Background
Stevens, John was born in 1749 in New York City. Son of John and Elizabeth (Alexander) Stevens.
Stevens, John was born in 1749 in New York City. Son of John and Elizabeth (Alexander) Stevens.
Graduate Columbia, 1768.
Studied law, 1768-1771, appointed an attorney, New York City, 1771. Served from captain to colonel, obtaining loans for Continental Army during Revolutionary War. Loan commissioner for Hunterdon County (New Jersey).
Treasurer New Jersey, 1776-1779.
Surveyor general Eastern division New Jersey, 1782-1783. Instrumental in framing 1st patent laws, 1790.
Became construction engineering for Manhattan Company (organized to furnish adequate water supply to North:Y.C), circa 1800. Became president Bergen Turnpike Company, 1802.
Received patent for multitubular boiler, 1803.
His steamboat Little Juliana (operated by twin screw propellers) put into use on Hudson River, 1804. Attempted to operate regular line of steamboats on Hudson between New York City and Albany and on other inland rivers, prevented by lawsuits. Sent the Phoenix (1st sea-going steamboat in world) to Philadelphia, 1809.
Built the Juliana, began regular ferry service, 1811.
Obtained 1st American railroad authorization from New Jersey Assembly in 1815. Authorized by Pennsylvania Legislature to build Pennsylvania Railroad, 1823.
Designed, built experimental locomotive on his estate in Hoboken, New Jersey (1st American-made steam locomotive though never used for actual service), 1825. Proposed a vehicular tunnel under the Hudson as well as an elevated railroad system for New York City.
Married Rachel Cox, October 17, 1782, at least 7 children including John Cox, Robert Livingston, Edwin Augustus, Mary, Harriet.