James Stephenson was born in South Carolina in 1782 and came with his parents to Kentucky about 1800. In 1809 he married Margaret Clinton in Caldwell County, Kentucky. She was a daughter of Captain James Clinton of the Revolutionary Army. Mr. Stephenson moved to Wayne County, Illinois, where he was commissioned Captain of the State Militia by Governor Bond. He removed Sangamon County in 1825, and to Menard in the fall of 1844.

He and his wife were strict Presbyterians and believed in keeping the Sabbath day holy. Not only did they believe in it. but they strove to have all their household observe it in a decorous manner. No unnecessary work, no levity, no whistling or exuberance of spirits were allowed.

Their children were ten in number: Peninah, William C., a physician, Hannah A., wife of Jacob Swingle, James W., Finis E., Civil War soldier, who married Maria Houghton, Alexander, Benjamin F., a physician, Elvira, wife of Aaron R. Houghton, Mary E., and Harriet, wife of William N. Spears. James Stephenson died in 1867 and his wife in 1868.

Source for photos and bio is: The Book Committee. Rock Creek Presbyterian Church Christian Heritage 175 years, Menard Co. IL. 1997. This includes a reprint of ROCK CREEK, A Retrospect of One Hundred Years, by Alice Keach Bone, written ca 1922, page 81, 82. It is a history of Rock Creek Cumberland Presbyterian Church and it's people