The Dictionary of Australasian Biography/Stephens, William John
Stephens, William John, M.A., F.G.S., formerly professor in Sydney University, was the son of the Rev. William Stephens, of Heversham, Westmoreland, and was born on July 16th, 1829, at Levens, in that county. He was educated at Marlborough School, and at Queen's College, Oxford, where he was scholar from 1848 to 1853; Fellow from 1853 to 1860; Lecturer in 1854; and Tutor from 1855 to 1856. Professor Stephens, who graduated B.A. in 1855 and M.A. in 1855, accepted the post of head master of Sydney Grammar School, and held it for ten years, when he founded the Eaglesfield School, which he conducted with success for fifteen years. He was then appointed Professor of Geology and Palæontology at the Sydney University, a post which he retained until his death. During the interval which elapsed between the death of Dr. Badham and the appointment of Professor Scott, Professor Stephens took charge of the higher classical work at the University. Among other offices held by him at the time of his death, which took place in Sydney in July 1890, were those of Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Free Public Library, Trustee of the Sydney Museum, President of the Linnæan Society, President of the Royal Geographical Society, and President of the Zoological Society.