C. Eugene Stephens
C. Eugene Stephens | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Stephens, c. 1925 | |
| State Treasurer of Missouri | |
| In office 1925 – December 1928 | |
| Preceded by | Lorenzo Dow Thompson |
| Succeeded by | Larry Brunk |
| Personal details | |
| Born | December 20, 1889 |
| Died | June 25, 1970 (aged 80) |
| Party | Republican |
| Occupation | Politician |
C. Eugene Stephens (December 20, 1889 – June 25, 1970) was an American politician. He served as the State Treasurer of Missouri from 1925 to 1929.
Biography
[edit]Stephens was born on December 20, 1889, in Kirksville, Missouri, to Mortimer Stephens and Ella (née Deaton) Stephens.[1] He lived on a farm there until 1900, when he and his family moved to Maplewood.[2] After receiving his education at public schools, he worked as a bank clerk. From 1915 to 1917, he was clerk for St. Louis County. He then was chief clerk for State Auditor of Missouri George E. Hackmann in 1917; and Secretary of State of Missouri Charles U. Becker in 1921.[3][4] He later sued Becker in 1928 for $125,000, after Becker approached the St. Louis Globe-Democrat, seeking to have an article saying Stephens' administration as treasurer was unable to account for $500,000 of gasoline tax.[5]
A Republican, Stephens was elected State Treasurer of Missouri on November 4, 1924. He served from 1925 to December 1928[6] and was paid $3,000 per year.[3] Elected at age 34, he was the youngest person elected State Treasurer.[7] Stephens unsuccessfully ran for State Secretary in 1928.[5][8] In 1930, he was investigated, as Henry S. Caulfield alleged that funds had gone unaccounted for during his tenure as Treasurer.[9][10]
After serving, Stephens involved himself with the gas industry of the Kansas City metropolitan area; he previously engaged in the industry at a state level, employing a gas tax clerk while Treasurer.[3] On January 13, 1931, he crashed his car into a ditch on U.S. Route 66, near Waynesville, breaking his leg leg and three ribs, as well as injuring his scalp.[8][11]
On December 29, 1911 or 1912, Stephens married Mary Ann Wilson, with whom he had two children. He was Baptist. He died on June 25, 1970, aged 80,[1][3][12] in Jefferson City. He is buried in Ironton.[7][13]
References
[edit]- 1 2 "The Political Graveyard: Index to Politicians: Stephens". politicalgraveyard.com. Retrieved 2025-12-31.
- ↑ "C. Eugene Stephens, Candidate, Is Here". The Maryville Daily Forum. 13 July 1928. p. 1. Retrieved 2025-12-30.
- 1 2 3 4 "Missouri State Past Treasurers - C. Eugene Stephens". treasurer.mo.gov. Retrieved 2025-12-31.
- ↑ "C. Eugene Stephens". Franklin County Tribune. 30 October 1924. p. 9. Retrieved 2025-12-30.
- 1 2 "A Candidate Brings Suit". The Maryville Forum. 27 August 1928. p. 1. Retrieved 2025-12-30.
- ↑ The Iowa Official Register. Secretary of State. 1927. p. 507.
- 1 2 "C. E. Stephens Rites". The Kansas City Star. 27 June 1970. p. 2. Retrieved 2025-12-30.
- 1 2 "C. E. Stephens Seriously Hurt in Car Wreck". Jefferson City Post-Tribune. 13 January 1931. p. 1. Retrieved 2025-12-30.
- ↑ "Witness Heard in Brunk Probe". Columbia Missourian. 21 January 1931. p. 2. Retrieved 2025-12-30.
- ↑ "Quiz Ordered By Caulfield". The Springfield Press. 1 November 1930. p. 16. Retrieved 2025-12-30.
- ↑ "C. Eugene Stephens Seriously Injured". St. Louis Globe-Democrat. 14 January 1931. p. 5. Retrieved 2025-12-30.
- ↑ Who's who in the Central States. Mayflower Publishing Company. 1929. p. 935.
- ↑ "C. Eugene Stephens". Daily American Republic. 27 June 1970. p. 2. Retrieved 2025-12-30.
