(Material researched & presented by Barbara Armstrong)

The Register, 1912

DEATH OF DR J.R. STEPHENS

"Death of Dr J.R. Stephens. An Interesting Personality"

With the death of Dr J.R. Stephens, which occurred on Monday afternoon, Gumeracha has lost a prominent resident. For more than 20 years Dr Stephens had been a resident of Gumeracha, and during that period he served his community well. As a medical man his advice was invaluable, particularly in respect to children's complaints. As a veterinary surgeon he also performed good work. He took a leading part in the Methodist Church, and was a regular attendant at the annual Conference of that body in Adelaide. His services as a local preacher were greatly appreciated by other denominations, as well as by the Methodists. He often filled the pulpit of the local Baptist Church. In literary societies he was keenly interested, and was mainly responsible for the starting of the Young Men's Literary Society at Gumeracha several years ago. In recognition of his services, the young men some time ago presented to him an illuminated address. During the last few years his sight failed him, and this seriously interfered with his work as a physician, but did not lessen his enthusiasm and energy. Even during the partial failure of his sight he attended the literary meetings regularly, and the young men took it in turn to lead him to and from the meeting. For nearly 70 years he was connected with the Methodist Church.

Dr Stephens was born in Wales in 1827. At an early age he was taken by his parents to Canada, and thence to Bermuda. He lived there until about 23 years of age. He came to Australia in 1850, when the rush to the Victorian gold diggings set in. He stayed only a short time, then went to England, but returned to Australia in 1853 as chaplain on the emigrant ship Ramillies, and landed at Adelaide. When in Bermuda he had experience as a school teacher. This enables him soon to secure a school at Onetree Hill. After two years there he took a school at Burra. As he had made a study of medicine, his services were much sought by residents of the district. This led him to go to America to finish his course as a physician. After a time he returned to South Australia, and took up land near Hallett. In 1892 he removed to Gumeracha, and had practised there as a physician for 20 years. He claimed to have established the first literary society in South Australia - at Onetree Hill in 1854. The late Sir Arthur Blyth was its first President. The name of Dr J.R. Stephens was well known throughout all parts of the State.

He was twice married, and his second wife survives him. In a trap accident in December last Mrs Stephens was seriously injured, and the doctor was badly shaken. The occurrence undoubtedly hastened his end. The deceased gentleman has left three daughters - Lady Holder (widow of the late Sir Frederick Holder), Mesdames F.C. Catt and G.F Nepean Smith - and a son, Mr Stephens, of Marryatville.