[p. 487] a well known resident of Pulaski Township, Lawrence County, Pennsylvania, is the owner of a good farm of sixty-five acres, and is engaged in general farming and the growing of small fruits. He was born in that township, near New Bedford, November 3, 1840, and is a son of Elisha M. and Nancy (Dawson) Stevenson.
James Stevenson, paternal grandfather of Thomas D., was of Scotch-Irish extraction and was a soldier in the Continental army during the Revolutionary War. Some time after the close of that struggle, he made his way westward to Pulaski Township, Lawrence County, Pennsylvania, where he resided a few years, then moved to Poland Township, Mahoning County, Ohio, where he at one time owned what is now known as Mt. Nebo.
Elisha M. Stevenson was born in Pulaski Township in 1806, and was about two years of age when his father moved with his family to Mahoning County. There he attended the primitive schools of that period and grew to manhood. At an early age he removed to Hookston, Beaver County, Pennsylvania, where he engaged in mercantile pursuits and became an important figure in business life. In 1831, he returned to Pulaski Township, Lawrence County, located on a farm near New Bedford, and in addition to farming, for several years was a teacher in the district schools during the winter months. He died in 1899, at the advanced age of ninety-three years, a man venerated and respected by the entire citizenship of his vicinity. He was one of the first Abolitionists of the county, and was very active as a member of the Underground Railroad in assisting slaves to their freedom. He married Nancy Dawson, a native of Beaver County, and of their children two are now living: Rebecca E., widow of James Neal of Pulaski Township; and Thomas D.
Thomas D. Stevenson was reared on the home farm in Pulaski Township, and although his educational training was limited to the district schools, he became an intelligent and well informed man on all questions of current interest and importance. As a farmer and fruit grower he has met with unusual success and takes rank among the substantial men of the township. He was for some years secretary of the New Bedford Creamery Co. (Limited), and is now serving as its president and as a member of the board of directors.
Mr. Stevenson was married to Miss Mary E. Cookingham, who was born in Chautauqua County, New York, and is a daughter of Alonzo Cookingham. Four children were born to bless their home: Metta, Homer D., of Youngstown, Ohio; Melva, wife of V. A. Green, a professor in Redfield College, at Redfield, S. D. and Mabel, who also lives with her parents. Politically, Mr. Stevenson is independent in local affairs, and has frequently served in minor offices of trust in the township.
20th Century History of New Castle and Lawrence County Pennsylvania and Representative Citizens Hon. Aaron L. Hazen Richmond-Arnold Publishing Company, Chicago, Ill., 1908
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Updated: 29 Oct 2001