Wilton Robert Stephens (1907 - 1991)

Born 14 Sep 1907 in Prattsville, Grant, Arkansas, United States

Ancestors

Died 2 Dec 1991 at age 84 in Little Rock, Pulaski, Arkansas, United States

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Biography

Wilton Stephens is Notable.

Wilton Robert Stephens is a notable figure who left an indelible mark on both the business and political landscapes of Arkansas. His visionary prowess as an investment banker and his role as political influencer during the post-World War II era earned him the moniker of a "kingmaker." With an innate ability to navigate complex financial terrain and a penchant for fostering political alliances, Stephens wielded significant influence, shaping major laws and political careers behind the scenes. His legacy is one of unwavering commitment to Arkansas's prosperity, leaving a lasting imprint on both its financial sector and political discourse.^[1][2]

Born on September 14, 1907, in Prattsville, Grant County, Arkansas, Wilton Robert Stephens embarked on a life journey that would make an indelible mark on both the world of business and Arkansas politics. The son of Albert Jackson Stephens and Ethel Rebecca Pumphrey, Wilton's early years were characterized by a determined work ethic and an innate knack for entrepreneurship.^[3]

Even at a young age, as seen in the 1910 census, Wilton displayed his enterprising spirit by engaging in a peanut-shelling venture at the age of seven. Growing up in River Township, Grant County, Arkansas, his roots were firmly anchored in his community.^[4]

By the 1920s, Wilton's ambition was evident as he ventured into adulthood. The 1920 census finds him still in River Township, Grant County, Arkansas, setting the stage for his future endeavors.^[5]

On November 28, 1929, Wilton's life took a new turn as he married Lucille Jalvrez Beckman in Brazoria County, Texas. This partnership marked the beginning of a life journey characterized by dynamic business ventures and civic engagement.^[6]

Throughout the 1930s, Wilton continued his dedication to farming, owning his own farm and leveraging the land to support his family. The 1930 census captures this phase of his life, as he lived in River Township, Grant County, Arkansas.^[7]

In 1936, Wilton found love anew and married Joye Jane Gerber, née Summer, in Saline County, Arkansas.^[8][9] As the Depression cast its shadow, Wilton's innate acumen came to the forefront. The default of Arkansas municipal bonds in 1933 led him to buy and sell the defaulted securities, marking his entry into investment banking.^[1][2]

The 1940 census places Wilton on the Arkansas Missouri Highway in Park Hill Township, Pulaski County, Arkansas, working as a bondsman. This period paved the way for his transformation into a visionary leader.^[10][11]

Wilton's rise as a business magnate continued as he ventured into natural gas exploration. His acquisition of the Fort Smith Corporation in 1954 led him to establish the Arkansas Louisiana Gas Company (ARKLA), which evolved into a major gas utility. His impact reverberated in the foundation of W.R. Stephens Investment Company, which later merged with his brother's business, becoming Stephens Incorporated.^[1][2]

The 1950s marked a turning point, as Wilton lived on Shadowlane Street in Little Rock, Pulaski County, Arkansas^[12], managing his Investment Security Company. With his marriage to Bess Chisum in August 1956, Wilton found familial support for his dynamic pursuits, raising three children together.^[1]

A pivotal moment came in 1973, when Wilton retired from ARKLA's chairmanship and returned to Stephens Incorporated, contributing to its ascent as one of the nation's largest investment banking firms. Known for his "cornbread lunches," Wilton's influence extended beyond business, fostering camaraderie among political and business circles.^[1]

Wilton Robert Stephens passed away on December 2, 1991^[13], leaving behind a legacy that transcended both business and politics. His influence as a political powerbroker during the post-World War II era solidified his reputation as a "kingmaker." Behind the scenes, he shaped laws and political careers, making his name synonymous with power and influence.^[1][2]

As a visionary businessman and shrewd politician, Wilton's life story exemplified his unwavering commitment to Arkansas and its prosperity. His impact on both the financial landscape and the political arena is a testament to his enduring legacy as a true Arkansas titan. His final resting place at Philadelphia Cemetery in Prattsville symbolizes his profound connection to his roots and the profound impact he had on his state and its people.^[14]

