LEVI STEPHENS. The Stephens family is one of the oldest and largest in Fayette County. The first of whom the family here have any account was one John Stephens, who emigrated from Wales when seventeen years of age, and settled in Eastern Pennsylvania, probably in Bucks County. He had a son Levi, who came to Fayette County when about eighteen years of age, as a government surveyor. He took land for his services, and owned all the lands now in possession of his progeny. He married Elizabeth Brown, of Chester County, Pa. They had seven children,— Nathaniel, Sarah, John, Levi, Nancy, Elizabeth, and Thomas,—who grew to manhood and womanhood and married. Two of their children died in infancy.
Levi, the last surviving member of this family, was born Sept. 10, 1790. He spent his early life tilling his father’s farm and attending the district school of the neighborhood. In 1813 he was married to Mary Farquhar, of Washington township, Fayette Co. They located upon the farm where his widow now resides, and his entire life was spent here as a farmer. He died Jan. 13, 1878. His widow survives him, aged eighty-six. They have had nine children. Six are now living. Robert, Esther, and Aaron are dead. Jehu, Israel, Johnson, Rachel, James, and Mary are living, married, and have families.
Levi Stephens never had time to hold an office. He was a busy farmer, and gave all his children a pecuniary start in life. He was an amiable, benevolent gentleman. He was not a member of the church, but his moral standing was excellent, according to the testimony of his discreetest neighbors.