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Solon Mills Stevens

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Solon Mills Stevens

Birth	:	26 Jan 1829 Bethel, Windsor County, Vermont, USA
Death	:	29 Jan 1916 Auburn, Placer County, California, USA
Burial	:	Elmwood Cemetery, Perth, Lanark County, Canada
Coordinate	:	44.9152500, -76.2622600
Plot	:	239
Description	:	Son of Oliver Stevens and Mary Mills, both of Vermont. Grandson of Captain Oliver Stevens Jr and Lucy Howard, both of Vermont, Roswell Mills of New York and Polly Terry of Connecticut. Husband of Olivia Case Cushing married 28/29 Sept 1852 in East Randolph. Vermont. Father of Clarence Cushing Stevens, Willard Stevens, Fred Stevens and Frank Stevens. Since 1870 members of the Stevens family, father and son, have been the leading druggist of Auburn and the name has become locally synonymous with quality and service. Frederick's father, Solon Mills Stevens married Olivia Cushing and came to California in... Read More	Son of Oliver Stevens and Mary Mills, both of Vermont. Grandson of Captain Oliver Stevens Jr and Lucy Howard, both of Vermont, Roswell Mills of New York and Polly Terry of Connecticut. Husband of Olivia Case Cushing married 28/29 Sept 1852 in East Randolph. Vermont. Father of Clarence Cushing Stevens, Willard Stevens, Fred Stevens and Frank Stevens. Since 1870 members of the Stevens family, father and son, have been the leading druggist of Auburn and the name has become locally synonymous with quality and service. Frederick's father, Solon Mills Stevens married Olivia Cushing and came to California in 1855 via the Isthmus of Panama and settled in Auburn where he followed his trade as a painter for a time. He later tried ranching but concluded he was not cut out for a tiller of the soil and opened a stationery store in conjunction with which he acted as agent for the Western Union Telegraph Co., and postmaster appointed by President Johnson. In 1870 he bought the drug store of B. R. Wells (announced in the Placer Herald 02 Jan 1875, pg 3, col 1.) He served as County Supervisor for two terms and died in 1916 at the age of eighty-seven. Frederick attended Auburn schools and at the early age of 14, started in the drug store business with his father. In 1896 he bought out his father and remained in the drug store business for 45 years. He was appointed postmaster by President Harrison in 1892. While serving as postmaster, the elder Mr. Solon Stevens issued the first Government money order issued in Auburn; and his son issued the last postal note issued from the Auburn post office. Solon served as director of the Placer County Bank and city trustee and was one of the founders of the Native Sons of the Golden West Parlor No. 59. In 1857 Solon built a home in Auburn located at 1157 Lincoln Way. The ravine behind his home was rich in gold during the early days of Placer County. This house was torn down in 1936. (Placer Herald 12-3-1936) In 1871 Solon was elected as Justice of Peace at Township 3, Placer County (Auburn) on October 18th. He would take office in 1872, and served one two-year term. (Placer County Board of Supervisor Minute Books) Sacramento Daily Union, 12 November 1866: Solon M. Stevens has been appointed Postmaster at Auburn, Placer county, California. Solon was a pall bearer at the funeral of George W Brown's funeral January of 1898. Excerpts from an article entitled "1889 Files Give More Material of Local Interest" published in the Auburn Journal 10 Mar 1927, p4 Last Wednesday evening the full Board of Trustees passed an ordinance to the effect that on and after the 15th inst. it shall be unlawful for any person under the age of 18 years to smoke a cigarette within the city limits of Auburn, under penalty of a fine not less that $5 nor more than $10, or imprisonment not exceeding 30 days or both."I wish there wasn't a cigarette in the country," said S M Stevens, the druggist. "And yet I don't know about the policy of this kind of regulation. If they can prevent persons under 18 years from smoking cigarettes, why can't they stop those who are more than 18? And if they can keep them from smoking cigarettes, why not cigars, too? And then what is to keep them from going still further and saying, 'here, we guess Solon Stevens is injuring his health he shall not smoke any more cigars.' Don't you see you and I are in danger." and Mr Stevens set u the Havanas and the reporter went over to the cigar factory. Sacramento Union 04 October 1914 pg 14 col 2: Mr. and Mrs. Solon M. Stevens yesterday rounded out 62 years of happy wedded life. On September 28, 1852, Mr. and Mrs. Stevens were married in East Randolph, Vt. Since that time the aged couple have been together constantly for 62 years. Mr. Stevens is 86 years old, while Mrs. Stevens is 78. The Stevens are among the oldest residents of Auburn. Mr. Stevens moved to Auburn in 1855. Less than two years later Mrs. Stevens followed him. Here they lived and here they raised their four children, two of whom are dead. In spite of the fact that yesterday was a day the average person would celebrate, the aged couple were pursuing their usual work around the house. Tuesday is Mrs. Stevens’ wash day, and she put out the regular weekly wash. Stevens was postmaster in Auburn during the administration of President Lincoln. He also served a term as postmaster under President Johnson. Mr. Stevens claims the distinction of having written out the first money order ever written out in Auburn. The two children of the aged couple now alive are Fred S. Stevens, local druggist, and Willard Stevens of San Francisco. There are four grandchildren, Henry Stevens, Mrs. Spencer, Olivia Stevens and Madeline Stevens. There is one great-grandchild, Clarence Stevens, 9 years of age. During the day the elderly couple were at home to their numerous friends and to relatives at the residence on