William E. Stevenson
William Erskine Stevenson (March 18, 1820 – November 29, 1883) was an American cabinet-maker, farmer, and Republican politician from Parkersburg, West Virginia.He was accused of sedition against the state for circulating a book, "The Impending Crisis of the South" by Hinton Rowan Helper, that criticized slavery.Hoping to make a case for the freedom of ideas, Stevenson attempted to surrender to the Wood County sheriff, who declined to arrest him.After the bulk of his political career, he became a partner in the Parkersburg State Journal and a director of the West Virginia Oil Land Company.Stevenson died at his home on Juliana Street in Parkersburg, West Virginia, and is buried in the Riverview Cemetery there.