Breese Jacob Stevens (March 22, 1834 – October 28, 1903) was an American politician and lawyer who served as the 20th mayor of Madison, Wisconsin, from 1884 to 1885.[1]

Breese J. Stevens
20th Mayor of Madison, Wisconsin
In office
1884–1885
Preceded byJames Conklin
Succeeded byHiram N. Moulton
Personal details
Born
Breese Jacob Stevens

(1834-03-22)March 22, 1834
Vernon, New York, U.S.
DiedOctober 28, 1903(1903-10-28) (aged 69)
Madison, Wisconsin, U.S.
Resting placeForest Hill Cemetery, Madison, Wisconsin, U.S.
Political partyDemocratic
EducationHamilton College (MA)
OccupationPolitician, lawyer

Biography

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Stevens' grave at Forest Hill Cemetery

Breese J. Stevens was born in Vernon, New York, on March 22, 1834. He was raised in Buffalo, Flint, Michigan, and Vernon, and attended academies in Oneida, Whitesboro, and Cazenovia. He graduated from Hamilton College in 1853, studied law with attorneys including Timothy Jenkins, and was admitted to the bar. In 1856 he received his Master of Arts degree from Hamilton.

In 1857 he moved to Madison to manage the business interests of two of his relatives, Sidney Breese and Horatio Seymour. In addition to practicing law, he was involved in banking and other businesses, and he was active in numerous civic organizations, including the Wisconsin Historical Society. He was also a member of Grace Episcopal Church, and served as a vestryman.

A Democrat, Stevens turned down several opportunities to run for office until 1884, when he ran successfully for Mayor of Madison. He served one term, holding office from 1884 to 1885.

After serving as mayor, Stevens served as a regent of the University of Wisconsin.

Stevens died at his home in Madison on October 28, 1903.[2] He was buried at Forest Hill Cemetery.

Breese Stevens Field is named in his honor.[3] Additionally, Stevens at one time owned the land that the University Heights Historic District now sits on.[4]

References

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  1. ^ "Breese J. Stevens". Political Graveyard. Retrieved November 21, 2011.
  2. ^ "Breese J. Stevens Dead". Minneapolis Journal. Madison, Wisconsin. October 28, 1903. p. 1 – via Newspapers.com.
  3. ^ "Breese Stevens Field". City of Madison. Retrieved November 21, 2011.
  4. ^ "University Heights Historic District". Wisconsin Historical Society. January 2012. Retrieved June 22, 2014.