Sources

1. ↑ ^{1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5} Dumas, Ernest., Little Rock, Arkansas. Encycylopedia of Arkansas, last updated on 26 Jul 2023. "Witt Stephens (1907–1991)." Accessed 24 Aug 2023.
2. ↑ ^{2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3} Newspaper Clipping, The Commericial Appeal, Memphis, Tennessee, 3 Dec 1991, Tue. Page 11. "Mr Witt dies at 84; tycoon's bond dealings helped build Arkansas." "Continued from Page B1 Witt." Accessed 24 Aug 2023.
3. ↑ Arkansas, Birth Certificates, 1914-1922: Arkansas Department of Vital Records; Little Rock, Arkansas; Birth Certificates; Year: 1907 Ancestry Record 61774 #806475
4. ↑ 1910 United States Federal Census: Year: 1910; Census Place: River, Grant, Arkansas; Roll: T624_51; Page: 11b; Enumeration District: 0078; FHL microfilm: 1374064 Ancestry Record 7884 #180454781
5. ↑ 1920 United States Federal Census: Year: 1920; Census Place: River, Grant, Arkansas; Roll: T625_64; Page: 6B; Enumeration District: 98 Ancestry Record 6061 #90399506
6. ↑ Texas, U.S., Select County Marriage Records, 1837-1965: Brazoria County Clerk's Office; Angleton, Texas; Brazoria County, Texas, Marriage Records Ancestry Record 9168 #89883
7. ↑ 1930 United States Federal Census: Year: 1930; Census Place: River, Grant, Arkansas; Page: 2B; Enumeration District: 0010; FHL microfilm: 2339805 Ancestry Record 6224 #113792755
8. ↑ Arkansas, U.S., County Marriages Index, 1837-1957: Ancestry.com. Arkansas, U.S., County Marriages Index, 1837-1957 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2011. Original data: "Arkansas County Marriages, 1838–1957." Index. FamilySearch, Salt Lake City, Utah, 2009, 2011. "Arkansas County Marriages, 1838–1957," database, FamilySearch; from Arkansas Courts of Common Pleas and County Clerks. Digital images of originals housed at various county courthouses in the State of Arkansas. Marriage records. Ancestry Record 2548 #811138
9. ↑ Arkansas, Marriage Certificates, 1917-1972: Arkansas Department of Vital Records; Little Rock, Arkansas; Marriage Certificates; Year: 1936; Film: #9 Ancestry Record 61775 #567351
10. ↑ 1940 United States Federal Census: Year: 1940; Census Place: Park Hill, Pulaski, Arkansas; Roll: m-t0627-00169; Page: 2B; Enumeration District: 60-115 Ancestry Record 2442 #102033946
11. ↑ U.S., World War II Draft Cards Young Men, 1940-1947: The National Archives at Fort Worth, Texas; Fort Worth, Texas; Wwii Draft Registration Cards For Arkansas, 10/16/1940-03/31/1947; Record Group: Records of the Selective Service System, 147 Ancestry Record 2238 #15133884
12. ↑ 1950 United States Federal Census: National Archives at Washington, DC; Washington, D.C.; Seventeenth Census of the United States, 1950; Year: 1950; Census Place: Little Rock, Pulaski, Arkansas; Roll: 1819; Page: 73; Enumeration District: 77-188 Ancestry Record 62308 #30965881
13. ↑ U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014: Social Security Administration; Washington D.C., USA; Social Security Death Index, Master File Ancestry Record 3693 #59863167
14. ↑ Burial: Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/14185345/wilton-robert-stephens: accessed 24 August 2023), memorial page for Wilton Robert -Witt- Stephens (14 Sep 1907–2 Dec 1991), Find A Grave: Memorial #14185345, citing Philadelphia Cemetery, Prattsville, Grant County, Arkansas, USA; Maintained by ✿ Angel'sLove ✿ (contributor 48210246).