Stephens Family Genealogy & History

Jeremy Dean Stephens, born May 26, 1986, in Des Moines, Iowa, is a renowned American professional mixed martial artist competing in the UFC's Lightweight division. Since turning professional in 2005, Stephens has also engaged in bare-knuckle and professional boxing, and previously fought in the Professional Fighters League (PFL). Notable moments in his career include a spectacular knockout victory over Rafael dos Anjos at UFC 91, which earned him the Knockout of the Night award. Stephens is recognized for his resilience and striking power, contributing to his reputation as a formidable competitor in the mixed martial arts community.

Jeremy Stephens grew up in a challenging environment, experiencing his parents' divorce at a young age. He frequently moved between homes, living in various apartments, shelters, and at one point, in his mother's car. Eventually, he relocated to Norwalk, Iowa, with his father, who gained custody when Stephens was in the fifth grade. His grandfather played a significant role in introducing him to wrestling, which later paved the way for his mixed martial arts career.

Annie Elizabeth Fitzgerald Stephens (1844–1934) was a prominent American landowner, businesswoman, and political activist from Clayton County, Georgia. Born into a wealthy planting family, she was heavily involved in real estate ventures in Atlanta and known for her strong-willed, outspoken nature. Stephens, a devout Catholic, actively petitioned for legislation and even sued the federal government for damages to her properties during the Siege of Atlanta in the Civil War. Her life and personality are believed to have inspired the character Scarlett O'Hara in her granddaughter Margaret Mitchell's famous novel, "Gone with the Wind."

Annie was the daughter of Irish immigrant Philip Fitzgerald and Eleanor Avaline McGhan, and she grew up on the family plantation named Rural Home. Her father, originally from County Tipperary, Ireland, became a prosperous planter in Georgia, owning a large estate and being one of the first Catholic settlers in the region. She was one of eight siblings in a family that valued education, attending Fayetteville Academy during her youth.

Robertson Stephens is a prominent name in the financial industry, originally founded as Robertson Stephens & Company, a boutique investment bank known for its significant role in the technology sector during the internet boom. The firm was a leading underwriter for major IPOs, including Switchboard, Mapquest, and E-Trade, amassing a total value of $5.5 billion from 1999 to 2000. Initially an independent partnership, it underwent several ownership changes, including acquisitions by BankAmerica and BankBoston, before its closure in 2002. The firm was later relaunched as a wealth management entity in 2013, continuing to provide high-level investment management services.

Woody Stephens, born Woodford Cefis Stephens on September 1, 1913, in Stanton, Kentucky, was a legendary American Thoroughbred horse racing Hall of Fame trainer. Known for his remarkable career spanning seven decades, Stephens trained eleven Eclipse Award winners and over a hundred Grade 1 stakes race champions. He is celebrated for winning five consecutive Belmont Stakes from 1982 to 1986. Stephens' tenure as head trainer for Harry Guggenheim's Cain Hoy Stable was particularly successful, and he received the Eclipse Award as the top U.S. trainer in 1983. His autobiography, "Guess I'm Lucky," provides further insights into his illustrious life in horseracing.

Stephens had a younger brother, William Ward Stephens, who also achieved success as a trainer. No further family background or ancestry information is provided in the source.