Commercial street. The Placer Herald, 02 Oct 1915, p3 excerpts Married 63 years Mr and Mrs Solon M Stevens, pioneer residents of Auburn, we married sixty-five years ago last Wednesday. They are probably the oldest residents of Auburn and vicinity since 1855, with the exception of Justice B F Gwynn. Mr and Mrs Stevens were married at East Bethel, Vt, Sept 29, 1852 and in 1855 Mr Stevens emigrated to Auburn, his wife following later. Mr Stevens was Auburn's first postmaster serving under President Lincoln. Placer Herald, 05 Feb 1916, p2 In the passing of Solon M Stevens on Saturday morning last, January 29th, Auburn loses another of its pioneers - the community one of its most loyal citizens and his family a kind and indulgent husband and father. Solon Stevens lived beyond the allotted span of human life, and at "sunset and evening star" he heard and answered the call, enjoying esteem and confidence of his fellow man. "None knew him but to love him. None knew him but to praise him." Solon Mills Stevens was born in Bethel, Winsor county, Vermont, on January 26th, 1829, and was therefore just past 87 years of age. He was educated in Royal and West Randolph Academics in Vermont. In early life he learned the carpenter's trade, and for a time was engaged in that business. On Sept 29, 1852 he married Miss Olivia Cushing, a native of his home town. In 1855 he came to California via the Isthmus of Panama, and after landing in San Francisco, came direct to Auburn. Mrs Stevens joined him a year and a half later, bringing with her their baby, Clarence, now deceased. Mr Stevens slept his first night in Auburn in an underground rooming house, owned by his cousin, Julius Brooks, and situated just opposite the Stevens' drug store as it now stands. The exact location is probably where W E Larsen now has his watchmaking shop. On his own volition, he brightened up the Brooks hotel with a coat of paint and later painted the butcher shop adjoining and the old American hotel. For a number of years he followed painting, carpentry and ranching. Mr Stevens built and painted some of the oldest houses in Auburn; among the houses built by him was the Nichols house opposite the Catholic Church. He put on the covering of the Old Auburn and Forest Hill suspension bridge owned by Ed Hall. He ranched in the Long Valley district between Auburn and Folsom, owning what is now the F W Midgley place. He was postmaster of Auburn during the terms of Presidents Lincoln and Johnson, conducting a book and stationary store in connection. Prior to that he was District Assessor. Mr Stevens was the first manager for the Western Union Telegraph Co for Auburn, and conducted its affairs here for many years. He also served his county and city as Supervisor and City Trustee with honor and credit.In 1879 he went to San Francisco, but returned in 1872 and established the Stevens drug store, which he operated until 1896 when he retired in favor of his son, F S Stevens. He moved from across the street, (the old Walsh corner recently occupied by S A McKintry) into the present Stevens drug store building in 1882. Fraternally, Mr Stevens had been an Odd Fellow for many years. He joined Auburn Lodge No 7 in 1867, and was a charter member of Placer Encampment No 36. The funeral was held Monday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock, from the family residence, under the auspices of the Odd Fellows, assisted by Rev Grant L Schaeffer. Besides his faithful and loving wife, with whom he lived for over sixty-three years, he leaves two sons, to mourn their loss, Fred S Stevens and W D Stevens, and four grandchildren - Henry C Stevens, Mrs John Spencer, and Misses Olivia and Madolyn Stevens - all of whom have the sympathy of a sorrowing community. Two sons, Clarence and Frank, have gone before. "The day has come, not gone: The sun has risen, not set; His life is now beyond The reach of death or change; Not ended, but begun." The Placer Herald, 29 Jan 1916, p3 Pioneer Stricken S M Stevens, one the very oldest residents of this community received another stroke last Tuesday and his death is only a question of time. Mrs Stevens was 87 years old on Wednesday. Mr Stevens bears up wonderfully under the ordeal, while Will Stevens has been with his father all the time ever since he was first stricken, and Fred Stevens spends as much time at the old homestead as he possibly can. Solon Stevens is a grand old man. He has been a resident of Auburnoversixty years and his fatal illness has cast a gloom over the community. Auburn Journal, 19 Apr 1934, p4 Within the story entitled "Robinson Traces Post Office History" The post office was always operated in conjunction with a store of some kind until Fred Stevens became postmaster in 1892. Fred's father, Solon Stevens, had been postmaster many years before him and wrote the first money order ever issued in Auburn. To Fred came the distinction of writing the last postal note to be issued in Auburn. Solon Mills Stevens was buried Jan 31st, per Helen Shurtleff Stevens' diary. The Placer Herald, 21 Aug 1937, p1 Excerpts from the article entitled "Fifty Years ago" Solon M Stevens, father of Fred Stevens, had a drug store in the two story brick down town, next to the Orleans Hotel. He was a very quiet man, tall, with a full beard. He was one of Auburn's best and most likable citizens. Mr Stevens was also the telegraph operator, and his store was a great hangout for many citizens, such as County Supervisor W S Graham, L F Warner, Fred Birdsall, Frank Adams the abstractor, and Tom Nichols, ex County Clerk and cashier of the Placer County Bank. Fred worked there, as did also hos other two boys, Frank and Bill. Both were railroad and telegraph operators. Bill was quite mechanical, and ran all kinds of machines, mining hoists, engines, etc. He was also a printer. There was another son, Clarence, who died before my time.

