DICKSON, Eva Pirtle (Biography)

Eva R Pirtle Dickson was the daughter of Margaret Louise Stevens Banning and Alberto Lyman Banning, Jr. (b. August 1, 1882). Eva R was named for her grandmother, Eva Ralston Banning.

1902, June 8, Eva R Banning was born in Memphis, Shelby, TN. Margaret Louise Stevens Banning and Alberto Lyman Banning, Jr. divorced.

1907, July 21, Margaret Louise Stevens married Robert Burgher Pirtle in Jonesboro, Craighead, AR. Eva R Banning was legally adopted by Robert Burgher Pirtle and her name was changed to Pirtle. Eva R Pirtle had no siblings.

1910 Census, Memphis, Shelby, TN: James Wharton Stevens (51), Emma Ann Williams Stevens (53), Charles George Stevens (42) (JWS’s brother), Arrabelle Stevens (22), Robert Burgher Pirtle (29), Margaret Louise Stevens Pirtle (27), and Eva R Pirtle (7). They lived on Monroe Avenue.

1920 Census, Chattanooga, Hamilton, TN: Robert Burgher Pirtle (39), Margaret Louise Stevens Pirtle (37), Eva R Pirtle (17), Emma Ann Williams Stevens (62), James Wharton Stevens (62). They lived at 807 Dodds Avenue.

Eva R Pirtle graduated Central High School, Chattanooga, TN on May 21, 1920. She was a member of the Christian Church.

1923, March 28, Eva R Pirtle married Charles Russell Dickson (Sr.) in Chattanooga, Hamilton, TN.

1923, Eva R Pirtle worked for Chattanooga Regional Accounting Department of the American Railway Express Co.

1930 Census, Chattanooga, Hamilton, TN: Robert Pirtle (49), Margaret Louise Stevens Pirtle (47), Charles Russell Dickson, Sr. (28), Eva R Pirtle Dickson (27), Charles Russell Dickson, Jr. (3), Margaret Nancy Dickson (3/12). They lived at 723 South Germantown Road.

1966, April 2, Eva R Pirtle Dickson died in Bowling Green, KY and is buried in Fairview Cemetery there.

The children of Eva R Pirtle Dickson and Charles Russell Dickson, Sr. were:

Charles “Dick” Russell Dickson, Jr. born June 13, 1926 in Chattanooga, TN and died April 15, 2003 in Nashville, Davidson, TN and is buried in Fairview Cemetery in Bowling Green, Warren, KY.
Margaret “Peggy Nan” Nancy Dickson born December 22, 1929 in Chattanooga, TN.

submitted by Peggy Rhinerson

PIRTLE, Robert Burgher (Biography)

Robert Burgher Pirtle was the son of William Coleman Pirtle (b. March 20, 1838; d. September 25, 1905) and Mary Ellen “Kate” Robinson Pirtle (b. December 21, 1851, d. February 27, 1932), both buried Rainey Cemetery, Toone, Hardiman, TN. He was the grandson of Robert Pirtle (b. July 17, 1805; d. May 5, 1858), Elizabeth Bennett Pirtle (b. September 12, 1816; d. October 30, 1864). Both buried in Pirtle Cemetery, Toone, TN.

Robert Burgher Pirtle and Margaret Louise Stevens Pirtle

1880, December 9, Robert Burgher Pirtle was born in Toone, Hardiman, TN and his siblings were:

William Thomas Pirtle, b. May 10, 1870; d. September 7, 1932, b. Forest Hill Cemetery, Chattanooga, Hamilton, TN. (District Accountant for Railway Express Agency), wife, Ruth.
Marie Celeste “Maud” Pirtle (Mrs. Charles Leigh Taylor), b. April 1872
Alfred Austin Pirtle, b. July 15, 1875; d. November 25, 1923; b. Rainey Cemetery, Toone, TN.
Mary Allene Pirtle (Mrs. Woodrow Sammons Marsh), b. December 27, 1878, d. August 19, 1978; b. Rainey Cemetery, Toone, TN.

