J. M. Stephenson

In 1871, Stephenson entered the mercantile business in Morton, Mississippi, as a clerk for C. W. Taylor & Son.^[1] Stephenson then formed a partnership with Taylor in 1879, forming Taylor, Stephenson, & Co.^[1] In the 1880s Stephenson entered politics.^[1] He served as a Marshal, and then Mayor, of Morton.^[1] In 1894, Stephenson became sole owner of his mercantile business.^[1] In 1895, Stephenson was elected Sheriff of Scott County, and served from 1896 to 1900.^[1] In 1903, Stephenson ran to represent the 13th District (Scott and Newton Counties) as a Democrat in the Mississippi State Senate for the 1904–1908 term.^[1] He was elected on November 3, 1903.^[1] During this term, Stephenson served on the following committees: Finance; Agriculture; Commerce & Manufactures; and Claims.^[1] In May 1904, Stephenson was appointed cashier for a new bank in Morton, Mississippi.^[2] Stephenson died at his home in Morton on April 21, 1905.^[3] Oliver McIlhenny Jr. was elected to replace Stephenson for the 1906 session.^[4]

Stephenson was a member of the Baptist Church.^[1] He was also a member of the Knights of Pythias, Knights of Honor, Knights and Ladies of Honor, and Woodmen of the World.^[1] Stephenson married Lilla Belle Marion in November 1878.^[1] They had six children, named Albert Malcolm, Carrie, Lillie Marion, James Marion, Laurie Lee, and Mary Francis.^[1]