Part 6

All who may receive one of these histories will appreciate the greatness of the task accomplished by our esteemed relative, Bascom A. C. Stephens of California, who searched out the historical facts and family traditions. The family is fortunate to have one of its members able and willing to devote the time and labor necessary to gather this information.

I am under obligation to W. G. Stephens of Chattanooga from whose book this copy is taken.

I am taking some liberties in having a number of copies printed, knowing that many members of the family would never have an opportunity to see and a much less chance to own one of these histories unless someone would assume this responsibility.

Respectfully, A. S. BOWER

+------------------------------------------------------+ |Transcriber's Note: | | | |Variations in spelling, abbreviations, punctuation and| |hyphenation, as well as unexpected spellings have been| |retained as in the original. | +------------------------------------------------------+