Daughter, Frances, married Dr. Wilburn C. Orr (owned Bolivar Drug Store), their children

Nancy & Charles “Bunny”.
Nannie Kate Pirtle (Mrs. Joseph Martin), b. March 1884; d. 1966, b. Rainey Cemetery, Toone, TN, son, Joe Martin, wife Elia Poindexter and their son, Billy.
Arthur Coleman Pirtle, b. November 22, 1886; d. July 13, 1905; b. Rainey Cemetery, Toone, TN.
Edna Lucille Pirtle (Mrs. George B. “Jack” Doyle), b. July 28, 1891; d. March 1, 1920; b. Rainey Cemetery, Toone, TN.

1880 Census, Toone, Hardiman, TN: William Coleman Pirtle (41), Mary Ellen “Kate” Robinson Pirtle (29), William Thomas Pirtle (10), Marie Celeste “Maud” Pirtle (8), Alfred Austin Pirtle (5), and Mary Allene Pirtle (2). Robert Burgher Pirtle was born in December of 1880 after the census was taken.

1890, no census available.

1902, January 4, through January 3, 1905, Robert Burgher Pirtle was enlisted in the Spanish American War, a Sargeant with 9th CAC, U.S. Army.

1907, July 21, Robert Burgher Pirtle married Margaret Louise Stevens Banning in Jonesboro, Craighead, AR. Robert Burgher Pirtle legally adopted Eva R Banning and her name was changed to Pirtle.

1923, Robert Burgher Pirtle worked Arkansas Routes for American Railway Express Co.

1930 Census, Chattanooga, Hamilton, TN: Robert Burgher Pirtle (49), Margaret Louise Stevens Pirtle (47), Charles Russell Dickson, Sr. (28), Eva R Pirtle Dickson (27), Charles Russell Dickson, Jr. (3), Margaret Nancy Dickson (3/12). They lived at 723 South Germantown Road.

1946 Robert Burgher Pirtle retired and in 1949 they moved to 3156 Lamphier Avenue, Memphis, TN.

1961, September 25, Robert Burgher Pirtle died in Memphis, TN and is buried in Memphis National Cemetery #C4175, side by side with his wife, Margaret Louise Stevens Pirtle.

submitted by Peggy Rhinerson

STEVENS, Amanda Melvina Ashley (Biography)

Amanda Melvina Ashley was the daughter of G. B. (Greenberry) Ashley and Maria Louise Curtis/Custis Ashley. Maria and Greenberry were both born ca. 1808. Maria is buried in the Nashville City Cemetery. Greenberry was in Civil War, 1st/27th Consolidated Infantry Regiment representing Nashville, TN and believe died in the war 1861-1863.

1826, September 23, Amanda Melvina Ashley was born, Nashville, Davidson, TN.

1850 Census, Nashville, Davidson, TN, Dwelling 479, Family 479:

Maria Louise Custis/Curtis Ashley (41), f., b. TN (b. 1808, d. March 5, 1871)
Amanda Melvina Ashley (23), f., b. TN (b. September 23, 1826, m. James
Charles Stevens, Jr.-January 4, 1857, d. March 28, 1901)
Mary Elizabeth Ashley (21), f., b. TN (b. August 12, 1829)
William Custis Ashley (17), m., coppersmith, b. TN (b. February 7, 1834, d. March 8, 1904
Richard Mar Ashley (15), m., b. TN (b. April 27, 1836)
Martha Elizabeth Ashley (13), f., b. TN (b. January 28, 1838)
Margaret Louise Ashley (11), f., b. TN (b. February 10, 1841)

Amanda Melvina Ashley married James Charles Stevens, Jr. on January 4, 1857 in Nashville, Davidson, TN. Both the marriage bond and the marriage license were dated December 29th, 1856. James Charles Stevens, Jr. was born ca. 1825 in London, England.

