Stevenson, W. H. (William Henry), 1872-1951.

William Henry Stevenson was born to Henry Staley and Louisa S. Stevenson of Freeport, Illinois on September 4, 1872. He received his A.B. (1893) from Illinois College, his B.S.A. (1905) from Iowa State College (University), and his D.S. (1923) from Illinois College.

Stevenson was hired by Iowa State and served as Professor (1902-1910) of soils and later as Professor (1910-1938) and Head (1910-1932) of farm crops and soils. Under Stevenson's direction, the department became one of the top agronomy departments in the country. He also served as Vice-Director (1912-1948) of the Agricultural Experiment Station. He was named Professor Emeritus (1948) following his retirement.

During his time at Iowa State, Stevenson became a very well known agriculturalist. His main areas of expertise were in farm crops, soil fertility, and soil management. He studied field drainage and waterway development. One of his biggest contributions to the state was his work as Director (1910-1932) of the Iowa Soil Survey which prepared comprehensive maps and analyses of soil types, fertilizer needs, crop tests, and drainage patterns for each county of the state.

Stevenson was active in professional organizations outside of his work at Iowa State. In 1921 Stevenson was appointed by U.S. President Warren G. Harding as a permanent delegate (1921-1922) to the International Institute of Agriculture in Rome, Italy. He would later return to the Institute serving as a special representative (1924, 1934) of the United States. In Iowa, Stevenson helped found the Iowa State Drainage Association which successfully created many additional acres of farmland by draining wetlands. Stevenson was a charter member of the American Society of Agronomy and later named Fellow (1931) of the organization. Stevenson also provided funds to the Society to create the Stevenson Awards which for five years honored outstanding researchers in farm crops and soils.

Stevenson married Rosalthea Coffin Scott in 1904. They had no children. Stevenson died on January 7, 1951 and was buried at the Iowa State University cemetery.

From the description of Papers, 1895-1966, n.d. (Iowa State University). WorldCat record id: 454286986