Samuel Edmund Stephens
Samuel Edmund Stephens, attorney and city recorder of Mount Pleasant, was born in Bedford county, on the 11th of September, 1880, a son of Robert H. and Melvina (Green) Stephens, also natives of that county. The father was engaged in farming the greater part of his life and he was one of the most prominent and successful agriculturists in the county. His demise occurred at the age of sixty-nine years. His wife also died in her sixty-ninth year. To their union thirteen children were born: Mrs. Robert E. Kimmons of Shelbyville, Tennessee; Charles H., who is living in Nashville; William M., who is deceased; Carrie Jamison, who is living in Shelbyville; Mrs. Elizabeth McMillan, who resides in Normandy, this state; Mrs. Alice Cariton, likewise a resident of Shelbyville; James D., who is deceased; Robert T., who is living in Nashville; Rebecca, who is deceased; Mrs. Annie Brisby, a resident of Allisona; Samuel Edmund, whose name introduces this review; Arthur L., who is deceased; and Mrs. May Evelyn Ross, who is living in Dixon Springs, Tennessee. In the acquirement of his early education Samuel Edmund Stephens attended the public schools of Bedford county, Miller-Minter Preparatory School, and later enrolled in Peabody College of Nashville, from which institution he was graduated in 1908. He then entered the law department of Cumberland University and the LL. B. degree was conferred upon him by that institution in 1912. In that same year he located in Mount Pleasant for the practice of his chosen profession and he has become one of the leading attorneys in the county and state. In addition to his private practice he is now active as city recorder for Mount Pleasant and he is carrying out the duties devolving upon him in that connection to the complete satisfaction of all.
For six years he was city superintendent of the local schools and he is now an active member of the county board of education. During 1918 he was connected with Y. M. C. A. work and he gave generously of his time and money in the promotion of the government's interests. Mr. Stephens is one of the most popular citizens in Mount Pleasant and he well merits the success he has achieved. In October, 1912, occurred the marriage of Mr. Stephens to Miss Virgilia Pettit, a native of Palmyra, Virginia, and a daughter of Hon. Penbroke and Virginia W. Pettit. Her parents are both living and the father is one of the most prominent and widely known attorneys in Richmond and throughout the state of Virginia. Mr. Stephens follows an independent course in polities, voting for the man he thinks best fitted for the office without regard for party principles. Fraternally he is a thirty-second degree Mason, a Knight Templar and a member of the Mystic Shrine and he is likewise affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias and Junior Order of United American Mechanics. His religious faith is that of the Presbyterian church, to the support of which he is a generous contributor, while his wife is a member of the Christian Science church. Mr. Stephens is one of the most public-spirited and liberal citizens of Mount Pleasant and he is influential in every movement for the development and improvement of the general welfare. He is a man of well proven ability and inspires all with his manly qualities and true personal worth.
Source: Tennessee the Volunteer State Vol. 4
William H. Stephens
William H. Stepens is a Tennesseean, born May 12, 1811, son of James Turrentine, who was born In Virginia In 1773. The father came to Tennessee in 1807. His wife, Eleanor Neily, was born in North Carolina. Our subject has always been a farmer. May 12, 1842 he married Martha Ann Orr, who was born January 26, 1822. To them were born seven children, all of whom are dead except David A. and Eleanor F. Mrs. Turrentine died February 1, 1882. Mr. Turrentine was an old-line Whig, but since the war has been a Democrat. His son, David A. Turrrentine, was born February 14, 1847. Up to June, 1880, he was a farmer. Since that time he has been engaged in the merchandise business at Hall's Mills. February 24, 1875, he married Mollie F. Shearin, who was born October 21, 1851. To them were born four children: Alice R:, Sallie A., Lucy J. and Felix. Mr. Turrentine has been prosperous in his business enterprises. He is a Democrat, and was elected to the office of constable in 1878, and served about ten months. He has also been a delegate to the Democratic Convention from his State several times. William H. Stephens, partner in the merchandise business with David A. Turrentine, was born in Bedford County, Tenn., February 24, 1840. He was reared on a farm, and when twenty-one years of age entered the Confederate Army, enlisting, in Company G, Forty-fourth Tennessee Infantry, and participate in the battles of Shiloh, Murfreesboro, Chickamauga, and others. He served throughout the war and was not wounded. After his return he engaged in farming and has followed that occupation to the present time. In connection with this he has been in the merchandise business since 1880. In February, 1886, he was married to Martha Ray, born February 8, 1838. They are the parents of Robert H., Etta, Thomas and Pearlie Lee. Mr. Stephens and Mr. Turrentine are doing a good business in the mercantile line. Mr. Stephens is a very firm Democrat in politics.
Goodspeeds History of Tennessee