frequently asked questions (FAQ):

Where is Solon Mills Stevens's memorial?
Solon Mills Stevens's memorial is located at: Elmwood Cemetery, Perth, Lanark County, Canada.
When did Solon Mills Stevens death?
Solon Mills Stevens death on 29 Jan 1916 in Auburn, Placer County, California, USA
Where are the coordinates of the Solon Mills Stevens's memorial?
Latitude: 44.9152500
Longitude: -76.2622600

Family Members:

Parent

Spouse

Olivia Case Cushing Stevens

(1835 - 1916)

Siblings

Children

Clarence Cushing Stevens

(1854 - 1886)

Frederick Solon Stevens

(1864 - 1940)

Frank H Stevens

(1865 - 1904)

Willard D “Bill” Stevens

(1867 - 1933)

Flowers:

Left by Anonymous on 28 Apr 2009

Rest in peace.

Left by Anonymous on 15 Oct 2009

Found a article on you today.

Left by Anonymous on 12 Dec 2011

From your great great grand daughter

Left by Anonymous on 12 Dec 2011

Left by Anonymous on 07 Mar 2016

So much to learn in the newspapers about you and your family. I will see you one day, great great grandfather. Nid ydych yn cael eu hanghofio, hen daid, cuimhne go deo.

Left by Anonymous on 12 Aug 2020

Nearby Cemetories:

1. Elmwood Cemetery
Perth, Lanark County, Canada
Coordinate: 44.9152500, -76.2622600

2. Saint Bridget's Catholic Church Cemetery (Defunct)
Perth, Lanark County, Canada
Coordinate: 44.8998300, -76.2447800

3. Old Burying Ground
Perth, Lanark County, Canada
Coordinate: 44.8990040, -76.2405260

4. Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church
Perth, Lanark County, Canada
Coordinate: 44.8952293, -76.2466666

5. Saint John's Parish Cemetery
Perth, Lanark County, Canada
Coordinate: 44.9055700, -76.2316700

6. Saint Paul's United Church Cemetery
Perth, Lanark County, Canada
Coordinate: 44.8963120, -76.2363810

7. Campbell Cemetery
Perth, Lanark County, Canada
Coordinate: 44.9241486, -76.1950183

8. Olde Burying Site
Bathurst, Lanark County, Canada
Coordinate: 44.8682970, -76.2904380

9. Campbell's Cemetery
Balderson, Lanark County, Canada
Coordinate: 44.9634420, -76.2879760

10. Millar Brooke Farm Cemetery
Lanark County, Canada
Coordinate: 44.8791300, -76.1973330

11. Scotch Line Cemetery
Scotch Line, Lanark County, Canada
Coordinate: 44.8397000, -76.3219100

12. Pioneer Cemetery
Drummond, Lanark County, Canada
Coordinate: 45.0010890, -76.2342690

13. Rideau Ferry Cemetery
Rideau Ferry, Lanark County, Canada
Coordinate: 44.8568700, -76.1634000

14. Drummond Centre Community Cemetery
Drummond, Lanark County, Canada
Coordinate: 45.0152470, -76.2346910

15. Saint James Anglican Cemetery
Port Elmsley, Lanark County, Canada
Coordinate: 44.8917210, -76.1153860

16. Prestonvale Cemetery
Prestonvale, Lanark County, Canada
Coordinate: 45.0213420, -76.2857260

17. McVeigh Cemetery
Bathurst, Lanark County, Canada
Coordinate: 44.8968580, -76.4134040

18. Saint Bridget's Cemetery
Stanleyville, Lanark County, Canada
Coordinate: 44.8048900, -76.3153700

19. Robertson Cemetery
Drummond, Lanark County, Canada
Coordinate: 45.0188425, -76.1858338

20. Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Cemetery
Lanark, Lanark County, Canada
Coordinate: 45.0137110, -76.3598740

21. Saint Paul's Anglican Cemetery
Lanark, Lanark County, Canada
Coordinate: 45.0158790, -76.3612520

22. Pinehurst Cemetery
Playfairville, Lanark County, Canada
Coordinate: 44.9748260, -76.4146990

23. Saint Stephen's Anglican Cemetery
Brooke, Lanark County, Canada
Coordinate: 44.8620605, -76.4229584

24. Lanark Village Cemetery
Lanark, Lanark County, Canada
Coordinate: 45.0187910, -76.3700450