Stephen Nelson Haskell (1833-1922)
Stephen N. Haskell was an evangelist, organizer, and writer whose work helped move early Seventh-day Adventism from scattered regional activity to coordinated mission practice. He is especially associated with tract ministry, conference leadership, and early international expansion.
Early Ministry
Haskell was born in Oakham, Massachusetts, on April 22, 1833. After his conversion as a young man, he embraced the Advent message and became a Sabbath-keeping preacher in the 1850s. He combined preaching with practical organizing work and became one of the movement's most durable field leaders.
Church Organization and Mission Systems
During years of conference leadership in New England, California, and Maine, Haskell helped formalize tract and missionary activity. He and his first wife, Mary, were central in founding the first Tract and Missionary Society, a model that later developed into broader personal ministries structures in the denomination.
Global Mission Work
In 1885, Haskell led the first official group of Seventh-day Adventist missionaries to Australia. He also helped launch what became a major Adventist publishing operation in Melbourne. Later he made a round-the-world mission journey and continued evangelistic service in multiple fields, including additional work in Australia with his second wife, Hetty Hurd Haskell.
Writer and Bible Teacher
Haskell popularized question-and-answer Bible reading methods and authored widely used expository books. His writings on Daniel, Revelation, and sanctuary themes circulated broadly among members and evangelistic audiences.