John H. Stephens, postmaster of Clifton Springs, New York, was for many years prominently identified with educational matters in various capacities. The family originally came from Germany. His father, William L., who was the son of Abraham Stephens, a native of Germany, was born in Rockland county, New York. He removed to the city of New York, where, for many years he conducted the Westchester Pie Bakery, in West Nineteenth street, which was the foundation of the present American Pie Baking Company. He married Elizabeth Wood. Children: William W.; James 0., deceased; John H., see forward; Margaret; Ella, and Elizabeth.
John H., son of William L. and Elizabeth Wood, was born in New York City, January 8, 1847. He graduated from the public schools of his native city in 1864, and attended the Canandaigua Academy, 1865-66. From 1868 to 1871 he taught district schools of Manchester. For a time he filled the position of bookkeeper in Greenwich, Connecticut, 1871-7273, and then taught school again in Manchester until 1879. He occupied the position of principal of the Shortsville school from 1879 to 1881, and was school commissioner the next three years. From 1884 until 1895 he served as principal of the Clifton Springs school, and from 1896 until 1905 he again served as school commissioner, was reelected in 1905, and resigned the office in March, 1906, when he accepted the postmastership of Clifton Springs. To this position he was reappointed in March, 1910, and is holding the office at the present time. An example of the great confidence placed upon Mr. Stephens may be attested by the fact that he has been called upon as executor of many estates in his section of Ontario county, serving in that capacity for upwards of twenty-five years. He is at present a member of the board of education. His lodge and club affiliations are as follows: Sincerity Lodge, No. 200, Free and Accepted Masons, of Phelps; Canandaigua Chapter, No. 164, Royal Arch Masons; Zenobia Commandery, No. 41, Knights Templar, of Palmyra, New York; Clifton Springs Lodge, Knights of Pythias; Clifton Springs Grange; Patrons of Husbandry; Clifton Springs Masonic Club.
Mr. Stephens married, December 27, 1881, Elizabeth Johnson, of Naples, New York. Children: Ray 0., born January 10, 1883, graduated from the Wesleyan University and is now (1910) principal of Theresa Union School, of Jefferson county, New York; Floyd C., born July 25, 1886, graduated from Cornell University, is an electrical and mechanical engineer; Jessie B., born October 14, 1889.