Читать книгу History of Fresno County, Vol. 3 - Paul E. Vandor - Страница 32

As a native son of California, this well-known member of a well-known pioneer family has had ample opportunity not only to witness the growth of the state, but to contribute to it a large share himself. His father, Joseph J. Stephens, left his home in Missouri in 1854 and crossed the plains to seek his fortune in the land of golden opportunity. By dint of hard work and close economy, in two years he was able to return to Missouri to claim his bride. Elizabeth Davis. A year later, accompanied by his wife, he again made the slow journey across the plains. Arriving in Yolo County, he engaged in stock-raising near Madison, and was well known in this section for many years as a progressive, honorable citizen. He established his family in a home in Woodland, where he and his wife enjoyed the fruits of their early labor through a long and useful life, until death claimed them.

Such were the parents of L. O. Stephens, and from whom he received the early training which prepared him to take a prominent place among his fellow citizens. Born in Yolo County on May 31, 1859, he was one of a family of eight children and he was educated in the public schools, then took a course in Hesperian College at Woodland. As a young man he spent a number of years working with his father. Later, he devoted some time to the study of architecture, and for two years he operated a farm on his own account. Finally he decided to enter the commercial world and engaged in the furniture and undertaking business in his home town. Woodland, where he continued until his removal to Fresno in January, 1891. Here a partnership was formed with W. A. Bean, under the firm name of Stephens & Bean, since which time, until the summer of 1919, when Mr. Bean retired from the firm, a successful business has been conducted by this enterprising firm. They started in business at 1141 I Street, and remained there until they erected, in 1912, one of the finest buildings of its kind, and with every modern convenience, to be found in the entire west, and they have always enjoyed a well-deserved patronage. When Mr. Bean retired from the firm the ownership and management was taken over by L. O. Stephens and his son, J. D. Stephens, and at that time, June 1, 1919, there was a complete reorganization on the profit-sharing basis, all profits being shared with employees. This was the first firm in Central California that was known to take this progressive and popular step.

In 1886, Mr. Stephens was married in Missouri to Miss Bettie Bean, daughter of the late Daniel Orr Bean, who died in August, 1919, aged eighty-six years. Of this fortunate marriage one son, J. D. Stephens, was born. After attaining his majority he became a member of the firm of Stephens & Bean. Mrs. Stephens was born in Paris, Monroe County, Mo., and was educated in the public schools of that place, finishing at the Music Institute of Professor Dana, near Chicago, Ill. In Fresno, Mrs. Stephens has always been active in the First Christian Church, and also in the Women's Club work, and with three other ladies organized the first kindergarten work in Fresno City.

L. O. Stephens adheres to Democratic principles, and was elected Mayor of Fresno for a term of four years, 1901-1905. In several different capacities he has faithfully served the city and county, as well as holding the office of County Coroner for two terms while residing in Woodland, Yolo County. He has not only filled the office of Coroner for Fresno County four years, but was elected a member of the Board of Education, and under Mayor Rowell he served on the police commission for four years, and also served in the same capacity under Mayor Snow. All of these varied duties were performed with tact and ability, and he holds an enviable place in the esteem of the people of Fresno City and County.

Mr. Stephens attends the First Christian Church. Fraternally he is a Mason, holding membership in Fresno Lodge; Trigo Chapter; Fresno Commandery; Islam Temple; and the Eastern Star; he also is an Odd Fellow, Knight of Pythias, Fraternal Brotherhood, Woodmen of the World, Modern Woodmen of America. Independent Order of Foresters, and Fresno Parlor Native Sons. He is a member of the Commercial Club, Chamber of Commerce and the California Associated Raisin Company. In 1906 he was requested to conduct the Raisin Growers' campaign and reorganize the association, which he did, and he has the satisfaction of seeing the successful completion of his work, with the association in a flourishing condition.