The children of Amanda Melvina Ashley Stevens and James Charles Stevens, Jr. were:

James Wharton Stevens, b. June 25, 1858, Nashville, Davidson, TN and died January 16, 1930, age 71, Memphis, Shelby, TN.
William George Stevens, b. April 12, 1860, Nashville, Davidson, TN and died July 3, 1932, Memphis, Shelby, TN.
Charles “Charlie” Richard Stevens, b. April 2, 1862, Nashville, Davidson, TN and died July 20, 1863, Nashville, buried Nashville City Cemetery in plot with Maria Louise Custis/Curtis Ashley (his grandmother).
Emma Stevens, b. July 10, 1864 (6 years 1870 census, b. TN, not listed 1880).
Charles George Stevens, b. June 15, 1868/1869, TN.

1860 Census, Nashville, Davidson, TN, pg. 476, dwelling 103, family 125:

Maria Louise Ashley (52), f., b. TN, seamstress, (can not read of write), property value, $100
Richard Mar Ashley (24), m., b. TN, farmer
Martha Elizabeth Ashley (22), f., b. TN
Margaret Louise Ashley (19), f., b. TN

1860 Census, Nashville, Davidson, TN, 8th Ward of Nashville, D-5-171

James Charles Stevens, Jr., (34), machinist, b. England
Amanda Melvina Ashley Stevens (33), b. TN
James Wharton Stevens (2), b. TN
William George Stevens (2/12), b. April 1860, TN

1870 Census, Nashville, Davidson, TN, pg. 503, dwelling 512, family 645:

Maria Louise Ashley (62), w .f., b. TN, keeping house
Richard Mar Ashley (34), w. m., b. TN, tinner

1870 Census, Nashville, Davidson, TN, 8th Ward of Nashville, D-443 (584/706)

James Charles Stevens (Stephens), Jr., (43), railroad machinist, b. England
Amanda Melvina Ashley Stevens (Stephens) (40), b. TN
James Wharton Stevens (Stephens) (12), b. TN, attending school
William “Willie” George Stevens (Stephens) (10), b. TN, attending school
Charles Stevens (Stephens) (7), b. TN, attending school
Emma Stevens (Stephens) (6), b. TN
Charles George Stevens (Stephens) (2), b. TN

1880 Census, Nashville, Davidson, TN, 10th District, E.D. 70, page 12 (133)

James (Jos.) Charles Stevens, Jr., (55), machinist, b. England, parents b. England
Amanda (A.M., Mrs.) Melvina Ashley Stevens (53), wife, b. TN, parents b. TN
William George Stevens (20), son, apprentice, b. TN
Charles George Stevens (11), son, b. TN
James Wharton Stevens, (22), son, machinist, b. TN
Emma Ann Williams Stevens (24), wife of James Wharton Stevens, b. TN
Emma Gertrude Stevens (5/12), their baby b. July 1879 in TN

1880 & 1885 Nashville City Directory

James Charles Stevens, Jr., foreman at Penitentiary, lived Bilbo Ave. and Waller. William George Stevens lived at the same address.

1888 Nashville City Directory

James Charles Stevens, Jr., machinist, lived at Spruce and Bass.
Charles William Stevens, machinist, at same address.

1890 Memphis City Directory

James Charles Stevens, Jr., engineer, lived at 141 Looney Street.
Charles George Stevens, laborer, at same address.

1891 Memphis City Directory

James Charles Stevens, Jr., engineer, at 141 Looney St.

1892 James Charles Stevens, Jr. and Amanda Melvina Ashley Stevens divorced.

1900 Memphis, Shelby, TN census, 5th Civil District, E.D. 90, p. 1 (129/34/41)

Amanda Melvina Ashley Stevens (Stephens) (73), b. Sept. 1826 in TN, widowed
(“Grass Widow”, divorced, husband not dead, still above ground), mother of seven children, three living. Amanda was b. TN, her father b. NC, her mother b. TN.
Charles George Stevens, son, (30), b. June 1869, single, engineer in sawmill. They lived at 129 Looney Street.

Amanda Melvina Ashley Stevens died March 28, 1901, age 79, in Memphis, Shelby, TN and is buried in Forest Hill Cemetery-Midtown, Memphis, section A Adult, Lot F 90, burial #365 on March 29, 1901. Female, white, cause of death, Senility La Grippe, place of death, 129 Looney Street, physician, J. F. Cochran, undertaker, Holst Bros., Shelby County Pre-1902 Death records, File # P.151.

