Born on January 17, 1752, in Bewlie (now Beaulieu), Province of Georgia, British America, Stephens served in the Continental Army as a second lieutenant during the American Revolutionary War.

He was a clerk for the Georgia Commons House of Assembly starting in 1775.

He was chief justice of the Supreme Court of Georgia starting in 1780.

[2] Stephens received a recess appointment from President Thomas Jefferson on October 22, 1801, to a seat on the United States District Court for the District of Georgia vacated by Judge Joseph Clay Jr.

He was confirmed by the United States Senate on January 26, 1802, and received his commission the same day.