John Stevens was born in Wellington and shifted to Rangitikei district in 1854. In 1873 he became an interpreter in the native land court, and later went into business as an auctioneer. Standing for the Rangitikei sent as a liberal candidate in 1881, he defeated Sir William Fox by two votes. He was defeated in 1884, but returned again for the same district 1893-1896.He subsequently represented the Manawatu electorate in three Parliaments - 1896-1902, 1905-1908. For three years he was senior government whip. He died on 30 July, 1916. See Dictionary of N.Z. Biography, Vol 2 p 331 (teara.govt.nz)