Obit for Amanda Melvina Ashley Stevens, Memphis Commercial Appeal, March 30, 1901, page 5. —- Stevens-At residence, No. 129 Looney Street, Chelsea, Thursday evening, March 28, 1901, Amanda A. Stevens, aged 79 years, mother of James W., W.G., and C.G. Stevens. (Nashvile and Chattanooga, Tenn., and Birmingham, Ala. Papers please copy). Remains were interred in Forest Hill Cemetery Yesterday (Friday) afternoon.

James Charles Stevens, Jr. died November 2, 1915 at 7:30 p.m., age 91, in Memphis,Shelby, TN, and is buried in Forest Hill Cemetery-Midtown, Memphis, section B Adult, Lot 883 single, burial # 3917, November 4, 1915. Male, white, married, cause of death senility, general debility, place of death, 337 W. Johnson Place, physician, S.W. Thorn, undertaker, Jno. J. Collins. State of TN Board of Health file #2756, registered # 2757, showed length of residence at address as 4 yrs., in the state 20 yrs., father was James Stevens, b. England, mother, unknown, birthplace unknown. It showed his age 74 (91). Death certificate informant was Mrs. J. C. Stevens.

submitted by Peggy Rhinerson

STEVENS, Emma Ann Williams (Biography)

Emma Ann Williams Stevens was born December 16, 1858 at Shalles Township, Allegheny County, PA.

Emma Ann Williams was the daughter of Sgt. David Richard Williams and Arabella Foreman Williams. David Richard Williams died November 6, 1880, Memphis, Shelby, TN and is buried in Memphis National Cemetery. Arabelle Foreman Williams died March 21, 1897 in Shelby County and is buried in Forest Hill Cemetery-Midtown, Memphis, Shelby, TN.

Emma Ann Williams married James Wharton Stevens on February 22, 1879, Shelby County.

The children of Emma Ann Williams Stevens and James Wharton Stevens are:

Emma Gertrude Stevens (Mrs. William S. Randolph, Sr.)
Jimetta Stevens (Mrs. Eugene Johnson Bettis)
Margaret Louise Stevens (Mrs. Robert Burgher Pirtle)
Arrabelle Stevens (Mrs. Tommy G. Tucker)

1880 census, Davidson County, TN: James Charles Stevens, Jr. (55), Amanda (53), William G. (20), and family of James Wharton Stevens (22), Emma Ann (24), and baby Emma Gertrude (5/12)

1890 No census

1900 Can not find

1910 census, Memphis, Shelby, TN, ED 240, page 211, James Wharton Stevens (51), Emma Ann (53), daughter Arrabelle (22), brother, Charles George (42), and family Robert Burgher Pirtle (29), Margaret Louise Stevens Pirtle (27), and daughter, Eva R Pirtle (7).

1920 census, Chattanooga, Hamilton, TN: James Wharton Stevens (62), Emma Ann (62), with Robert Burgher Pirtle (39) and wife, Margaret Louise Stevens Pirtle, (37) and daughter, Eva R Pirtle (17).

James Wharton Stevens died January 16, 1930 in Memphis, Shelby, TN and buried in Forest Hill Cemetery-Midtown, Memphis, TN.

Emma Ann Williams Stevens died December 1, 1921 in Chattanooga, TN while staying with her daughter, Margaret Louise Stevens Pirtle because of illness. She was buried in Forest Hill Cemetery-Midtown, Memphis, Shelby, TN.

The girls left to right, pic made about 1890: with married last names.

Jimetta Stevens (Bettis)
Margaret Louise Stevens (Pirtle)
Arrabelle Stevens (Tucker)
Emma Gertrude Stevens (Randolph)

submitted by Peggy Rhinerson

STEVENS, James Wharton (Biography)

Son of: James Charles Stevens (Jr.) and Amanda Melvina Ashley Stevens.

