Guide to the James Madison Stephens, Jr. Letter and Biographical Information MS 952
Library & Archives staff
California State Railroad Museum Library & Archives
2023
Contributing Institution:
California State Railroad Museum Library & Archives
Title: James Madison Stephens, Jr. letter and biographical information
Creator:
Stephens, James M., Jr.
Identifier/Call Number: MS 952
Physical Description:
.03 Linear Feet
2 folders
2 folders
Date: 1874
Abstract: The James Madison Stephens, Jr. letter contains thirteen pages of James Stephens' account of traveling from Bunceton, Missouri
to Sacramento, California by rail in 1874 plus biographical information about him provided by his family.
Language of Material:
English
.
Collection is open for research by appointment. Contact Library Staff.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of Ms. Sara Walsh, 2023.
James Madison Stephens, Jr. was born October 19, 1830 in Bunceton, Missouri to Joseph Stephens, Jr. and Eliza Stephens nee
Cropper. He married Mary Jane Rogers on December 17th, 1854, and together they had twelve children, nine of which survived
childhood. He worked as a postmaster for Coal Bank, Missouri from 1857 until 1874. His uncles George and John Dickson Stephens
encouraged him and his family to move to California to join their ranch enterprises in Madison. In 1874, Stephens traveled
by railroad to investigate his uncles' proposition, writing a letter home to his family about his travels. Convinced, he moved
his family from Bunceton, Missouri to Madison, California that same year. While living in Madison, he was appointed as postmaster
to the Madison post office. Only two years into his California residency, Stephens died of typhoid fever on July 16th, 1876.
[Identification of item], James Madison Stephens, Jr. letter, MS 952, California State Railroad Museum Library & Archives,
Sacramento, California.
The James Madison Stephens, Jr. letter contains thirteen pages of James Stephens' account of traveling from Bunceton, Missouri
to Sacramento, California by rail in 1874, plus biographical information about him provided by his family. Transcripts are
included with this letter. The letter covers Stephens' first trip from Bunceton, Missouri to Sacramento, California. It details
his experience on the train and his thoughts concerning both rail travel and the various territories he passed through, including
Kansas, Utah and Nevada. Included in his account are descriptions of other emigrants traveling wih him and a story of gamblers
aboard the train with him. Additionally, he briefly mentions his time interacting with Mormons while passing through their
territory as well as brief mentions of United States soldiers sent to protect emigrants from Native American "attacks."
Copyright has been assigned to the California State Railroad Museum. Permission for publication must be submitted in writing
to the CSRM Library amp; Archives.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Biographical files
California--Sacramento
Correspondence--Letters
Personal narratives
Rail travel