John Stevens
John Stevens, deceased, was one of the most highly esteemed citizens of German township, where his death occurred on February 1, 1896. He was born in 1846 in Somerset, Ohio, and was a son of Frederick and Agnes Stevens.
John Stevens was reared in his native place and attended the district schools. He devoted his life to farming and lived in Perry County until he was about 30 years old. Immediately after marriage in 1878, he settled at Columbus Grove, Putnam County, Ohio, but 18 months later removed to German township, Allen County, and bought 50 acres of land in section 8. Subsequently he bought 10 additional acres and this was his estate at the time of his death. On January 2, 1878, Mr. Stevens was married to Margaret O' Neil, a daughter of John and Frances (Lawler) O' Neil, who came to America from Ireland. Mr. and Mrs. Stevens had these children: John Henry, born October 28, 1879, who married Alta Smith, of Lima, January 1, 1901, and has one child, Velma they are residents of German township; Frederick, born June 17, 1882, who resides at home; Adam, born September 4, 1884, who died at the age of six years; Frances Esther, born April 5, 1885, who lives at home; Alice Margaret, born December 9, 1891, who resides at home, and Mary Agnes, her twin sister, who died September 4, 1892.
Mrs. Stevens is a lady of excellent business capacity. After her husband's death she increased her farm of 60 acres to 90 acres, subsequently selling 41 acres, just north of her present farm, to James McKenzie, who paid the handsome price of $100 per acre. She makes her home on her farm of 50 acres, three of her children residing there also.
The family belongs to St. Rose Catholic Church at Lima, and in the cemetery of this church the remains of the father were interred. He was a worthy member of St. Rose Catholic Church, was a kind and loving husband and an honest, whole souled friend and neighbor.