Brother of: William George Stevens, Charles “Charlie” Richard Stevens, Emma Stevens, and Charles George Stevens.

1858, June 25, James Wharton Stevens was born in Nashville, Davidson County, TN.

1860 Census, Nashville, Davidson, TN, 8th Ward of Nashville, D-5-171

James Charles Stevens, Jr. (34), machinist, b. England
Amanda Melvina Ashley Stevens (33), wife, b. TN
James Wharton Stevens (2), b. TN
William George Stevens (2/12), b. TN, April 1860

1870 Census, Davidson County, TN, 8th Ward, D-443, (584/706)

James Charles Stevens (Stephens), Jr. (43), railroad machinist, b. England
Amanda Melvina Ashley Stevens (Stephens) (40), wife, b. TN
James Wharton Stevens (Stephens) (12), b. TN, attending school
William “Willie” George Stevens (Stephens) (10), b. TN, attending school
Charles Stevens (Stephens) (7), b. TN, attending school
Emma Stevens (Stephens) (6), b. TN
Charles George Stevens (Stephens) (2), b. TN

Certificate: 1876, January 28, United States Inspectors Certificate to Engineers, No. 117.

This is to certify that James W. Stevens has been duly examined by the undersigned Local Inspectors of Steamboats for the District of Nashville, Tenn. as to his qualifications as an Engineer of Steam Vessels and found to be a competent and reliable person to be entrusted with the powers and duties of Engineer of “Special Class” on the Towing St. H. L. Hall and boats of her ? and he is therefore hereby Licensed to act as such for the term of one year from this date. Given under our hand this Twenty eight (28) day of January 1876. Signed by Inspector of Boilers and Inspector of Hulls. (can not read names)

Cards: “Memphis Temperance Pledge, January 1, 1877, with charity for all and malice toward none, I, the undersigned, DO PLEDGE, GOD HELPING ME, that I will forever abstain from the use of all Intoxicating Liquors as a beverage; and that I will, by all proper means, encourage others to abstain. Signed, James W. Stevens”. (also, have same card signed by Miss Emma A. Williams.

1879, February 23, James Wharton Stevens married Emma Ann Williams in Memphis, Shelby, TN by Thos. C. Holmes, Minister, M.E.Church, South. Marriage Bond was dated February 22, 1879, signed by James W. Stevens and Adolph R. Frey. Emma Ann Williams born Shaler Township, Allegheny County, PA, December 16, 1858 and died December 1, 1921, Chattanooga, TN. James Wharton Stevens was educated at Vanderbilt College, Nashville, TN.

The children of James Wharton Stevens and Emma Ann Williams Stevens were:

Emma Gertrude Stevens (Mrs. William S. Randolph, Sr.), b. January 7, 1880, Nashville, Davidson, TN, died September 17, 1957, Memphis, TN, buried Forest Hill Cemetery-Midtown, Memphis, TN.
Margaret Louise Stevens (Mrs. Robert Burgher Pirtle), b. August 15, 1882, Nashville, TN, died March 23, 1963, Memphis, TN, buried Memphis National Cemetery, side by side w/Robert Burgher Pirtle.
Jimetta Stevens (Mrs. Eugene Johnson Bettis), b. July 7, 1884, Nashville, TN, died October 31, 1965, Memphis, TN, buried Forest Hill Cemetery-Midtown, Memphis, TN.
Arrabelle Stevens (Mrs. Tommy G. Tucker), b. November 20, 1887, Memphis, TN, died December 13, 1973, Memphis, TN, buried Forest Hill Cemetery-Midtown, Memphis, TN

1880 Census, Nashville, Davidson, TN, 10th District, E.D. 70, page 12 (133)

James (Jos.) Charles Stevens, Jr. (55), machinist, b. England, parents b. England
Amanda (A.M. Mrs.) Melvina Ashley Stevens (53), wife, b. TN, parents b. TN
William George Stevens (20), son, apprentice, b. TN
Charles George Stevens (11), son, b. TN
James Wharton Stevens (22), son, machinist, b. TN
Emma Ann Williams Stevens (24), wife of James Wharton Stevens, b. PA
Emma Gertrude Stevens (5/12), their baby b. July 1879 in TN

1880, January 7, Nashville, TN, the child of James Wharton Stevens and Emma Ann Williams Stevens, Emma Gertrude Stevens was born.

