STEPHENSON, (Dr.) Benjamin Franklin

A physician and soldier, was born in Wayne County, Ill., Oct. 30, 1822, and accompanied his parents, in 1825, to Sangamon County, where the family settled. His early educational advantages were meager, and he did not study his profession (medicine) until after reaching his majority, graduating from Rush Medical College, Chicago, in 1850. He began practice at Petersburg, but, in April, 1862, was mustered into the volunteer army as Surgeon of the Fourteenth Illinois Infantry. After a little over two years service he was mustered out in June, 1864, when he took up his residence in Springfield, and, for a year, was engaged in the drug business there. In 1865 he resumed professional practice. He lacked tenacity of purpose, however, was indifferent to money, and always willing to give his own services and orders for medicine to the poor. Hence, his practice was not lucrative. He was one of the leaders in the organization of the Grand Army of the Republic in connection with which he is most widely known; but his services in its cause failed to receive, during his lifetime, the recognition which they deserved, nor did the organization promptly flourish, as he had hoped. He finally returned with his family to Petersburg. Died, at Rock Creek, Menard County, Ill., August 30, 1871. [Submitted by K. Torp]