In the book's own words, not ours, with obvious scanning errors fixed. Families often supplied these stories to the publisher, so check key dates.
Born 1849
From History of Boone County, Missouri (1882)
EDWIN W. STEPHENS.
Edwin W. Stephens, editor and proprietor of the Columbia Herald was born in Columbia, Missouri, January 21, 1849. He is the only son of Hon. James L. and Amelia (Hockaday) Stephens. A sketch of his father's life may be found elsewhere in this volume. Mr. Stephens, the subject of this biography, was reared and educated in Columbia, graduating at the State University in 1867. Soon after completing his studies at the University, he entered Jones' Commercial College, St. Louis, Missouri, where he completed his collegiate course, adding to his literary attainments a thorough business education. Returning to Columbia he entered the newspaper business, purchasing in 1870, a half interest in the Boone County Journal, In
1871, the year following, ha changed the name of the paper to the Colurnbia Herald, which name the paper has borne ever since. In
1872, he became sole proprietor of the Herald, which he enlarged and greatly improved, making it one of the largest and most popular country newspapers in the State. Mr. Stephens was married September 26, 1871, to Miss Laura Moss, daughter of Col. James H.*Moss, of Columbia, and grand-daughter of Judge Warren Woodson. Mr. Stephens has been a curator of the State University, and is at present a curator of Stephens College. He is an official member of the Baptist Church. Although young in years, comparatively speaking, few men of the State have accomplished more in the same length of time. The Herald, which he has mainly built up, affords splendid evidence of his energy, ability and good management. To say that it is one of he most powerful and influential institutions in Boone county is no latter of Mr. Stephens, whose labors to that end are not only known >ut appreciated by his numerous patrons. Devoted to his profession, earnest in his efforts to promote the welfare of the people of Boone 30unty, consistent and true to his principles, he has earned and received the active support of the people regardless of politics or opinion. With a bright future before him and a past history of which he may well feel proud, he can rest assured of the kind support of a generous and appreciative public.
As printed in History of Boone County, Missouri (1882). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.
The printed record stops around 1882. We trace your line from there down to you, with every source cited.