1882, August 15, Nashville, TN, the child of James Wharton Stevens and Emma Ann Williams Stevens, Margaret Louise Stevens was born.

1884, July 7, Nashville, TN, the child of James Wharton Stevens and Emma Ann Williams Stevens, Jimetta Stevens was born.

1887, November 20, Memphis, TN, the child of James Wharton Stevens and Emma Ann Williams Stevens, Arrabelle Stevens was born.

1910 Census, Memphis, Shelby, TN, E.D. 240, page 211:

James Wharton Stevens (51), traveling salesman, mill supplies, b. TN, father b. England, mother, b. TN
Emma Ann Williams Stevens (53), wife, b. PA, father b. Wales, mother b. NY
Arrabelle Stevens (22), daughter, single, b. TN, father b. TN, mother b. PA
Charles George Stevens (42), brother of JWS, single, engineer fiber plant
Robert Burgher Pirtle (29), son-in-law, salesman grocery store, b. TN, parents TN
Margaret Louise Stevens Pirtle (27), daughter, b. TN, father b. TN, mother b. PA
Eva R Pirtle (7), stepdaughter, parents b. TN

1920 Census, Chattanooga, Hamilton, TN, E.D. 194, sheet # 21A, part of Ward 11

Robert Burgher Pirtle (39), clerk, Southern Express, b. TN, parents b. TN
Margaret Louise Stevens Pirtle (37), wife, b. TN, father b. TN, mother b. PA
Eva R Pirtle (17), b. TN, parents b. TN
Emma Ann Williams Stevens (62), mother-in-law, b. PA, father b. Wales, mother b. PA
James Wharton Stevens (62), father-in-law, traveling salesman, mill supplies, b. TN, father b. England, mother b. TN

1921, December 1, Emma Ann Williams Stevens died in Chattanooga, Hamilton, TN and was buried in Forest Hill Cemetery-Midtown, Memphis, Shelby, TN.

1930, January 16, James Wharton Stevens died in Memphis, Shelby, TN at age 71 and is buried in Forest Hill Cemetery-Midtown, Memphis, TN, Section 10, S ½, Lot 20, burial no. 8827, lot book 1, page 8, date of burial January 17, 1930.

State of Tennessee, Certificate of Death, file # 3597, registered no. 154, filed January 17, 1930, J. W. Stevens, age 71, male, white, married (to Lula Stevens, 285 N. McLean), occupation-engineer, b. TN, father, James C. Stevens, b. England, mother, Amanda Ashley, b. England (s/b Nashville, TN).

Obit for James Wharton Stevens: Stevens-At St. Joseph’s Hospital, Thursday afternoon, January 16, 1930 at 1:40 o’clock, James W. Stevens, husband of Lula Stevens, father of Mrs. W. M. (S.) Randolph, Mrs. E. J. Bettis, and Mrs. T. G. Tucker of this city and Mrs. R. B. Pirtle of Chattanooga, Tenn, brother of W. G. Stevens, aged 71 years. Funeral will take place from residence of daughter, Mrs. T. G. Tucker at 285 North McLean Boulevard, this (Friday) afternoon at 3:30 o’clock, services conducted by Rev. Geo. H. Martin. Interment in Forest Hill Cemetery. Arrangements by Collins Funeral Home.

1930, February, The International Engineer, Volume LVII, No. 2, page 158.

Article from Local Union No. 92, Memphis, Tenn. “Bro. J. B. Barry announced the death of J. W. Stevens, brother-in-law to the Local’s business manager. Jim Stevens was conceded to be the best oil-mill Superintendent in the oil-mill district. He was educated at Vanderbilt College, Nashville, Tennessee. For twenty years he had traveled for the well-known mill-supply firm of Reed and Duecker of Memphis.”

