Mr. Stevens's entrance into Jersey City was marked by his entrance into Public School No. 2, under the celebrated Yerrington. He was an apt scholar, his keen, quick perception proving his ability to comprehend any task set before him. Leaving school, he became a messenger boy for the Western Union Telegraph Company, under the supervision of Charles Cary, and afterward accepted a similar position for the Erie Railroad Company. After serving for thirteen years in the capacity of clerk and bookkeeper in Wall Street, New York, he cast about for something else. His father having died when he was about eighteen, he was obliged to assist the rest of the family, and front that time manifested a tendency for entrance into business for himself.

The opportunity came. During his employment in Wall Street he often visited a friend in an undertaking establishment, and carefully noting all the preparations required in the work of trimming caskets and other details soon found that he possessed sufficient insight into the business to make it his life work. And for five years he devoted himself to studying the business in all its branches.

On June 1, 1880, Mr. Stevens engaged in the undertaking business for himself, at 617 Jersey Avenue, Jersey City, and in 1890 moved to No. 605 Jersey Avenue, where he still continues, having built what is without exception one of the most complete and commodious establishments in the State of its kind.

He owes his success to his own personal characteristics, as he possesses all the qualifications that go to make up honesty and fixed purpose. No detail in the requirements of his business are unknown to him. The appointments of his establishment are modern in every respect, beautiful in appearance, and wholly devoid of that grewsome air which often characterizes such places. In brief, they are particularly arranged so as not to present any unpleasant feature to the most delicate-minded observer. His business is large and lucrative, and exclusively among the better class of people, as those with whom he is closely associated attest. His entire establishment is the consummation of his own ideas and designs.

As a citizen Mr. Stevens is known to foster a just pride in his surround- ings, and is an active participant in any movement that will advance local improvement. He is a member of St. Paul's Methodist Episcopal Church, of Jersey City, of Rising Star Lodge, No. 107 F. and A. M., of Rising Star Lodge, No. 210, I. O. O. F. (which was named upon his suggestion), of Harmony Encampment, 47, I. O. O. F., and of the Union League Club.