Gaston, Joseph.  "The Centennial History of Oregon, 1811-1912."  Vol. 2. 
Chicago, Clarke Publishing Co., 1912. p. 787.
 
JUDGE ROBERT O. STEVENSON

     Whose public service in Washington county has in every way been commendable
and of far-reaching benefit, is now filling the office of county judge, to which
he was appointed on the 18th of July, 1911.  He was born in this state when
Oregon was still under territorial rule, his natal day being October 15, 1853.
He was yet an infant when his father died.  The mother, who bore the maiden name
of Ruth Eckler, was born in Illinois in 1828, and reached the ripe old age of
about seventy-eight years, passing away in 1905.  In their family were three
children, of whom the Judge was the second.  His brother, J. G. Stevenson, is
now a resident of Eugene, Oregon, while his sister, Mrs. Rhoda Lateroutt, lives
in Oregon City.
     Judge Stevenson remembers many incidents of pioneer life and conditions
which existed here during the period of his boyhood and youth.  His education
was pursued in the public schools of Forest Grove and his work has always been
that of farming up to the time when he was called from private life to serve in
public office.  He was ever diligent and determined in the cultivation of his
fields and his practical methods wrought excellent results in his farm work.
Since attaining his majority he has been an earnest defender of democratic
principles and a worker in the ranks of the party.  For three and a half years
he filled the office of state game warden, having been appointed to that
position by George E. Chamberlain.  On the 18th of July, 1911, however, he took
the office of county judge under appointment of Oswald West, and is now
presiding officer over the county courts, discharging  his duties with marked
fidelity and ability.  He owns farm lands in Washington county and from his
property derives a good annual income.  The cause of education has also found in
Judge Stevenson a stalwart champion and for a number of years he has done
effective work on the school board in promoting the interests of public
instruction.
     In April, 1878, was celebrated the marriage of Judge Stevenson and Miss
Mary E. Buxton, who was born in Oregon but is now deceased.  She is survived by
two sons; John H., now a practicing attorney of Portland; and T. B., a resident
farmer of Washington county.  Having lost his first wife, Judge Stevenson was
again married on the 12th of August, 1890, his second union being with Charlotte
Davidson, who was born in Iowa and is a daughter of H. S. And Frances E.
Davidson, both of whom are still living, her father being a well known farmer of
his section of the state.  Judge and Mrs. Stevenson now have five children, L.
Pearl, Robert Louis, H. Iadell, James Thomas and Dora E., all at home.
     The Judge is a member of the Knights of Pythias fraternity.  He and his
wife are well known in Washington county and enjoy the warm regard of many
friends, their salient characteristics being such as in every land and clime
awaken confidence and regard.  Judge Stevenson has a high sense of duty and it
is well known that no trust reposed in him is ever betrayed in the slightest
degree.



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Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in August 2006 by Diana Smith. Submitter
has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned above.