STEVENS Jr., James Charles (Biography)

James Charles Stevens, Jr. was born son of James Charles Stevens, Sr. and Martha Stevens, born in London, England ca. 1825.

James Charles Stevens, Jr. immigrated to America in 1858.

James Charles Stevens, Jr. married Amanda Melvina Ashley on January 4, 1857 in Nashville, Davidson County, TN. Both the marriage bond and the marriage license are dated December 29th, 1856. Amanda was born September 23, 1826 in Nashville, Davidson County, TN.

The children of James Charles Stevens, Jr. and Amanda Melvina Ashley Stevens were:

James Wharton Stevens, b. June 25, 1858, Nashville, Davidson, TN and died January 16, 1930, age 71, Memphis, Shelby, TN.
William George Stevens, b. April 12, 1860, Nashville, Davidson, TN and died July 3, 1932, Memphis, Shelby, TN.
Charles “Charlie” Richard Stevens, b. April 2, 1862, Nashville, Davidson, TN and died July 20, 1863, Nashville, buried Nashville City Cemetery in plot with Maria Louise Custis/Curtis Ashley (his grandmother).
Emma Stevens, b. July 10, 1864 (6 years on 1870 census, b. TN, not listed 1880)
Charles George Stevens, b. June 15, 1868/1869, TN.

1860 Census, Nashville, Davidson County, TN, 8th Ward of Nashville, D-5-171

James Charles Stevens, Jr. (34), machinist, b. England
Amanda Melvina Ashley Stevens (33), b. TN
James Wharton Stevens (2), b. TN
William George Stevens (2/12), b. TN, April 1860

1870 Census, Nashville, Davidson County, TN, 8th Ward, D-443, (584/706)

James Charles Stevens (Stephens), Jr. (43), railroad machinist, b. England
Amanda Melvina Ashley Stevens (Stephens) (40) b. TN
James Wharton Stevens (Stephens) (12), b. TN, attending school
William “Willie” George Stevens (Stephens) (10), b. TN, attending school
Charles Stevens (Stephens) (7), b. TN, attending school
Emma Stevens (Stephens) (6), b. TN
Charles George Stevens (Stephens) (2), b. TN

1880 Census, Nashville, Davidson County, TN, 10th District, E.D. 70, p.12 (133)

James (Jos.) Charles Stevens, Jr., (55), machinist, b. England, parents b. England
Amanda (A.M., Mrs.) Melvina Ashley Stevens (53), wife, b. TN, parents b. TN
William George Stevens (20), son, apprentice, b. TN
Charles George Stevens (11), son, born TN
James Wharton Stevens (22), son, machinist, b. TN
Emma Ann Williams Stevens (24), wife of James Wharton Stevens, b. TN
Emma Gertrude Stevens (5/12), their baby born July 1879 in TN.

1880 &1885 Nashville City Directory

James Charles Stevens, Jr., foreman at Penitentiary, lived Bilbo Ave. & Waller.
William George Stevens lived at the same address.

1888 Nashville City Directory

James Charles Stevens, Jr., machinist, lived Spruce and Bass.
Charles William Stevens, machinist, at same address.

1890 Memphis City Directory

James Charles Stevens, Jr., engineer, lived at 141 Looney Street.
Charles George Stevens, laborer, at same address.

1891 Memphis City Directory

James Charles Stevens, Jr. engineer, lived at 141 Looney Street.

1892 James Charles Stevens, Jr. and Amanda Melvina Ashley Stevens divorced.

Can not find divorce records.

1892 James Charles Stevens, Jr. married Esther “Essie” Groves Wirt Stevens on November 5, 1892 in Keithsburg, Mercer County, IL (Aledo, county seat), marriage #4527, book 1, page 4. They were married by J. E. Wasmuth, minister of the M.E. Church in Keithsburg. It was the second marriage for both.

Essie was born in England 1831 and her parents were George Groves and Margaret Sires Groves, b. England. Essie’s first husband was Martin Wirt who died August 5, 1879. Essie died August 8, 1917 and was buried with Martin Wirt and their children in Greenmound Cemetery and went back to the name Wirt after the death of James Charles Stevens, Jr.

