Edmund Ware Stephens and Virginia Letitia Garth married in Todd County, Kentucky, December 1, 1848, by J. D. Ferguson.  Edmund was the son of Benjamin Craig Stephens and Sally Ware; he was born in Shelby County.  Virginia Letitia Garth was the daughter of Granville Waller Garth and Elizabeth Sherman.  For the first few years Edmund and Virginia lived in Todd County, and their oldest daughter, Inez Garth, was born there February 8, 1850.  In the Todd County census for 1850, Edmund, a merchant, was 28, Virginia 17, and Inez, 7/12.

A few years later the family moved to Fulton County where Edmund farmed.  Emma Belle was born February 26, 1854.  Sarah Elizabeth joined the family November 14, 1856; and Mattie Ware, in August 1862.  Four little girls!

Our Mother, Virginia L., wife of E. W. Stephens, died October 1, 1869, aged 36 years and 3 months.  ‘The silver chord is loosed, and the golden bowl is broken, the dust has returned to the earth as is was, but the spirit has returned to God who gave it.’  Hickman City Cemetery, Fulton County, Kentucky.

Virginia died in October of 1869.  With a family of young girls Edmund married Virginia’s younger sister, Louise Emma Garth.  I could not find a marriage certificate for the couple.  I’m sure having their aunt as stepmother was an easier transition for the girls.

Loving husband and father at rest.  E. W. Stephens, died May 7, 1887, aged 65 years 6 months and 1 day.

Edmund suddenly died May 7, 1887.

The Hickman Courier, Fulton County, Kentucky

Friday, May 13, 1887

E. W. Stephens Dead

He Dies of Paralysis of the Heart

The Courier is grieved to announce the sudden death of Mr. E. W. Stephens, who died, Saturday last, at his home, near Cayce Station, of paralysis of the heart.  Mr. Stephens got up Saturday morning, dressed, and was sitting about the house, not well, but in no apparent danger, when he was seized with violent pains in the breast, and died in a very short time after this attack.  He had been suffering some time from a partially paralyzed arm, and had had a chill on the Tuesday previous.  His death was a great shock not only to his immediate family, but to the entire community.  A citizen of the count for, perhaps 30 years, one of our most successful farmers, honorable and upright in all the walks of life, a kind-hearted Christian man, and a most exemplary husband and father, he will be greatly missed by all the older and best elements and interests of our county.  He was the father of Mrs. Dr. Luten Mrs. T. M. French, Mrs. Lee Ellison and Mrs. E. B. Prather, and was buried in the Hickman cemetery Monday morning.  Heartfelt sympathy is extended to all.

Emma Garth, wife of Edmund Stephens, March 25, 1835 – November 25, 1915.

Emma Garth Stephens lived another 28 years after the death of her husband, at the age of 80.

The Courier Journal, Louisville, Jefferson County, Kentucky

Sunday, November 28, 1915

Mrs. Emma Stephens:  Hickman, Ky., Nov. 27. – Mrs. Emma Stephens, one of the oldest and best-known women of this city, died at her home yesterday of infirmities.  Her health had been failing for several months.  She was 80 years old.  She was a member of the Christian church and one of its most active workers.  She is survived by her niece, Mrs. A. R. Stone, and the following nieces who were also her step-children:  Mrs. R. T. Tyler, Mrs. L. P. Elllison, Mrs. Sam Luten and Mrs. E. B. Prather, all of this city.  Burial will be today at the City cemetery.