"The Gospel Messenger", Volume 16, No. 3 – March 1894:

Francis Stephens.

The subject of this notice was born February 14, 1808; joined the church at Mount Pisgah, Chambers County, Alabama, Saturday before the first Sunday in September 1887, and died December 4, 1893. Thus, at the advanced age of eighty-five years, ten months, this old servant passed to his reward. Uncle Frank, as he was usually called, lived for sixty years at the same place, and was extensively known and highly esteemed by all who knew him. So honorable and upright was he in all his dealings with his fellow man, that he did not have an enemy. He was a good citizen, indulgent father and, for the last years of his life, a devoted Christian – a strong believer in the doctrine set forth by the Primitive Baptists. He obtained a hope in Christ more than forty years before he united with the church. It was the pleasure of the writer to visit this aged pilgrim many times in the last years of his life. More than once he said, "I want you, Brother Avery, to tell the people not to do as I have done. If they have a hope in Christ, go to the church; for I have had more real joy in the few years that I have been a member than I had in all the long years I lived in disobedience."
About twelve months ago he became very feeble. I went to see him, and in conversation with him on the subject of death, he said, "Brother Avery, the time of my departure is near at hand, and I must soon leave you all," and with as much composure as if he was preparing to take an ordinary journey, he said, "I want you to preach my funeral, and I want you to preach it from this text," (quoting the 15, 16, 17 and 18 verses of the 16th chapter of Matthew). On December 5, in the presence of his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and a large concourse of friends. I tried to comply with his request, after which his remains were laid beside his faithful companion in life, who had preceded him to the grave about twelve years, at the Mount Pisgah Cemetery, there to await the summons, when all the sleeping dust of the countless millions will be called to their reward; and we believe the reward of the departed brother will be everlasting joy in the presence of God and all the redeemed, will be everlasting joy in the presence of God and all the redeemed. Let us try to emulate his virtues, ever taking his advice – not live in disobedience, but live as becometh the saints of God.

– W. R. Avery, Stroud, Ala., December 11, 1893.
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1850 Chambers County Census:

Frank Stephens 42M Farmer Born South Carolina
Jane Stephens 37F, Born Tennessee
Isaac Stephens 16M Student Born Alabama
Martha Stephens 14F Born Alabama
William Stephens 12M Born Alabama
Elizabeth Stephens 10F Born Alabama
John Stephens 8M Born Alabama
Margaret Stephens 6F Born Alabama
Frank Stephens 3M Born Alabama
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1860 Chambers County, AL Census:

#H1000

Francis Stevens 52M Farmer R$1,000 P$1,000 Born SC
Jane Stevens 48F Born TN
William J. Stevens 21M Farm Laborer Born AL
Elizabeth Stevens 19F Born AL
John T. Stevens 14M At School Born AL
Margaret Stevens 13F At School Born AL
Samantha Stevens 9F At School Born AL
America Stevens 5F Born AL
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1870 Chambers County, (Beat 1) AL Census:

#H19

Frank Stephens 62M Farmer R$400 P$300 Born SC
Jane Stephens 58F Keeping House Born TN
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1880 Chambers County, (Hickory Flat) AL Census:

#H5

Frank Stephens 72M Farmer Born SC
Jane Stephens 69F Wife Keeping House Born AL(?)
Bettie Cottle 37F Daughter Keeping House Born AL
Issa Cottle 16F Granddaughter At School Born AL
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