STEARNS, C.S. Clary Striker "Squire"

STEARNS, CUMMINGS, SULLIVAN

Posted By: Sharon R Becker (email)
Date: 4/2/2015 at 10:38:52

Obituary ~ C.S. Clary Striker "Squire" Stearns
June 23, 1853 ~ October 20, 1923

The Leon Reporter
Leon, Decatur County, Iowa
Thursday, October 25, 1923

C. S. Stearns Dead.

C.S. Stearns, the well-known banker, of Garden Grove, died at his home in that town Saturday evening. Mr. Stearns and wife expected to leave the first of the week for California to spend the winter, and they had invited several friends to dinner. Saturday evening, Mr. Stearns took a bath and went to bed. Mrs. Stearns was engaged in household duties down stairs and a while later when she went upstairs, she noticed Mr. Stearns was breathing heavily, and immediately called a physician, but he passed away within a short time.

Mr. Stearns for many years had been considered the foremost citizen of Garden Grove. He had been in the banking business for many years, but a few years ago disposed of most of his holding when the C.S. Stearns State Bank was organized, taking over the old bank, but he still retained an interest in the bank, but for several years owing to his health, he had not been actively engaged in business. He was between 70 and 71 years of age, and is survived by his wife.

His funeral was held at Garden Grove Tuesday afternoon, interment being in the Garden Grove Cemetery.

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The Leon Reporter
Leon, Decatur County, Iowa
Thursday, November 01, 1923

OBITUARY.

Clary Striker Stearns, second son of George Stearns and Arvilla (Cummings) Stearns, was born in Seneca County, Ohio, near the village of Republic, on June 13, 1853, died at his home in Garden Grove, Iowa on Oct. 20, 1923, aged 70 years, 4 months and 7 days.

He came to Iowa in the fall of 1877 when a young man, first engaging in general retail merchandise business with his brother, Frank, a short time, after his working in his Uncles' (Daniel & A. B. Stearns) bank, and later embarking in banking business with his brother, organizing the Tiffin Bank of Garden Grove, Iowa, which was afterwards merged into the First National Bank. This institution held distinction for some years as being the first bank of its class in point of surplus and undivided profits in the U.S. Still later on when restrictions placed on National Banks became more exacting, and also with a desire to be relieved of personal cares, Mr. Stearns sold out a part of his interests and the present banking institution was organized.

"Squire" as he was always known to everyone, was a man of wonderful business acumen, and great personality, his judgment always sound, with untiring attention to all details of his business affairs, all things prospered with him.

He was always approachable, and observed no class or distinction, cheerfully to everybody at all times and also showed in his daily life, and dealings his great interest in his fellow men, and his willingness to listen to, counsel with, and to help all who appealed to him as far as possible.

He was a great lover of nature and always took particular interest in trees, birds and animals; his home is surrounded now by large trees of his own planting which have grown to size almost to screen the home from view from the street. He could tell you at any time how many grew on the lot, the number and kinds of birds that make their homes there, and many interesting things about them.

On October 7, 1879, he was married to Kate Sullivan, a young girl of our home town, and immediately went to housekeeping on the lot now occupied by Mr. F.M. Stevens, later on about 1896 or '97 building the present residence on East Main Street, where he has since made his home.

The home life has always been ideal, with constant and loving consideration on part of both husband and wife for the pleasures of each other. He was a man of such kind and sympathetic nature, and such even temperament that it is doubtful if even his most intimate friends ever saw him display anger or resentment towards any person.

For many years he had suffered from a growing malady, undergoing a severe operation for this in 1922, with complete recovery. On Saturday, Oct. 20, he retired to rest as usual apparently well and in perfect health, his death was sudden and painless, and his appearance that of absolute rest and peaceful repose. He is survived by his widow, and the three children of his brother. His parents and brother, Frank, having departed this life some years ago.

Squire was a great citizen and a kind and helpful friend, and his presence and good fellowship will be long missed. The funeral which was one of the largest ever held in Garden Grove, was held at the home, conducted by Rev. Duling, of Minneapolis, a former Pastor of the M.E. Church here. The services at the cemetery were in charge of the Masonic Order, of which the deceased was a member. The high school was dismissed and attended the funeral in a body as a token of respect.

[Interment was made at Garden Grove Cemetery.]

Transcriptions by Sharon R. Becker, March of 2015