Ephraim E. Stevens

Ephraim Eldorus Stevens (January 12, 1851 – July 20, 1907) was an American architect, Republican politician, and Wisconsin pioneer. He was the 27th mayor of Oshkosh, Wisconsin, and represented Winnebago County in the Wisconsin Senate during the 1905 session. His name was almost always abbreviated as in contemporary documents.

Biography Ephraim Stevens was born in the town of Knox, Maine, in January 1851. When he was an infant, he came with his parents and siblings to Oshkosh, Wisconsin, where he would live out the rest of his life. He was educated in the public schools and studied masonry. In 1868, he went to Green Bay, Wisconsin, where he apprenticed in under architect D. M. Harteau, and later partnered with him in the firm Harteau & Stevens.

He returned to Oshkosh and became one of the more prominent architects in the city, responsible for a number of schools and public buildings. He was active in the local Republican Party and was chairman of the city and county Republican committees several times. He prevailed in the general election with 57% of the vote.

A short time after the 1906 election, Stevens began suffering from bronchitis, followed by pneumonia. By May, he was bedridden and died July 20, 1907.

Personal life and legacy Ephraim was one of six children born to Hiram and Rosella ( Cross) Stevens. Hiram Stevens was involved in the lumber industry in Oshkosh, but enlisted for service in the Union Army during the American Civil War. He served with the 3rd Wisconsin Cavalry Regiment but was discharged due to disease after one year of service and died four months later, in March 1863.

He married Margaret Jacobs on February 23, 1974. They had five daughters together, who all survived him.

Stevens Park in Oshkosh is named in his honor.

Electoral history Wisconsin Senate (1904, 1906)