Stearns, A. B. [Alfred B.]

STEARNS, SLOAT

Posted By: Carla Hillgren (email)
Date: 3/17/2019 at 19:38:38

Decatur County Journal
Leon, Decatur County, Iowa
September 4, 1902
ALFRED B. STEARNS was born near Melmore, Seneca County, Ohio, September 6th, 1830, and died at his home in Garden Grove, Iowa September 5th, 1902.
He resided in the county of his birth until the year 1852, when he in company with two of his brothers, JOHN and DANIEL, went to California to try their fortunes in the gold fields of that state. They worked a claim for two years quite successfully, returning to Ohio about the first of the year 1854 with quite a competency.
In the spring of 1854, ALFRED and his brother DANIEL came to Garden Grove and purchasing the only store in the town, embarked in the mercantile business under the firm name of D. & A.B. STEARNS, which co-partnership was destined in after years to become celebrated in southern Iowa, and northern Missouri, as one that was not only strong financially but for honorable dealing and high integrity. After purchasing the store as stated above, he returned to Seneca County and was married September 19th, 1854, to MISS NANCY E. SLOAT, who is left sadly bereaved of a dear one who has been her companion for nearly forty-eight years. There were two children born as a result of this union: GEORGE and LEWIS A., both of whom survive their father.
The deceased until within the past two or three years when his health began to fail, was a very active energetic business man. Besides sharing with his brother the care and management of a large private business as merchants and bankers, he bore his share in the business of his county and town, having served for several years as a member of the Board of Supervisors and was several years member of the Board of Education, and served the town both in capacity of mayor and councilman. In whatever capacity he served he received the hearty commendation of his fellow citizens, as being faithful to his trust. He was a public spirited man, loyal to the interests of the town and neighborhood; always in the forefront in every enterprize which had for its object the weal and betterment of the community where he lived. As a husband and father he was most kind and affectionate; a great lover of his home, which is made cheerful and bright by the sunshine of his presence.
He joined the Methodist Episcopal Church in the spring of 1901; he had, however, been closely associated with that church for a great many years before he united with it as an active member, having been one of the trustees and having contributed liberally to its support. His life was an exemplary one, honest, moral and upright coming down to its close full of good deeds, so that he was loved and respected by all who knew him. He has left a record that all might well emulate.
We cannot know all the good deeds that he has done in his life of 72 years, as his ears were ever open to the cry of distress, and his sympathies were ever readily excited by the wail of sorrow; but his deeds of love and charity were done quietly and without ostentation. This we do know, that they are all recorded over yonder, whither he has gone, and each is as a gem giving its radiance to the crown that was awaiting him at the portal of that Heavenly World.
The funeral was from the M.E. Church, Sunday afternoon at 3 o'clock, conducted by his pastor, Rev. E.C. Newland, and assisted by Rev. Allen Judd. There was a very large attendance of people present at the church and that followed him to his last resting place [Garden Grove Cemetery]. There were many elegant floral offerings, fitting tributes of the love and high esteem felt for the deceased.
Thus another one of Garden Grove's old settlers has passed away leaving behind him the record of a well spent life.
Copied by Nancee(McMurtrey)Seifert
July 25, 2001