1900 Census, Shelby County, TN, 14th District, E.D. 99

James Charles Stevens, Jr., engineer at the U.S. Marine Hospital, b. April 1839, married, b. England, parents b. England.

1900 Census, Memphis, Shelby, TN, 12th Ward, E.D. 99, p. 24 (171/433/462)

James Charles Stevens, Jr. (shows 61, should be 76), b. 1839, married 10 years, b. England, parents b. England, machinist & engineer, 1857 was year of immigration to U.S., 43 years in U.S., naturalized citizen.
Esther Groves Wirt Stevens (“Essie/Adalade”) (41), b. Feb. 1859, married 10 years, mother of two children, two living, b. MS, parents b. MS.
Guy G. Stevens (9), son, b. Sept. 1890 in TX
Mary Stevens (6), daughter, b. July 1894 in TN

Boarders living with them:

Robert Ward (30), b. GA (worked in cotton mill)
Lee Acker (21), b. TN (worked in cotton mill)
Fred B. Smith (32), b. Delaware (cotton spinner)

Residence: Delaware Avenue.

1900 Census, Memphis, Shelby, TN, 5th Civil District, E.D. 90, p. 1 (129/34/41)

Amanda Melvina Ashley Stevens (Stephens) (73), b. Sept. 1826 in TN, her father b. NC, and her mother b. TN., widowed (“Grass widow”, divorced, husband not dead, still above ground), mother of 7children, 3 living.
Charles George Stevens (Stephens) (30), b. 1869, single, engineer in sawmill. They lived at 129 Looney Street.

1914 & 1915 Memphis City Directory

James (Jos.) Charles Stevens, Jr. lived at 337 W. Johnson Place.

1915, November 2, James Charles Stevens, Jr. died in Memphis, Shelby, TN and is buried in Forest Hill Cemetery-Midtown.

Obit for James Charles Stevens, Jr., Memphis Commercial Appeal, November 3, 1915, page 7.

Stevens-at residence No. 337 West Johnson Place, Tuesday evening, November 2, 1915, at 7:30 o’clock, James C., husband of Adda (Essie) Stevens, father of J.W., W.G., C.G., and Guy G. Stevens and Mrs. Ben Floyd, brother of C.W. Stevens of Nashville, TN and Mrs. M.C. Lynn of Manhattan, Kansas, age 74 (91) years. Funeral will take place from the parlors of John J. Collins. Due notice of the time will be given.

1916 Memphis City Directory

Essie, widow of James Charles Stevens, Jr. lived at 337 W. Johnson Place.

1917 Memphis City Directory

Property at 337 W. Johnson Place was owned by G. F. Morrell.

James Charles Stevens, Jr. died November 2, 1915 at 7:30 p.m., at age 91 in Memphis, Shelby, TN, and is buried in Forest Hill Cemetery-Midtown, Memphis, section B Adult, Lot 883 single, burial # 3917, November 4, 1915. Male, white, married, cause of death senility, general debility, place of death, 337 W. Johnson Place, physician, S. W. Thorn, undertaker, Jno. J. Collins. State of TN Board of Health file #2756, Registered # 2757, showed length of residence at address as 4 yrs., in the state 20 yrs., father was James Stevens, b. England, mother was unknown, birthplace unknown. It showed his age at 74 (91). Death certificate informant was Mrs. J. C. Stevens.

Amanda Melvina Ashley Stevens died March 28, 1901, age 79, in Memphis, Shelby, TN, and is buried in Forest Hill Cemetery-Midtown, Memphis, section A Adult, Lot F 90, burial #365 on March 29, 1901. Female, white, cause of death, Senility La Grippe, place of death, 129 Looney Street, physician, J. F. Cochran, undertaker, Holst Bros., Shelby County Pre-1902 Death Records, File # P.151.

MrsJamesCharlesStevensSr — Mrs. James Charles Stevens, Sr. (Martha),she was the mother of James Charles Stevens, Jr.

submitted by Peggy Rhinerson