Born Hull, 13/11/1864. Son of Thomas Stephenson (1833-1885) and Fanny French (1837-1921). One of eight children. He joined the army in 1880, aged 16. Became, Colour Sergeant, Arthur Stephenson 1st Volunteer Battalion East Yorkshire Regiment F Company, with 21 years’ service recorded on his Military Pension Victoria long service medal (20 years).
He married Fanny Anfield (1865-1939), at Sculcoates parish church, on 13/06/1886. They had four sons and a daughter, living at 47 Derringham Street, Hull (1901 Census) and 57 Spring Bank, Hull (War Pension address). He was a house painter when he retired for the army. Described as 5 foot, 7.5 inches tall, 170 lbs weight, 43-48 inch chest, brown eyes, dark brown hair, Baptist religion.
He enlisted at the outbreak of war, on 15/09/1914, giving his age as 47 years. Promoted to Company Quartermaster Sergeant, on 01/10/1914, with the 3rd and the 12th Battalions, East Yorkshire regiments (Hull Pals). He was discharged from the army after 282 days, on 23/06/1915. He suffered from rheumatism, swollen joints and developed colon cancer, aggravated by active service. He died at Hull, on 27/12/1916, aged 52.
