Page:The Stephenson Family (1906).pdf/96

 James Stephenson, the fourth son of William Stephenson and his wife, did not marry.

William Stephenson, the fifth son of William Stephenson and his wife, never married.

Elizabeth and Nancy, the first daughters born to William Stephenson and his wife, R. Green Beattie, were twins, born in Chester County, South Carolina, in 1787. Their mother died the same day on which they were born. Elizabeth married Mr. Roberson. They had several sons. Nancy was twice married. She first married William Orr. Of this union two children were born. Mr. Orr died. The widow, Nancy, married John Ferguson. Of this marriage there were children born. Burdette Ferguson, now living with Stephen Ferguson, is the only surviving child of John Ferguson and his wife, Nancy Stephenson.

William Stephenson, one of the Four, the widower, married a second wife, Miss Elizabeth Wylie, an excellent and intelligent Irish lady, who had only recently arrived from the Green Isle. The marriage took place in 1789. Of this marriage four children were born, two sons and two daughters. These Stephensons were called "Stinson."

There exists a singular fact in regard to the "Stinson" family in South Carolina—one that cannot be accounted for from a human standpoint. It is this—the "Stinson" family failed to perpetuate the name "Stinson." The name, as applied to the Stephenson family, is extinct. But the descendants through the "Stinson" females bearing their husbands' names are quite numerous. I have referred to this singular fact elsewhere.

When I found that Samuel Stinson, the first son of William Stephenson and his second wife, Elizabeth