Stebbins Family Genealogy & History

Steele Stebbins is an accomplished American actor recognized for his standout roles in films like "Vacation" (2015), where he portrayed Kevin Griswold, and "A Haunted House 2" (2014) as Wyatt. Stebbins's versatility extends to television, with a recurring role on "Crazy Ex-Girlfriend" as Tommy Proctor. His early career includes appearances in short films "Wish You Were (Here)" (2010) and "Metered" (2011), as well as Shane Dawson's music video, "The Vacation Song" (2012). In 2016, his performance in "Vacation" earned him the Young Artist Award for leading actor. Beyond acting, Stebbins contributes to society as an Emergency Medical Technician and through his non-profit, Steele Stebbins Philanthropies, which promotes youth engagement in philanthropy.

George Ledyard Stebbins Jr., a prominent 20th-century American botanist and geneticist, played a pivotal role in the development of plant evolutionary biology. Known for his comprehensive synthesis of plant evolution, Stebbins combined genetics and Darwin's natural selection theory in his influential publication, "Variation and Evolution in Plants." His research on hybridization and polyploidy in plant speciation has had a lasting impact on the field. Stebbins was instrumental in establishing the Department of Genetics at the University of California, Davis, and contributed significantly to evolutionary science education and conservation efforts. His recognition includes election to the National Academy of Sciences and the American Philosophical Society, alongside receiving the National Medal of Science.

Born in Lawrence, New York, Stebbins was the youngest child of George Ledyard Stebbins, a real estate financier, and Edith Alden Candler Stebbins. His father was instrumental in developing Seal Harbor, Maine, and contributed to the establishment of Acadia National Park. The family's Episcopalian roots and interest in natural history shaped Stebbins's early life. Following Edith's tuberculosis diagnosis, the family relocated to Santa Barbara, California, where Stebbins's passion for botany was nurtured under the guidance of Ralph Hoffmann during his education at the Cate School in Carpinteria.

Emma Stebbins, an influential American sculptor born on September 1, 1815, in New York City, is celebrated as the first woman to secure a public art commission from New York City. Her most renowned work, "Angel of the Waters" (1873), graces the Bethesda Fountain in Central Park. Stebbins was a neoclassical artist who excelled in creating both small-scale marble statues and public bronze works. She was deeply influenced by her time in Rome, where she mingled with expatriate artists and created significant works, including a bust of her lifelong partner, Charlotte Cushman. Stebbins' legacy endures through her impactful sculptures and her biography of Cushman.

Emma Stebbins was one of nine children born to John L. Stebbins, a prosperous banker, and Mary Largin. Her family played a pivotal role in nurturing her passion for the arts, with her brother, Henry G. Stebbins, notably encouraging her move to Rome to advance her sculpting career. Her sister, Mary Stebbins Garland, documented Emma's artistic contributions, preserving her legacy through a scrapbook and an unpublished biography.

Genevieve Stebbins (1857–1934) was a pioneering American figure in Harmonic Gymnastics and the Delsarte system of expression. She was a notable author and founded the New York School of Expression. Stebbins' career highlights include studying under Steele MacKaye and performing leading roles in New York theatres. Her influential works like "The Delsarte System of Expression" and "Dynamic Breathing and Harmonic Gymnastics" cemented her legacy in physical education and expressive arts. Her methods attracted prominent figures and were taught in numerous schools and institutions across the United States.

Genevieve Stebbins was born in San Francisco, California, to James Cole Stebbins and Henrietta Smith. Her mother passed away when Genevieve was just two years old.