It is with pleasure that we are enabled to give to this worthy pioneer and substantial farmer and loyal citizen of Nez Perces County, a representation in his County history, since he has labored for many years for the development of this County, has maintained an unsullied reputation, has always been a good and upright man and is highly esteemed by all today. William Stevenson was born in Prince Edward Island, on September 21, 1841, being the son of Charles and Jane (Orr) Stevenson. The father was a farmer, born in Scotland in 1802 and died in Prince Edward Island in 1889. His ancestors were natives of Scotland and his father was John Stevenson. The mother of our subject was also born in Scotland in 1808, and died in i860, her parents being Robert and Jane Orr.
William remained with his parents until of age and then started for himself, having received his education from the schools of his native place. He went to New York and thence via Panama to San Francisco, arriving there in 1863. He labored on a farm for a time, then went to Puget Sound where he worked in the woods until 1865. One year was spent in Canyon City, Oregon, then and afterwards, he went to Montana and thence to Lewiston. It was 1866 that he landed in this County. He worked in the mines in the summer and wintered in Lewiston. In 1873 he took up his present place, twenty miles southeast from Lewiston, where he has remained since, giving his attention to general farming and raising stock. He has four hundred acres of land and his stock consists of horses and cattle. On June 14, 1882, Mr. Stevenson married Miss Julia, daughter of A. J. Glass, who was born in Ohio in 1830, and died in 1898. This wedding occurred in Nez Perces count v. Mrs. Stevenson was born in Illinois in 1857. Her brothers, John R. and Thomas C, live in Nez Perces County, and her sister, Mrs. Elizabeth Day, resides at Douglas Island, Alaska. Mr. Stevenson has brother and sisters named below, Robert, in Prince Edward island; Margaret Wyand, Jane Head, Mary, deceased; Martha McLeod, Agnes, deceased; half brothers, Henry B., and Charles. To Mr. and Mrs. Stevenson there have been born six children: Grace M., Winifred G., Clarence C, Ella B., Mildred R., and Laura May. In political matters, Mr. Stevenson is a staunch Republican and always attends to voting and the interests of his County. He is an ardent and intelligent supporter of good educational facilities and has done much for the schools. Mr. Stevenson is a member of the Pioneer’s Association. He is respected by all, is a loyal friend and a kind neighbor and is one of the substantial men of his section.
Source: An Illustrated History of North Idaho: Embracing Nez Perce, Idaho, Latah, Kootenai and Shoshone counties, state of Idaho; Western Historical Publishing Company, 1903