Stevenson, Joseph

Stevenson, Joseph, a Presbyterian minister, was born near Harper's Ferry, Md., March 25, 1779. He graduated at Jefferson College, Canonsburg, Pa.; studied theology privately; was licensed by Washington Presbytery Oct. 15, 1808; ordained by the same presbytery in June, 1809; and installed pastor of the Two Ridges and Forks of Wheeling churches in West Alexander, Pa., where he continued to preach for seventeen years, during which time his earnest missionary spirit led him to make several excursions into the destitute West. In 1825 he asked for a dissolution of the pastoral relation, so that he might give his whole time to his new and more destitute field of labor. He fixed his home in Bellefontaine, Logan Co., O. In this and the adjoining counties he continued to labor for forty years, traversing for many years a missionary circuit of many miles, with thirteen preaching stations, at several of which he subsequently formed churches. He continued pastor of the Church in Bellefontaine until increasing infirmities led him to retire from active duties, years before his death, which occurred at his home Feb. 24, 1865. Mr. Stevenson was a holy man. "Zeal characterized him, proved by much missionary work for the destitute of our own race and for the Indians, and by his active labor for Christ to the age of eighty-six." See Wilson, Presb. Hist. Almanac, 1866, p. 171. (J.L.S.)