Nationality American Spouse(s) Laura Moss Religion Baptist | Notable work Around the World Died May 23, 1931 Occupation journalist, publisher Name Edwin Stephens | |
Children Hugh Stephens, E. Sydney Stephens | ||
Edwin William Stephens or E.W. Stephens was an American journalist, publisher, and civic leader from Columbia, Missouri. Born in 1849 into a prominent family he would graduate from the University of Missouri in 1867. He was hired by William Switzler publisher of the Missouri Statesman. In the 1870 he went into business for himself, eventually founding the Columbia Herald, which became famous as "America's model weekly." He also founded the E.W. Stephens Publishing Company. Stephens served as president of the board of curators for both the University of Missouri and Stephens College, which was named after his father James L. Stephens. In 1890 he was president of the Missouri Press Association where he would advocate for the creation of the Missouri State Historical Society and became its first president in 1898. His relationship with Walter Williams, who he employed at the Herald, would lead to the creation of the world's first school of journalism: the Missouri School of Journalism. Stephens chaired the commission responsible for the design and construction of the current Missouri State Capitol.