James Augustus Stevens

Contributed by James Stevens

[great-great-grandson to James Augustus Stevens]

James Augustus Stevens was born in 1810 in Somerset, Penn and died at Oakland College, Mississippi on Feb 8, 1857.

The correct spelling of his surname is Stevens.   The quotes below are from his obituary printed in Feb of 1857 in the Yazoo City Banner.   His printing presses were sold to the new owner of the Banner about 1850 when  his health declined. 

James Augustus Stevens started the first newspaper in Manchester (later Yazoo City), Mississippi. The exact date is not there but it had to be about 1834-1836 era.

His 1857 obituary stated that he served for several years in the Navy under Commodore Perry, and "by his energy and strict attention to  his duties, became quite a favorite with that distinguished officer. "

"After leaving the service he became connected with the press of the country and for thirty years directed all his energies to the promotion of those political principles which he ardently adopted in his youth, and cherished through live with that kind of devotion, characteristic of honest of purpose and warm reliance on their correctness."

It states that he was one of the first settlers of the area, started the Manchester Herald  - the first Newspaper published this far north in Mississippi and conducted it for several years, with an energy and zeal that gave it a high character thoroughout its scope of circulation. A few years after, the name was changed to that of the Yazoo City Whig which, under his direction, did noble service in the cause of his party (Whig Party).

It also mentions that   ".... Mr. Stevens, although a very industrious man, and vigorous writer, never amassed a fortune on account of his benevolence and kindness of heart,  He loved his party (Whig) and friends and never withheld his means from the advancement of the one or the relief of the other.  He was a warm-hearted, generous man, social in his nature, and never counted the cost when, in his power to accomodate those, who, aware of  his liberality, were frequently unworthy recipients of his favors."
 

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