American architect (1845–1909)
Harris M. Stephenson (January 18, 1845 – May 16, 1909) was an American architect in practice in Boston from 1870 until his death in 1909.
Life and career.
Harris Marshall Stephenson was born January 18, 1845 in Boston to Benjamin Turner Stephenson and Nancy Kelleran Stephenson, née Hall. He attended the public schools before joining the office of his uncle, architect Samuel C. Bugbee. In 1861 Bugbee relocated to San Francisco and Stephenson moved to the office of Nathaniel Jeremiah Bradlee. Circa 1870 he left Bradlee to begin his own practice, Appleton &amp; Stephenson, in partnership with Daniel Appleton. They dissolved their partnership circa 1888 and Stephenson practiced independently for the remainder of his life.
Stephenson's practice was centered around Boston and Massachusetts, but he also completed projects in California, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York and elsewhere.
Personal life.
Stephenson was married in 1871 to Harriet Walter Currier. They had one child, Harris Walter Stephenson, who was born in 1874. In May, 1896 Mrs. Stephenson and their son embarked on a three-month tour of Europe. For their return, on August 13 they left Boulogne on board the SS Spaarndam, bound for New York City. On August 20, while the ship was passing south of the Grand Banks, Mrs. Stephenson abruptly committed suicide by jumping overboard. She had previously been diagnosed with neurasthenia and was believed to have suffered from temporary insanity. Her body was not recovered.
Stephenson died May 16, 1909 at his home in Jamaica Plain at the age of 64.
Legacy.
At least two buildings designed by Stephenson have been listed on the United States National Register of Historic Places, and others contribute to listed historic districts.
References.
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