Biographical History of Pottawattmie Co., IA

ILAS L. STEPHENS, a farmer of Crescent Township, was born in Utah Territory, November 7, 1854, a son of William C. and Lydia S. (Ballard) Stephens, natives of Tennessee. The father was reared on the farm, and in 1859, after having gone to Utah during the great Mormon emigration, was married. About 1866 he returned to Council Bluffs and some months afterward went to Crescent City, bought forty acres near by, made a number of improvements, and about five years afterward he sold it, and was in different places until he bought eighty acres of partly improved land, which he now occupies. He has put the place in good condition, and has been successful in his enterprises. He makes his home partly in Council Bluffs. He had eight children: James, born in 1859, and now residing in Council Bluffs; Silas L. was next; Philip and Robert are both dead; Samuel U., born in 1874, is in Council Bluffs; and Bert, born in 1873, lives also in that city.

Mr. Silas L. Stephens, January 2, 1887, married Alice Gideon, the daughter of V. M. and Rosanna (Baum) Gideon, who had four children: Alice, just mentioned, was born in Madison County, Iowa, September 12, 1868. After his marriage, Mr. Stephens worked with his team on the grade, then rented a farm for two years and since then he has been following agricultural pursuits on the old home place, where he is enjoying the pleasures of a well finished residence. His two children are Ernest R., born October 17, 1888; and Lydia Rosanna, September 19, 1889.

Mr. Stephens is a stanch Democrat, well principled and energetic. Is a good violinist and a favorite in social circles.

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