child, a son named Coke Jr., in 1913 and on the same day purchased the first tract of what would become the Stevenson Ranch on the South Llano River. Stevenson's interests were not limited to banking. In his spare time as a cashier and at night in the office of attorney and judge Marvin Ellis Blackburn he began studying law, with specific focus on the history of law. Stevenson's studies led him to become inspired by the Constitutions of the United States and the State of Texas. He attained admission to the bar in 1913 and began to practice in Junction shortly thereafter. Early career In 1913, Stevenson organized and became president of the First National Bank in Junction. As bank president, Stevenson developed a habit of sitting next to the front door of the bank so that he would be the first person any of his customers would see. He also became active in several other business ventures, including a warehouse, movie theater, hardware store, automobile dealership, newspaper, drug store, and hotel. Public service Local Government (1914-1920) In 1914, the Kimble County commissioners' court appointed Stevenson to the office of County Attorney for the purpose of finding and prosecuting sheep and goat thieves that were tormenting county residents. Stevenson served as County Attorney for two terms and during his tenure sheep and goat thefts in Kimble County declined sharply. In 1918, a group of community leaders whose priority was the construction of adequate roads in Kimble County drafted Stevenson to run for Kimble County Judge, the chief executive position in Texas counties. Stevenson was reluctant to run but eventually assented on the condition that the group would do all the campaigning for him and that he would not be asked to run for a second term. All but one candidate against Stevenson dropped out prior to election day and he was elected by a five to one margin with the exact count being 757 to 155 votes. As County Judge one of Stevenson's most significant achievements was the completion of a road connecting Kimble County with Kerrville and by extension the railroad and San Antonio. Prior to the completion of this road there were no paved roads connecting Kimble County to the rest of the state. Stevenson retired from the county judgeship in December 1920 and returned to private life with no intention of future public service. Texas Legislature