Richard Stephens (pioneer) facts for kids

Richard Stephens (born September 7, 1755 – died July 2, 1831) was an important figure in early American history. He was a soldier in the American Revolutionary War, a politician, and a pioneer in Breckinridge County, Kentucky. The town of Stephensport, Kentucky along the Ohio River was named after him.

Early Life and Family

Richard Stephens was born in the Colony of Virginia. In September 1780, he married Elizabeth Jennings in Virginia. She was four years younger than him. Richard and Elizabeth had nine children together: Ann, Eleanor, Robert, Richard, Elizabeth, Sarah, Daniel, Mary Ann, and Jemima.

A Soldier and Landowner

Stephens served as a private soldier in the Continental Army for three years during the American Revolution. After the war, in February 1784, he received a large land grant as payment for his service. This land was about 100,000 acres along the Ohio River in Kentucky.

Over time, Stephens gained even more land. By 1799, he owned over 100,000 acres, which is about 150 square miles! This included a large estate south of Hawesville, Kentucky and the 2,000 acres where Stephensport was later built. He became the wealthiest landowner in Breckinridge County. The town of Stephensport was officially planned in 1803 and named in his honor.

Political Life

Richard Stephens also served in politics. He was a member of the Kentucky House of Representatives in 1819. Later, he served in the Kentucky Senate from 1823 to 1827.

Later Years

Richard Stephens passed away in Breckinridge County on July 2, 1831.