been slain.

Contributed by Carol Parrish from Portrait and Biographical Album of Stephenson County, Ill. (1888), p. 418