Benjamin Henry Stevens (1876 - 1970)

Born 23 Jul 1876 in Long Prairie, Todd, Minnesota, United States

Ancestors

Husband of May Emma (DeRocher) Stevens — married 14 May 1902 in Brainerd, Crow Wing, Minnesota, United States

Died 29 Jul 1970 at age 94 in Mount Angel, Marion, Oregon, United States

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Biography

Benjamin, son of Bernard Stevens and Anna Irsfeld, was born 23 July 1876 in Long Prairie, Todd, Minnesota. He was baptized as "Bernard Henry" at St. Mary Catholic Church in Long Prairie.

In 1900, Ben and his brother William were living in Little Falls, Morrison, Minnesota both working as hotel clerks. Ben worked as night clerk at the Buckman Hotel and Antlers Hotel.

By 1908, Ben and his family were living in Everett, Snohomish, Washington. Living with his family were his sister, Mary Stevens, and brother, Sylvester (Lester) Stevens.^[1]

By 1911, the family had moved to Portland, Oregon where Ben built a one-story frame house at 433 Russett Street (between Wabash and Washburn). In 1920, Ben and his family were still living in Portland, Oregon. At this time, Ben was a steelworker in a shipyard. Living next door was his mother, Anna, and Ben's younger brother, Sylvester.^[2] In 1930, Ben was a grocery salesman in Portland, Oregon.^[3] By 1940, the family had moved to 3535 Russett and Ben was working as a baker.^[4]

Marriage and Children

Married: Benjamin married Mary Derocher on 14 May 1902 at a Catholic church in Brainerd. The local newspaper reported: "The marriage of Miss May Derocher to Mr. B. H. Stevens, took place at the Catholic church of Brainerd, Wednesday, May 14. Solemn high mass was read, Rather Lynch officiating. The bride was attended by Miss Cecelia Roble, of Little Falls, and the groom by Mr. William Stevens, also of Little Falls. After the wedding ceremonies, the guests present were entertained by Mr. and Mrs. Derocher and an elegant wedding breakfast was served. The bride was dressed in cream colored silk mull trimmed with rich appliqué lace and carried lilies of the valley. The maid of honor wore light blue silk and carried pink roses. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. M. Derocher of Brainerd and the groom the son of Mr. And Mrs. B. Stevens of Park Rapids. The young couple are well known in Brainerd and Little Falls, and are liked by all. Only relatives and a few intimate friends were present. The outsiders of Brainerd were Mrs. B. Stevens, of Park Rapids, mother of the groom, Wm. Stevens, brother of the groom, Mr. and Mrs. M. Zerwas, Miss Cecelia Roble, Miss Helen Fredrick and Miss Lizzie Zerwas, all of Little Falls. Mr. and Mrs. Stevens were the recipients of many costly and beautiful presents. After a short wedding trip the young couple will reside at Park Rapids. They have the congratulations and best wishes of their many friends.^[5]

Children:

1. Earl Benjamin, born 24 May 1903 in Park Rapids, Minnesota.
2. Bertrum Romaine, born 3 June 1906 in Breckenridge, Minnesota.
3. Monroe Edwin, born 22 June 1907 in Minnesota. Died 18 May 1907 in Everett, Washington.
4. Laurine Aloysius, born 26 June 1909 in Everett, Washington.
5. Leona May, born 22 May 1912 in Portland, Oregon.
6. Letha Ann, born 18 December 1916 in Portland.

Death and Burial

Death: Benjamin H. Stevens died (age 94) on 29 July 1970 in Mount Angel, Marion, Oregon, United States.^[6]

Obituary: "STEVENS—Benjamin H., 3535 N Russett; father of Earl B., Bertrum R., Lauraine A. Stevens, Leona Bates, and Letha Murphy; brother of Edward R. Stevens, and Mary Heckman; 6 grandchildren, 1 great grandchild. Requiem mass Friday, 10 am, Queen of Peace Church. Recitation of the rosary Thursday, 7 pm at Mikeworth’s Funeral Home, 3018 N. Lombard. Vault entombment Riverview Abbey."^[7]

Burial: Benjamin was entombed alongside his wife, May, at Riverview Abbey in Portland.^[8]

Sources

1. ↑ "United States Census, 1910", , FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MGV7-57K : Sat Mar 09 04:08:30 UTC 2024), Entry for Ben H Stevens and May Stevens, 1910.
2. ↑ "United States Census, 1920", , FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M486-7W1 : Sun Mar 10 14:40:30 UTC 2024), Entry for Benjamin H Stevens and May Stevens, 1920.
3. ↑ "United States Census, 1930", , FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XCSW-T3S : Fri Mar 08 09:29:16 UTC 2024), Entry for Benjamin H Stevens and May E Stevens, 1930.
4. ↑ "United States Census, 1940", , FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VRYM-9DJ : Sat Mar 09 08:51:14 UTC 2024), Entry for Ben H Stevens and May Stevens, 1940.
5. ↑ "Little Falls Herald," Friday 16 May 1902, Page 4.
6. ↑ Death: "Oregon, U.S., State Deaths, 1864-1971"
   Oregon Center for Health Statistics; Portland, Oregon, USA; Oregon, Death Records, 1969-1971; Certificate Number: '70-012178
   Ancestry Sharing Link - Ancestry Record 61675 #852670 (accessed 25 October 2023)
   Benjamin H Stevens death 29 Jul 1970 (born 23 Jul 1876) in Mount Angel, Marion, Oregon, USA.
7. ↑ "The Oregonian," Portland, Oregon, Thursday, 30 July 1970
8. ↑ Find A Grave: Memorial #142181636