Lon Vest Stephens

Lawrence "Lon" Vest Stephens (December 1, 1858 – January 10, 1923) was an American politician, newspaper editor, and banker from Missouri. He served as State Treasurer of Missouri from 1890 to 1897, and as the 29th governor of Missouri from 1897 to 1901.

He attended Boonville public schools, followed by three years at Cooper Institute. While he was a student, his father taught him about banking and employed him as a bank messenger and teller. He graduated with a law degree in 1877. In 1879, he became the owner and editor of the Boonsville Advertiser.

In 1887, he became the receiver of the Fifth National Bank of St. Louis after it failed. On March 12, 1890, Governor Francis appointed Stephens as State Treasurer of Missouri, to fill the unexpired term of Edward T. Noland.

Personal life Stephens married Margaret Nelson of Booneville on October 5, 1880. He was buried in Walnut Grove Cemetery in Boonville, Missouri with Masonic rituals.