Stevens, Jonas T.

The following data is extracted from Lamoille County, Vermont.

Stevens, Jonas T.,of Hyde Park, son of Amasa and Martha (Smith) Stevens, was born in Eden, June 3, 1842. His father, Amasa, was a long-time resident of Eden, was prominently connected with public affairs, and for a considerable period was associate judge of the county court.

Jonas T. Stevens obtained his education in the common school, and for a time gave his services to neighboring farmers, being also employed in mills in the vicinity of his birthplace. Acquiring a small but well-earned capital, he invested it in a saw mill, when his business plans were suddenly interrupted by the breaking out of the civil war. He was too good a patriot to remain behind, when so many of his countrymen were thronging to the field, and abandoning his mill he enlisted in Co. I, 1st Vt. Cavalry and participated in nearly seventy engagements, in which that gallant corps were engaged. He had three horses shot under him, but escaped unhurt and was only prevented by a four weeks' sickness, when he was sent to the hospital, from being always present for duty. He recovered, however, in time to be present in the Winchester fight, where he had the satisfaction of seeing the rebel General Early sent “whirling down” the Shenandoah Valley, and April 1, 1863, he had the misfortune to be taken prisoner at the engagement at Broad Run, and sent to Libby Prison, but was fortunately paroled and rejoined his regiment within less than six months, eager and ready for the fray. He was discharged after almost three years service, having been promoted through every grade to 1st Lieut. of his company.

After his gallant service in the army, he returned to the vocation he had deserted at the commencement of the war, and for twenty-three years was engaged in the manufacture of lumber at Eden Mills. Since that period he has occupied himself with farming to some extent, but a large share of his time has been devoted to public affairs.

For eight years he was deputy sheriff and held that office till 1878, when he was elected sheriff of the county, serving two years, and again he discharged the duties of a deputy, till he was re-elected to sheriff in 1892. He has been entrusted with various offices, and was elected representative in 1872 and 1874 by Republican votes, doing good service as a member of the committees on general claims and corporations.

Mr. Stevens was united, in 1867, to Emma, daughter of Charles A. and Eunice White of Eden. One son has been born to them: Edson M.

Mr. Stevens is a member and past commander of Aaron Keeler Post, No. 91, G. A. R., and has received seven degrees in Free Masonry, affiliating with Mt. Morris Lodge, No. 69, of Eden, and Tucker Chapter, R. A. M., of Morrisville.

Source: Lamoille County, Vermont

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