JASPER G. STEVENS. – Substantial, prosperous, capable, and esteemed by his fellows, the gentlman, whose name initiates this article, is one who has wrought here in the business world of Union for a goodly number of years, and is well established as one of the leading business men of Cove, where he operates a fine drug store, being also entrusted with the responsibilities of the postoffice of the town. Born in the Webfoot State, he cast his lot beneath its stars and has been educated and is acquiring and has achieved his success here, and to-day he holds an enviable position in the community which is fully merited by the capabilities and integrity that he constantly manifests.
Our subject is the son of Mark and Frances (Clark) Stevens, being born on July 1, 1857, in Yam Hill county, Oregon. His father was a merchant of Eugene and was one of the early pioneers, who crossed the plains in 1850. Jasper G. received is early education in the public schools, and when the state university was founded at Eugene, he matriculated there and for four years he was assiduously laboring for mental discipline nad the acquisition of knowledge. Receiving his degree from the university, he spent six years in steady work in a drug store in Eugene, and then came to this county, settling in Cove where he opened a drug store for himself continuously since that time he has been occupied in dispensing goods over his counters to supply the wants of his many customers, while his patronage has steadily increased to a large and lucrative trade, which he enjoys at the present time. The office of the postmaster has been in his hands continuously since his settlement here, with the exception of one year, when James A. Russell, of Island City, was the incumbent. In all these years of public service, Mr. Stevens has displayed a stanch adherence to principle and a faithfulness in caring for all details as well as the alrger parts of the business, together with kindness and deferential treatment of his fellows that have won for him the high regard and commendation of his patrons and the public at large. Mr. Stevens carries a large and complete stock of drugs, sporting goods, and stationery, which amply accomodates the neads of his large list of customers, and his place is an up-to-date drug store, handling with business principles and accuracy that merit the generous attention and trade that he enjoys. His associates have kept him in the office of school clerk and other capacities much of the time, and he has been notary public for eight years.
The marriage of Mr. Stevens and Miss Minnie G., daughter of B.J. and Sarah (Parberry) Shaw, of Sedalia, Missouri, was consummated in 1889, and they have become the parents of two children: Willie, eleven years of age, and Jean, three years old. The father of our subject was city treasurer of Eugene, Oregon, for a good many years, and always enjoyed the entire confidence of the people. Mr. Stevens has acquired the sure and substantial rewards of industry and wise manipulation of business and is to-day one of the men of means of the county and enjoys the respect and good will of all.